Dancing Matt in 2008

While in Buena Vista, Colorado last May, I watched a Good Morning America episode entitled, "Where in the World is Matt?". Matt Lauer (the anchor) was in Cape Town, South Africa. He interviewed a guy named Matt Harding. Harding is a 'regular joe' who was traveling the world...and dancing. He videotaped himself in different areas around the world doing a funny little dance. I'm not sure why, but I've thought of his video quite often in the last year.

I got wind of his 2008 video the other day. While watching it I got choked up for some reason. Yes, I know that those of you who know me well are aware that I could get choked up watching Keanu Reeves read Shakesphere - but this is good. Trust me!

http://www.vimeo.com/1211060

Nagan Folk Village

Below are pictures of our last trip with Josh and Jackie. We went to Nagan Folk Village with them and Ollie. They're back in Canada now waiting for school to start. They're attending Teacher's college in the fall. Josh and Jackie should be teacher's...I think I could write a essay on the current Canadian government, it's structure and pitfalls. If I learn nothing valuable about Korea while I'm here, I'll at least be content with newly aquired knowledge of Newfies, French Canadians, and poutine.

Seriously...I know I've mentioned it before...but they're crazy about side dishes here. They're called banchan and they're free. They come with everything and are always a little bit different. There's seaweed with sesame seeds and sesame oil, marinated mushrooms, clams, pickled ginger, tofu pieces, shrimp, seasoned bean sprouts, and of course...the ever present...kimchi!
Nagan Village is an old walled fortress town that has been well preserved. There are still people that live in the town but it leans more towards tourist trap than actual town.
All guards have fake beards in Korea.

This lady was singing the most heart wrenching song I've ever heard. It was also heart wrenching to listen to her for too long.

Jackie and I couldn't get this right.
Actually since everyone else seemed to figure it out - maybe it was just me.
These old school teeter-totters allowed the young women in the village to see beyond the walls.
Pheasant hunting party???

Many of these traditional homes are also minbaks. Minbaks are similar to hotel rooms - except they have no beds.
The traditional love pose.

We sat just outside the wall late into the evening drinking soju and eating watermelon with some locals. It was a very cool evening.

Instead of pumping your legs you're supposed to do squats on the swing to keep your momentum going. I found it easier to have Jason give me a push once in a while.

Ollie in traditional garb.

Suprise

I was lying in bed reading a book one morning when I noticed some feet outside my window. I'm sure we were told that crews were coming to fill some cracks in the building but we didn't understand. Needless to say I was a bit suprised by what I saw - remember that we live on the 15th floor.

Everyone loves The Beatles

I love YouTube! This is a cute little Korean kid singing his heart out.