Korean Adventure

ALONG THE WAY. Tapaei airport all day to connect to Korea, where nephew teaches English. Started on van in LA with wife of Ripper, former Judas Priest singer. She was at funeral of Dio of Black Sabbath. Platoons of female flight attendants march by. Ate red bean paste bun. But Godiva chocolates look good. Stores staffed by dutiful young women sell these int'l treasures.


SHABU SHABU SHAZAM. My first Korean meal was pb&j and @ mass Wed with my Dominican bros I heard How Great Thou Art in Korean. Wed:nephew Kurt arrived from Busan where he teaches Eng. Dinner:shabu shabu, pots of boiling broth on table for cooking crab, squid, ultra-thin beef, & exquisite veggies. It produced a non-alcoholic euphoria. Then a sudden crash. I tumbled into bed for a welcome good night's sleep.

MY KOREAN BROTHERS. Kurt&I leave my Dominican bros' warmth in Seoul to go to Kurt's in Busan. 17 Korean brothers (5 postulants, 1 novice, 4 students, 2 deacons, 5 priests), half elsewhere in Asia, 1 in Rome, the rest in 2 small houses in Seoul, which include 2 Spanish priests, 1 Vietnamese. Established only 20 years ago. They often pray in something between speaking and chant, with non-specific pitches.

SUNDAY MASS. I’m only non-Korean? Most women in veils. Congregation sang strong. Long (angry?) preaching. All processed to collection baskets. No kneelers (or kneeling). Bowing instead of shaking hands or genuflecting. Altar girl rang rich-sounding metal bowl at showing of bread & wine & to signal subsequent bowing. Generally, people prayed w/ our trad’l hands flattened gesture. More preaching after communion?


KOREAN KIDS. Spent Sun w/ family of 1 of K's Eng students. Whole family speaks very good English, incl 6-year-old boy, a real character. The moment we met he called me uncle & offered to carry my water. But wait-he takes a few gulps then hands it back to me. He stroked my beard & says mochu (fantastic). Visited K's school. When I told them I'm K's uncle, they flocked around me. One admired the fur on my arms.

NEPHEW KURT. A privilege spending time w/ K-thoughtful x 2 (kind & reflective). Teaching in Taiwan then Korea part of quest to live examined life. He & boyhood friends (also here) plan rural retreat in Latin America:simplicity, veg gardens, commty dev & ed. M.A. 1st? Hopes to teach here another year, spending time w/ his wonderful Korean girlfriend & paying off those student loans.