These gift packs can be filled with anything from fresh fruit to SPAM to oils (olive/ grape seed) to beauty products to alcohol, and they are not cheap! We saw one at the local grocery store that had 6 asian pears and it cost about $110!! Shoppers have been going nuts buying these packs as they are about to head out to visit their family members around Korea. Traditionally Koreans return to their hometowns to pay respects to the spirits of one's ancestors by visiting and cleaning their tombs. They also offer food, drink and crops to their ancestors. We have been warned to stay away from the roadways this week as they are going to be jammed with travelers. D and I purchased extra groceries this week as there will be 3 days where everything will be closed down. D will have Wednesday off so we are planning on climbing Munsu mountain which is located in Ulsan, it will give us a great view of Ulsan so hopefully we will be able to take some great pictures.
This past weekend we participated in a festival for foreigners that was put on by the city hall. The festival was held in Ulsan grand park which is an 11 acre park located in the city. The festival was a lot of fun and included tents dedicated to the culture and crafts of Korea. There were tea ceremonies, traditional marriage wear photo zone, calligraphy corner, rice cake making, weaving, pottery making, as well as traditional games. They also had several performances of traditional music and dance, and a fashion show of traditional costumes. Here are a couple pictures from the event:
-This is the tea ceremony
-D and I in traditional wedding clothes
-Here I am making the rice cakes, which is soft sticky rice. You have to mash it with a hammer in order to kneed it.
D and I are also busy planning our Tokyo trip. We leave next Wednesday and will be there for about 5 days. I am looking forward to seeing my Uncle Kyle and Aunt Yoshiko as well as seeing some great sights and of course shopping!
I hope everyone has a great week.
Love,
J
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