CDK Group, Inc.

In total it took a little over 24 hours from meeting at the airport in Tampa until we finally reached the hotel in Pohang.

Korean Air has great service and food.

Ed could sleep on horseback as he falls asleep at will.

Jenny only wakes for meals.

Travis and I don’t sleep well on planes.

Took some awesome pictures of frozen Tundra in artic circle.

Jungwoo Fred Choi, the District Governors son, met us at the Incheon Airport to fly us to Tageu Airport, from Tageu it was about an additional 40 minute drive to Pohang.

Fred, spoke English very well and had spent 11 months in Texas as a Fulbright professor.

We ate a superb traditional meal in the Airport’s “Korean Restaurant”, but then had to wait on our tickets, which resulted in our having to spring a ¼ mile to the gate.

District Governor Choi, Sang ha (Ip-Ji) met us at the hotel. We were exhausted, but it was nice being met by the District Governor at such a late hour in Korea.

Mr. Eu (Chang Wook) picked us up at the hotel at 7:45 A. M. We would soon find out that despite Mr. Eu seeming drawn back and quiet, that he actually had a quick wit and quite a sense of humor.

We ate breakfast at our new hotel after we arrived. The three of us had Ox-Tail soup with Rice, Kim Chi and other side items and Ed had a traditional morning soup.

Mr. Song and his oldest son (he introduced him as Young (or Smart) Song – normally would be Young Song in most Korean settings) joined us. Mr. Song is a Mechanical Engineer (Automobiles) and now teaches the subject at a local University. Mr. Eu studied our business cards quite intensely.

Smart Song would serve as the translator for the day. His father Song spent most of the day with us before having to leave to teach a class that night. We were immediately out and about. I had the worst jet lag I had ever felt. I hadn’t slept but 4 hours in the past two days and was feeling the affects. If you look at the pictures from this day, you will see me looking as bad as I can remember. Travis didn’t sleep much on the plane and was feeling it also. Jenny and Ed were at least able to sleep on the plane.

We made a go of it and were rewarded with an incredible day. Visited Pohang Steel (Posco) and it was an awesome tour, as we were able to see sheet metal rolls produced. The heat coming off the steel was impressive. Toured the grounds as well.

http://www.posco.co.kr/homepage/docs/en/s91a0010001i.jsp

The reception center had a great video presentation and view. Tour guides spoke pretty decent English and were very interesting.

After that, we toured PosTech, the #1 ranked Tech School in Asia. Pretty impressive as well. They have an accelerator lab where they basically use x-ray beam lines for high definition pictures, among other things. Pretty interesting stuff.

http://www.postech.ac.kr/new/e/

We made a stop at a Wal-Mart for some basic necessities for our rooms. Coke, Diet Coke, water and some snacks. It was very interesting. I had a young school girl, in a group of three, reach out and tap on my shoulder as she walked by. Very timidly she said. “Hello, how are you.” When I replied, An Young Haseyo, very good. They all giggled like the little girls they were. I wanted to take their picture, but when seeing the camera, they ran off giggling.

Jenny encountered one younger girl that was staring at her in disbelief. She smiled at the girl and said An Young Haseyo and the young girl retreated back behind her mother’s leg in fear. It was quite interesting, since as we expected, blond hair is quite unusual here. That may have been a first for that little girl. Certainly not the response our most smiling and friendly member typically receives.

We finished up last night with a welcome dinner worthy of an ambassador of state. The dinner was truly first class and very formal, dignified and ceremonial. Huge prawn and Steak with French wine were served. The view was outstanding with us getting the view overlooking a lake and small foothills.

Ed represented us well with an impressive introductory speech and the District Governor read an official proclamation welcoming us to District 3630 and Korea. A banner was hung in our honor.

It was tough making conversation through one interpreter and 10 or so Rotarians. The very best only spoke a few sentences of English which surprised me some. I think that they understood more than it appeared, but that they didn’t want to mess up and embarrass themselves in front of their peers.

What a difference a day makes. After getting 6 hours sleep, I was ready to roll. As was the rest of the group who all seemed like they had a new leaf on life.

Two Mr. Lee’s met us after breakfast along with Mr. Song and Young Song, who would act again as our interpreter. We had all dined on an American style breakfast and after eating only Korean food thus far in the trip.

Mr. Lee was a travel agent and the other Mr. Lee (Chang Young) was in asphalt paving. Drinking tea seems to be a good way of breaking the ice and I had the Ginseng tea, which was very good. They brought Jenny’s Cappuccino in a special shaped glass and straw and we all chuckled at the rock star treatment she has received over here.

The one Mr. Lee left us after breakfast, but the travel agent Mr. Lee, Mr. Song and Young Song accompanied us on our ride. The first stop was to Ki Rim Sa Buddhist Temple. It was quite a drive to a mountainous area. We saw many fields of crops, including rice patties and some traditional Korean style homes.

At the temple we saw the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy which had 1,000 hands. We drank some water that was supposed to be of the fountain of youth. Mr. Song said by visiting we would clear our minds and spirit. One temple was very interesting with 3,000 Buddha’s all sitting in a theatre type setting looking at us as we peered in.

Mr. Lee ended up being a very interesting guy. He had visited America many times, including Las Vegas, where he said he always wins. In what is becoming a trend, most Koreans we meet are very reserved and proper at first, then loosen up and really enjoy our company by afternoon.

Our lunch was outstanding. Some type of Bulgoki BBQ. What we had was actually Galbi. Galbi is a traditional Korean meat dish made from beef short ribs. The ribs are marinated in a sauce made from fruit juice (generally Asian pear juice), rice wine, soy sauce, garlic, sesame seed oil and sugar. Most recipes contain these basic ingredients, although many variations exist, including variations from clear marinades to spicier marinades.

As with all Korean meals, there were plenty of side dishes, including Kim Chi (sort of a cabbage) which most believe keeps the body very healthy. Mr. Song said there was no SARS in Korea because of the Kim Chi. I would imagine it would definitely clean out the body.

From there we went to Gurongpo fishing port. Mr. Song’s original hometown. He pointed his house out on a hill and told of when he helped his father, who was a fisherman.

It seems they fish mostly for cuttlefish. They have lines of lights on board that apparently attract the fish to the boat, than they have large casting nets.

A beautiful drive along the ocean. Quite cold, however. Ed and I discussed how it hadn’t been developed much along the coast and how long it might be before Koreans came to value ocean front property as it is in America.

We visited a plaza (I think this was Homigoat, but am not really sure) that had one large hand sticking out of the ocean and one hand reaching out of the land, facing each other. There was also a painting of a Tiger in the shape of Korea (north and south). First time I’ve seen the use of Kinetic Energy (wind power). Mr. Lee and I discussed seeing similar wind turbines in California. Right now it is just being tested in Korea.

It rained like crazy while we were in a little tourist shop buying gifts.

From there we went to a fish market. Unbelievable amounts of fish, shrimp, crabs (which were gigantic), etc. We picked out our own fish (looked like a flounder) and the woman whacked its head off. (or as Jenny said, “I killed you sucka”)

We then proceeded to eat it raw wrapped in leaves. Can’t say it was my favorite, but it wasn’t too bad. Couldn’t really taste the fish through the garlic clove or sauce anyhow. Although I ate something that raised my body temperature in a hurry. My mouth wasn’t burning, but my head was. Travis had a red rash on his neck. Travis and I were definitely outside our norm. Ed continued to eat everything in sight and Jenny seemed to enjoy it as well.

We drank some (I think) So-Ju which is a (reminded me of the Everclear Grain Alcohol that we used to make hunch punch with in college) clear and transparent alcohol drink that is very potent. Not much taste or smell, but burns a little. That may have been what warmed my body up, not the fish.

It was hard for me to get comfortable as my legs kept trying to fall asleep as we sat on the floor at a short table for the second time today. I think I will have to go back to my room tonight and practice some yoga. I can’t say I’ve sat that way much in a long time.

As we left, the owner of the restaurant was impressed by my girth and came up and wanted to hug my belly. She gave me a big hug around my waste and the rest of the women work staff seemed to be a little jealous. But we had to go and since I’m a committed man, I had to high tail it out of there.

The food has been very good. Often rice & Kim Chi with every meal, with other veggies (of which many I like) mixed in. I don't think I will have much problem with the food at all as long as it isn't too hot and the sesame seeds don't attack my colon. Had my egg with breakfast (rice), with Ox-Tail soup.

We truly have a fun time together as a group. I’m a little surprised we haven’t snipped at each other as the first day was truly exhausting due to the jet lag. For the most part, we are just a group that enjoys being around people and laughing. We have had quite a few belly laughs, while trying at the same time not to offend our hosts.

One thing we’ve noticed is that many of our hosts our quite mischievious. They like encouraging us to eat VERY hot things and then watching our expressions. And for the most part we have tried most everything and not passed out. Ed has been quite the team leader as he is a true eating machine and takes all they can give him and more. I typically try to avoid the REALLY hot stuff, but am growing bolder each day as I acquire the taste. Can’t say I’ve ever eaten the foods at home that I have on this trip. AFTER eating the Cuttle Fish,, Ed joked with me by saying when he was in the grocery business they would never sell that type of fish raw because of the high propensity for worms. Made me feel all warm inside and a little blue on the outside.

South Korea Log – Part 2

Day Four – Thursday 4.20.06

Shopping in the morning at E-mart. This was basically their K-mart or Wal-Mart. Saw some really neat looking Air Conditioners. As you can imagine, due to the lack of space, everything is small. These A/C units where designed to look like doors and hang on walls. Some had pictures or decorative designs to make them more aesthetically pleasing.

Marketplace. Walked through the market place, saw all kinds of neat stuff. Traditional dress clothes. Side item dishes for tables, chop sticks, etc. The traditional dress clothes were extremely expensive, several hundred $.

For lunch, we went to a really nice Department store. I stopped to purchase some perfume as a gift and nearly stopped the whole tour. They didn’t have a credit card reader so they were going to take it across the store to a different area. It had already taken 10 plus minutes just making the purchase, so I just whipped out the cash and paid for it. The Koreans and remaining Fab 4 were really ribbing me. Taking photos, etc.

In all, it probably took 15 minutes to purchase the perfume. I thought I could just walk up quickly and snap it up on my way. Didn’t work that way. The two girls expressly said no pictures of the counter display, which seemed somewhat strange, but, thankfully, my teammates snapped up pictures of me in action anyhow.

Once we got to the seventh floor of this gigantic department store, we walked around the food court deciding what we wanted. 3 of us 4 decided on Gal Bi., over the Chinese Restaurant, the Japanese Sushi restaurant, among others. So a new plan was hatched, where we would leave the building for BETTER traditional Korean food. And it was pretty good. I don’t know how the Koreans stay so thin. The eating goes on forever. One interesting point is that they don’t drink very much water with there meals. I don’t know if the lack of water allows the peptic acid (I think that is the name) to not become diluted, thus breaking down the foods better. Or maybe it is because they eat so much Kim Chi (cabbage) that the foods are just healthier for the body.

After lunch we went hill climbing at Sunrise Park in North Pohang. We went all the way to the lighthouse at the top. Let’s just say I wasn’t setting any speed records. While I was plodding to the top, Ed and Mr. Em were sprinting to the top in a battle which I thought one might push the other over the side.

“I’m Mister Mr. Coldwater, I’m mister hot. I’m Mister Heat Miser, I’m Mr. 101.”

Ed and Mr. Em had a little competition of one ups mans ship gone on pretty much all day. Ed was going to do whatever Mr. Em did. Mr. Em challenged Ed to a race up the Mountain, Ed sprinted up the mountain.

Mr. Em went back into the ovens, back in went Ed. So it was no surprise when Mr. Jong Em going back and forth between the Icy water and the hot sauna bath that Ed was going to follow right behind.

Finally, Ed gave in and gave Mr. Em his first victory of the day. Of course we found out later that Mr. Em was 61 years old.

All I know is that after one ice cold bath I knew how George Costanza felt on one famous episode of Seinfeld.

We men all vowed to never talk about the spa experience, but the first thing that was discussed when reuniting with Jenny was my refusal at world peace. So I guess its all open game now. I just need to get my story out. And probably get counseling upon my return to the states.

More Eating Galbi – No details necessary. We eat a lot.

Our group took us for an evening of Karaoke. Our hosts sang one song, than talked me into singing My Way, by Frank Sinatra. I really didn’t want to go first, nor sing a song I really didn’t know too well. But, after just a little prodding, I figured what the heck, I’d take one for the team and set the bar really low for everyone else to surpass.

So luckily, I didn’t break the system and we continued on. Jenny was next and sang a fantastic version of Madonna’s Material Girl. Surprisingly, as I thought she was really good, she said it was her first time singing Karaoke.

Ed was next and he was Jumpin’ Jack Flash. Pretty inspired version and he carries a tune VERY well. Even did a Mick Jagger leap at the end.

Travis was last and well, Jenny helped him through a version of an 80’s song. More So Ju please.

Tonight was our first home stay. We stayed with Dr. Yeong and Dr. Kim, a married couple with two daughters, who were both dentists. This was a highlight thus far on the trip.

Their daughter Jeanie was smart as a whip as were both of her parents. Dr. Yeong had traveled quite extensively to the Phillipines, China, Thailand, etc. They had a beautiful condo, I’d guess about 1,500 to 2,000 square feet on the 21st floor of a twenty-two story building. WHAT A VIEW! From that high one could see POSCO, the city and the bay.

Day 5 - April 21, 2006

Slept very well last night, despite being on the floor with a couple of pillows.

Today we went Mountain Trekking. Mr. Em took the lead. Nearly two hours up and 45 minutes down. Some pretty tough inclines left me plodding behind. It was slippery as much of the trail was rock wet with water running off the cavern walls. It was well worth the hike as two waterfalls and a neat bridge were pretty cool.

When we reached the bottom, I was accosted by a group of about 30 women. They pulled me into the group. I wasn’t really sure what was going on. Then the one in charge started saying, “Sing, Sing. You sing,” and she led me to what seemed like the oldest lady in the group.

So I did what any American in this situation would do. I dropped to one knee and crooned “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” to a delighted throng of women, then I had to high tail it out of there as they wanted more and we had to move to lunch.

Finished up at the hot baths. After already having my fill of hot saunas yesterday, today we went to hot baths spring fed. More naked men. More men scrubbing each others back and laying around in lawn chairs naked. Just not me. Today, it was Mr. Em that decided to offer to wash my back. I was polite in my refusal, but inside I was like come on, go wash the Team Leader’s back and leave me alone.

Later, after we were dressed, Mr. Em had the translator explain that washing another mans back is a gesture of friendship. I tried to explain back that in America, men are more private and not quite so friendly. I grew up in Sebring, not San Francisco.

I’ll let Jenny tell her own details of her hot bath experience. But suffice to say, she really enjoyed it.

Apparently, it is quite common for men to shower for the day at the bathhouse/sauna instead of at home.

P. S. – No pictures of the bathhouse or Sauna

I was exhausted today after not being able to sleep at all last night. Could not get comfortable on the floor after the long hike.

We were told at 9 A. M. or so that we were leaving Dr. Yeong’s and Pohang and going to a different location a few hours away. We had to pack one bag each for overnight stay. So we basically had to scramble in a matter of minutes and repack everything and take one bag only.

Ed tried to explain to our interpreter that we wanted a half day off. He had a hard time understanding. All he kept saying was arranga your luggage. I think Ed was just a tad irritated with Mr. Lee’s inability to translate.

We enjoyed a beautiful drive along the ocean.

Our black high-end motorcade must have made anyone in Yeong Doek Tagae think we were real American dignitaries. We stopped at a crab shack and took some pictures holding the crabs.

We zoomed up the coast, enjoying more ocean scenery before stopping at Sunrise Lighthouse Park. This was a very nice park along the ocean.

Then it was back to Yeong Doek Tagae. Wow, Bone Crabs are delicious. Umm, yummy. What was even better was that the women there actually used strong scissors to cut everything into easily eatable pieces. We just had to use the chop sticks and yank the meat out. Probably the best crabs I have ever eaten, even though they served them without butter or garlic.

We were in a hurry as we had to be in our hotel at Gyeongju in time to go to the Presidents reception dinner. Nice affair, but most was in Korean so we just sat around looking pretty. Mr. Em brought us some nice windbreakers and then brought me a second helping of Prawn and Prime Rib. I passed it on to our team eating machine, Ed and he gladly took another one for the team.

Big day. District conference day is here. Over 5,000 people expected to attend. This was possibly the nicest hotel we’ve been in since arriving. I felt as good today as I have the entire trip as I got a great night’s sleep.

Mr. Park Mr. Kwang and Mr. Lee joined us for breakfast at the District Conference President’s welcoming breakfast.

After breakfast we went to the café for some coffee. Jenny is out marketing again handing out straws to the kids in the café.

I’ve had more coffee on this trip than I have had in my life. Can’t say I really like it that much, but the caffeine is nice since we are on the go all the time. Mr. Lee is truly an enjoyment to talk too. He is a school teacher and has traveled to the U. S. more than once. Very nice guy.

I think the group as a whole was disappointed that we didn’t get the chance to give the full presentation we had prepared. But then we had probably 10 times more material then the 5 minutes they allotted us. And that included translation time.

Doug had asked a little about the district conference. Here is what I found out.

Seems like they might charge a little more in dues and the district covers the overages. Mr. Park said dues are $1,200 per year, but that covers meals also. So we figured $500 in food over 52 weeks and many clubs meet every other week. With the District having an entire complex of offices (looked about 4,000 sq ft); they are much stronger at a district level.

With the amount of money being spent on us, I imagine the district must be picking up much of the costs.

The agenda is like a festival. Remind me when I get back to send you a copy. A lot of pomp and circumstance, which is the song the DG and his crew march in to. A lot of being seen and networking. Which may in itself be the reason, knowing important people is more important in Korea than it is in the U. S. DC affords an opportunity to do that. Many Americans couldn’t give a flip.

Korean singers, Korean folk bands, etc., in between all the business. One guy who sounded like a Korean Anthony Robbins gave a motivational speech. It is interesting how one can tell a dynamic speaker, without understanding a word.

Just a lot of entertainment between the business. Big screen T. V.’s with music.

Vendors outside selling all kinds of stuff.

Drawings for T. V.’s and vacuum cleaners.

The closest I’ve ever been to is when I went to a Dixie Youth Baseball World Series in Virginia at Liberty University. They went out of their way to make sure the kids had a good time. Not sure how American Adults would react to all the drama.

Over 5,000 people came. We each gave a very short speech in Korean. What follows is the phonetic version.

Cho Nun Charlie Kidd E Mida

After all that work on our presentation, we didn’t even use it as they had Ed do a short speech as team leader.

They asked us to say hello, Glad to meet you, my name is Charlie Kidd, Thank You. We decided to do it in Korea and I think they were surprised a tad.

After dinner, we went to Mr. Park’s Karaoke bar that he said his wife runs. I butchered Van Morrison’s Brown-Eyed Girl. Partly, because I can’t sing and partly because the guide you are supposed to follow is not correct half the time.

Actually, again Ed & Jenny sang pretty well. Maybe when we get back, part of our program will be a singing and dance routine, with Travis and I playing tambourines.

I closed the night down with a rousing (he he) version of New York, New York, which inspired our group to do a rockett’s style leg kick line dance.

I find myself talking in very short, simple sentences all the time. Very good. Like very much. Everyone very nice. Seems easier to communicate that way.

Woke and had breakfast with Mr. Kwang and Mr. Park, with Mr. Kim acting as translator. Three of us had American style breakfast while Ed stayed with the Korean soup.

Two Mrs. Lee’s and our translator Ms. Seong Yeong met us at the hotel. We were going to Gyeonju, the ancient capital of the Shilla. We were all extremely pleased having Seong Yeong as our translator as we immediately saw that she was much better than our last.

Ed had immediately asked for a half day off. As we all were weary and needed time to catch up on personal items such as logs, laundry, checking e-mail and phone calls.

First stop was the tourist information center. After watching a video and getting some maps. We headed to an early lunch at the Hilton. A beautiful hotel near Bomun Lake, we walked down to the lakeside and saw the duck boats.

After the short walk, we headed back to the bus to head back to the hotel. Once there, we pulled out our dirty clothes, (mine I did in the hall way because the room wasn’t ready yet) and then headed off to the laundry mat.

By the time we returned to the hotel it was closing in on 3 P. M., so our half day off turned into a few hours as we had to leave at 6 P. M. to go to the areas welcome dinner with all the club Presidents. More Korean style food, maybe the most food on the table at one time.

We then went down to the Cheomseongdae observatory (which looked pretty cool at night), thought to be the oldest observatory in Asia. We walked to the flowered gardens, and then returned to the hotel around 8:30 P. M. One of our earliest nights we’ve had. Thank goodness as I was really tired.

The rest of the Fab Four went to a night club at around 10 P. M. I went to bed. They informed me that there were about 10 people in the place. Sunny snuck some So Ju in.