Muju

May 31, 2006 – We took a trip to Muju with our friend Moon Ja and her two kids Cindy Jo and Jonnie. The drive took around two hours through gorgeous countryside south of our home at Osan AB. Once we arrived in Muju we then went to Bandi Land (Bandibuli – meaning “firefly”) which is an insect museum. We had been planning this trip for some time as a surprise for Andrew since this year we will not all be together for Andrew’s birthday. We thought an insect museum would a perfect place for an early birthday gift. And we were right – it was a huge hit! Andrew, Cindy Jo and Jonnie all had a magnificent time. We viewed a Korean cartoon on a large dome screen and spent hours in the ecological greenhouse. In the greenhouse was a little stream that the kids had a grand time putting little berries in and following them along as the berries went over waterfalls. We also went into this marvelous dark room full of fireflies. It reminded me of growing up in Indiana and checking lightning bugs on warm summer evenings. The displays of all the insects were works of art in the way they were designed. You will notice when you look at the Muju pictures on Shutterfly that I really enjoyed the artistic arrangement of the butterflies. Outside the museum there was a charming little playground area where we spent a relaxing time talking and playing. After a while there, it was approaching dinner time so off we went to look for a restaurant. So, we had to leave our peaceful location in search of food. I’m so glad Moon Ja was with us and able to find a great little Korean place to eat. I’m not sure of the name of what we ate but it was yummy and everyone enjoyed themselves. The whole day was a wonderful time of fellowship and learning. Jonnie really looks up to Andrew, and CindyjJo and Andrew have become good friends.