A family on the tour bus invite me to join them for lunch and gamsa-he-yo to them for my first Kalguksu i.e. hand-made egg noodles cooked in a light broth with clams, mushrooms and slices of potato & cucumber. It arrives in a large wok heated on a small gas stove at the dining table. I’m amused to see a large & unpretentious pair of scissors on stand-by, in case diners struggle with long strands of noodles. Those who tire of spicy food will find kalguksu a soothing alternative. This nutritious and filling dish can easily qualify as comfort food.Originally, I wanted to check out the Lonely Planet’s recommendation to sample Gomanaru’s wide variety of tasty food. ( Check out this enterprising provincial restaurant’s website at www.gomanaru. co.kr/food/menu/ ) The guidebook, however, forgot to mention that reservations are necessary or at least highly recommended. The restaurant was full and so I had to look elsewhere. Fortunately the parents of some of the children on the tour bus come to my rescue with their invitation to join them for the kalguksu lunch.
Time and again, I’m floored by such examples of hospitality from the Koreans. Different people on the tour bus offer me snacks, candy and fruit throughout the day and I’m glad that I brought from home my own supply of junk food to return the compliment. One toddler quickly sizes up the situation and after securing a fair share of sweets, is happy to curl up on me for a catnap on the bus. Don’t know if he’s too tired to care that he’s sleeping on a stranger but I’d like to think that he’s comfortable enough with me not to see as one.
Source of pic: http://eng.gg.go.kr/tag/Haemul%20Kalguksu
2 comments:
Dear Ajumma,
Find myself yet again far from home and working late into the night. Found your recent entries in agreement with my style of rating any place I travel too and that is 'tummy-satisfying' cuisine rather than gourmet fare, the unexpected but heart-warming hospitality that catches one by surprise and the soul-stirring sounds of life in harmony with the surroundings.
The video-clip additions are a much appreciated 'touch-up' to your blog and has definitely got me thinking about checking out the Korean music scene.
Would it be too much to request an introduction to a more optimistic collection of poems than you have selected to share with the world?!
Dear Anon.,
THanks for your encouraging comments. Will post optimistic poems from Korea ( translated into English, of course) if I can find them! From the few poems that I've come across, they don't sound very happy. Will keep looking!
Regards,
Ajumma
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