After hugging Kim goodbye, I head to the platform of Gupo Station (구포역) for KTX / Mugunghwa (무궁화) but wasn’t sure which platform I need to go to.

Turns out I didn’t realised I need to get my tickets at the counter and not just beeping myself in like in a subway….

Unfortunately there’s no more seat and only standing tickets remained. 3 hours ish is not a big deal; during bad traffic for my journey home in KL, 1.5 hours standing inside packed bus is a given.

Plus, once any seat is available, it’s mine to take.

It was so hot and God bless the one who built a cool waiting room at the platform.

However within 5 minutes it became so packed and stuffy due to the number of people seeking respite from the heat.

Fortunately my train will arrived in 4 minutes and I made my way out to the platform and ready myself to haul em bags.

I stayed at the section in between coaches as I need spaces for both my big & small babies. The only downside is I can’t watch all the scenic view unless I’m at the stairs area; which was occupied at the time ㅠ.ㅠ”‘

Though I’m sad when leaving Busan; I can’t wait to be back at the rural / farming community and see more greens, feels the breeze in my face and interact with very friendly & heartwarming locals!

Along the way, scenic view came one after another but a very pretty view suddenly came into sight and WOW!

Turns out it was near/at Okcheon Station (옥천역).

This is why I love taking Mugunghwa train vs KTX. You see more scenic views though longer travelling time.

I was also treated to another equally pretty view again passing Okcheon on my way out from Sangju (상주) via bus.

Finally arriving at Sangju Station (상주역), I was greeted by both my hosts Stacey & Jowrney.

“Let us take your bags. Ooooghf…. Are there rocks in there?” LOL! Hilarious hosts from the get go XD

I’ve never heard any of my hosts being so ecstatic that I’m an omnivour hahahahah!

Turns out many guests they’ve host especially the cyclists are not meat lovers. Outside milk, some dairy products and heavy use of spices, I could never emit any particular food group from my plate.

Off we go for our 1st meal, (sorry for the lack of picture) Kongnamul Gukbap (콩나물국밥). It was so yummy!

You could choose to crack an egg in it and for ₩3,500 it’s quite a steal.

After dinner I was shown into my cute apartment and I’m in love! It’s such perfect size and space for me that I’ll be so sad when my 1 week is up 😦

I love sleeping on the floor and everything was well prepared for by my hosts, I’ve gotten plenty of fruits and all the tea I could drink there.

Discovered these books and I’m happy to be able to touch pages of books again after a long time XD

The next morning saw these adorable cabins right outside our apartment complexes!

Along the way to their farm in Uiseong (의성) am feasting my eyes with more scenic views.

We usually leave home at 0530, reached at 0600 to change and then head off to the farms.

The following day, we welcomed our new baby (Stacey’s mom called our Alondra, baby!) in the house, all the way from Mexico!

After travelling over 24 hours from China, she finally made it to South Korea!

Unfortunately some nights she ended up sleeping in the living room due to my crazy snores. I love you Alondrita!

Together we watched the video and heard hilarious stories of our hosts many adventures; especially the 1 involving Jowrney & my dear!

They were even singing / rapping Spanish songs (1 of them being Despasito) on our drive home 1 night!

I know I’m going to enjoy my time a lot here with them playful ones!

Everyday, without fail I’m so happy that these sights greeted us on arrival.

These are just but a few plants in the farms (from Apple, Apple Dates/Jujube, Aubergine / Brinjal / Eggplant, Chili, Hops, Nuts, Pears, Sesame, White Peach and the many other plants I couldn’t name).

Before, I have deep respect for my hosts and her parents but found myself having deeper respect for the many things they’ve done and achieved so far!

 

Though these dried chilies are not for own consumption and will be grounded to be sold to end users; I’m proud and comforted to know that our host’s family are so very thoughtful, caring about end users like they are family.

Tada! My hosts were filmed for a docudrama / mocumentary (?) in their home country before. Total respect for their dreams and way of life!

[English] → https://vimeo.com/155599196/920505fe28

[Español] → https://vimeo.com/155599205/eb2002ac33

[日本語] → https://vimeo.com/157146790/c75d753aa5

We were almost always eating – mains and snacks in between! Mealtimes were 1 of my many favourite moments with them. It’s not only about food but there’s conversation and laughter!

I wished people would spend time with their families instead of dating their smartphones!

There’s plenty more food but I either forgot to snap pictures or have lost them ㅠ.ㅠ”‘ Sorry Stacey & Mom!

So many more wonderful meals made and I’m thankful to my host for all the trouble she and her mom went through to make sure we’re fed!

After dinner, we would usually retire to our own unit and have teas; sharing details of our lives. I miss our time together Alondrita ^^ sorry again for all the snores ㅠ.ㅠ”‘

We were also taken around to enjoy what Sangju has to offer and boy, she didn’t disappoint!

Jowrney even brought his drone and we’ve gotten a really great video which I can’t share here to protect our privacy but I’d say it’s 1 of the best video I’ve had gotten during this trip!

Finally it’s time to say goodbye and my hosts even sent me to the bus terminal so I could head to my new host’s city (with a care package to boot!).

Goodbyes and hugs before we split ways; me Jindo & them Busan (ㅠ.ㅠ'”)

For those of you wanting to contact my hosts to get farm produces grown with utmost care and love : http://hopeden.com/

Before you know it, I’ll be right back at the farm again! Mucho besos por todos, hasta luego! (You’ll correct me if I’m wrong Alondrita, kekeke!)

And with a heavy heart and eyelids; am making my way to Jindo. Tata!