Everyone is feeling a little rough today after a most enjoyable catching up with the Boks and Rolands (or it could be hayfever from the blossoms). It meant for a late night for little ones, returning to the hotel around 11pm, but as today included bout 4 hours on the bus it was hoped that naps on the way could help alleviate the “sookie-monsters”.
The first 2 hour stint saw a brief stop at SamDennis' birthplace and for the family to have photos taken. We arrived at Jin Hae to drive through Cherry Blossom Street. It was a little late for the Kun Hang Festival (cherry blossom) and the blossoms were a little past their best, but still the forest of blossoms were quite serene.
At first glance there seemed to be very little animal life, but there were squirrels sneaking amongst the trees if you looked hard and there were at least 5 species of birds, mainly magpies. Koreans out enjoying the bush with a hike continue to amuse. It seems that one cannot go hiking without the latest of gear, all colour co-ordinated and, if with a partner, duplicated across the sexes. Also obligatory are walking poles. Normally healthy people cannot hike without the latest extendible lightweight aluminium hiking pole.
Lunch was at a roadside/free-way roadhouse. Not not to note as a culinary experience except for the abundance of Korean fast food dishes instead of the fried rubbish we are forced to suffer. Given a choice, the Korean wayside food is much healthier. It contains much less oil and is served freshly prepared, rather than congealing within the confines of a bain-marie.
On the way to JinJu Fortress an further short stop to have photos take and Lily Dennis's birthplace.
Liz and I have been to JinJu during our trip to collect Amelie, so it was nice to see something that held some level of familiarity. A colourful changing of the guard ceremony was followed by activities organised in the Jinju Museum within the fortress grounds. We were treated to a history lesson courtesy of a 3-d film about the military history of the fortress. Then the children were encouraged to make cushion pendants,stuffing, sewing and attaching key-rings.
Whilst it kept the children well behaved and entertained, it did prevent exploration of the Fortress grounds and Museum. Both we could assure parents were worth the effort. Ah well, our time in Jinju is far too short once again...... at least it gives us another reason to plan a return to explore in our own time.
The day finished with the bus trip to Damyang. The last two days have been tiring and some of the kids are showing signs of the strain, but now we have 3 nights in one place and a much relaxed sight seeing itinerary to match. This will give plenty of opportunity to enjoy the facilities Damyang is famous for hot spas and relaxation. 
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