In Pursuit of Karl

Every year there is a rape festival in Korea. Relax guys they are just flowers.

The festival takes place on Jeju-do, an Island with much more to offer than rape blossoms. Known as "Korea's Hawaii," Jeju is world famous for it's black sand beaches, volcanic mountain, and many other natural wonders. There also might be unicorns there according to North Korea. While these are all great reasons to visit the island, Jeju's main attraction goes by "Karl."

Karl is a fellow TaLK scholar. Karl lives on Jeju island. Karl received the "congeniality award" for his exemplary behavior. It's no wonder he won. He's a sweet boy. An innocent and honest young man. At least that's what I thought.

Karl: Friend, Diplomat, Criminal.

You see Karl also has a different side. A side few people get the chance to experience. This Karl once said to me, in a happy voice, while smiling, "Hey we should set something on fire. Do you want to go steal a car tonight?" Imagine the guy pictured above saying that. It didn't make sense.

I had to further explore this side of Karl. I had to go to Jeju. 

My route to Jeju required a long bus ride to the southern city of Busan, followed by a 40-minute flight. I was finally within striking distance of Karl.

Karl's House

I haven't yet mentioned the trip to Jeju was free, subsidized by excess educational funding in our region. That makes it ridiculous to complain, but I'm going to anyway. My complaint is that the regimented nature of a large group trip comes with minimal flexibility, making it rather difficult to hunt Karl.

I patiently waited for the moment I could see Karl as we checked off items on a packed itinerary, like the Mongolian horse show documented below.

Horse show. Note foreground ponies.

If you watched the video I'm sorry for making you hear that song again. If you saw the pony pictures you're welcome.

After the pony show came a stop at Loveland.

Loveland is the kind of place you wouldn't expect to find in Korea. It's also the kind of place you can't write about if your niece reads your blog. Well here are some pictures to take the place of words. These are mild ones but you'll get the idea.

Hey Matt, it's Erik. Your little brother.

All Loveland did was make me think of Karl more, but I remained patient. The time would come.

After a group dinner, the day's last obligation, a friend and I took a cab across town directly to Karl.
In excitement I may have accidentally told the cab driver to "go to Karl." Fifteen minutes later my dream became a reality. Reunion. This picture of us is the only way I can describe the feeling.

There is a reason I'm smiling.

A few other friends were there to enjoy the spectacle as we all caught up over rounds of makgeoli, a traditional Korean wine made from rice. No I won't tell you what we talked about, but Karl you didn't disappoint me. The trip was well worth it, even if we didn't have time to steal any cars.

In conclusion:

• Karl I think you're slightly grumpier than I remember 
• Jeju is neat
• I want a pony
  

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