Arrived back to Incheon from Gwangju and Seoul on Wednesday afternoon. I've spent the last few days around the parish here in Incheon (Gagung dong), visiting Chinatown, and two of Incheon's parks. I also went along to two of the parish mission "house masses" - being held to build up the local community of catholics and encourage more people to be involved. They really are very dignified and joyful celebrations. Also the parish leaders give very generously of their time to these events.
We also went for lunch yesterday with some of the active parishioners - young women as well as a little older. Again it strikes me that the social side of life is very much looked after in this parish. Very pleasant people.
Chinatown was interesting to visit. Nothing dramatic, but a very large statue of Confucius - originally a failed politician in China apparently, who then turned to developing a system of ethics which Korea adopted a long, long time ago.
We also visited two parks yesterday and Thursday. One was near Chinatown, very high up, and with a great view of the port area. The second was a more modern and much larger park. We also had a walk along what you could describe as a promenade - brand new development, overlooking the 22km bridge that links the international airport with Incheon city. I have travelled over this bridge, but to see it from the shore is spectacular.
We also drove around Songdo New City Development. This is an area of Incheon city that is being developed on reclaimed land as an extremely high-density absolutely high-tech area. Very, very modern.
My flights home are confirmed for Monday next, 26th April. All being well, I should be home around 9.30 p.m., Monday.
