MSG ME: Sweet and Spicy in South Korea: Blue Ridge Mountains: May 11th

Erin and I had to go to Atlanta to get our Visas to work in Korea. That's where the closest Korean Consulate is to Florida. Luckily, my friend Mary Frances lives in Atlanta, so we stayed with her, but more on that later. Erin's sister lives in Monroe, Georgia, and my Grandparents along with some of my other family on my mom's side lives around Blue Ridge, Georgia. So we decided to visit our families and make a little road trip out of the whole thing.

We woke up around 9:30a.m. and hit the road about 10-ish. The drive wasn't bad, partly because Erin and I talk a lot and also because the weather was nice. We stopped at a trucker stop along the way and I got one of those chicken twister (taquito) things. Deep fried to perfection. We also stopped at an Adult Novelty store along the way that advertised free coffee. When I inquired about the coffee the nice, southern girl behind the counter offered to brew me a fresh pot, which I accepted kindly. We walked around, etc. And went on our merry little way.

The way to Erin's sister's city was long and in the middle of nowhere, but it was still a nice drive. It took me about 3 hours longer to get to my Aunt Mary's cabin than usual, but I didn't mind. At least we both got to visit our relatives for a bit before we headed off to Korea for a year, ya know.

When I arrived to Blue Ridge, well actually McCaysville, I was so excited to be able to visit with my family for a couple days. It's so beautiful up there. My Aunt lives in a valley with mountains all around and a spectacular view on a large plot of land. I was lovingly greeted by my Aunt Mary, my Gramma, and my cousin Shannon along with the cats and dogs. Aunt Mary had my favorite dinner she cooks for me ready. Penne pasta in a vodka cream sauce with fresh, succulent shrimp. It was delicious! She makes it specially for me whenever I come visit. We had a great time eating and drinking wine and talking, us girls. The next day I was treated to a pedicure for an early birthday present and we went out for breakfast at a quaint little cafe in Blue Ridge. I enjoy being around my family. I got to hang out with my Papa a bit too, but unfortunately I didn't get to see my Uncle Mark and my little cousins.

My grandparents live in an apartment above a barn that was built on my Aunt Mary and Uncle Phil's property. They had a goat named Dolly and a pig named Arnold while I was there, but their menagerie has since been expanded with two mini horses and a donkey. By the time I get back from Korea, it will be an actual farm for sure...