Charley Davidson

I couldn't have asked for a better send off. I said good-bye to two of my guy friends this week, and despite the sadness we took the opportunity to have one last adventure together. My friends happen to live near the mountains in a small town called Yeongcheon. They also have bikes. Not the 5 speed variety, but of the 125 cc kind. The last time I mounted a motorcycle, I burned my leg on the exhaust and my speed demon driver almost ran over a dog... this time round was a completely different experience.

We geared up for the two hour ride, packed with the camera, some smokes, and an i-pod play-list. Besides our helmet's it was just going to be the two bikes and the road.

As we drove through the city and out into the mountains with the wind whipping our faces  the air and the scenery around us was breathtaking.  There was a haze of clouds as we set off to beat the sunset. The cool country air surrounded us as we climbed higher and higher throughout the winding roads. There are no words to describe being out on the open road, flanked by sweeping vistas. It reminds us that there is so much out there.

We made it to the top, just as the sun decided to peak through the burst of clouds. As we scanned the valleys below, you couldn't help but take a moment to appreciate the beauty before us. There was a moment, as the sun's rays glimmered, that I couldn't help but feel a sense of homecoming. That no matter what lay ahead, everything was going to be alright. We never know what life will bring next- and so for just a moment in time, you breathe in the majestic beauty and find solace in the knowing that whatever comes you just keep climbing.

As the sun began to settle in the late afternoon, we headed back down the mountain. Charley Davidson gave us a good ride. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful afternoon with two guys, who have become like family during my adventure in Korea.

With the wind at our backs and the trees zooming by we were free.  The setting sun splintered through the trees as we kept on driving home. You could feel nothing but the dewy air rushing full force against your body. It was the ride of a lifetime, the kind where you want to lift up your arms to the heavens and scream at the top of your lungs. My first choice words were, " my life is beautiful".  Thank you Charles and Blair for the memories. You'll be missed until I can see you again on the road ahead.