New Adventures

It was Helen Keller who said “life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”

We all like some excitement and adventure in our lives, some more so than others. I must say at the outset that I would not be the most adventurous of people, but I really admire those people who do challenging adventures.

In my younger days we led tourists up the 952 metre high Mount Brandon during the summer months. We cycled the 52 Kms return journey to Puck Fair in Killorglin from Tralee. In the summer months groups of us cycled the 132Kms from Tralee to west Kerry over the Connor Pass. They were everyday things we did in our youth and I suppose, in their own way they were adventures.

A couple of years ago one of my colleagues set off on the 3946 Kms motor bike coast to coast journey across America on Route 66. Now this was a daunting challenging affair and all in aid of charity.

Another friend went off to Morocco to climb the 4167 metres Mount Toubkal, the highest point of The Atlas Mountains. That sure was a test of fitness and great discipline was required.

Finally, our painter went on a gruelling 12-month altitude and fitness training to climb Mount Everest. Now that certainly makes life a daring adventure. I admire all these people for their discipline and huge dedication in getting the mental and physical readiness for such supreme personal challenges.

Recently I was walking my laps in Gorey Town Park when I noticed a camper van with ROK on the back of it. Being the inquisitive type I ventured over to inspect it more closely when out popped the occupier. I introduced myself to him. His name was Kam who was a Korean teacher of economics who had taken a year’s leave of absence to travel round the world. He had left Korea in April and was after driving across Russia, through Europe and arrived in Gorey town park. He was very pleased with the facilities in the park which he had checked out beforehand.

Kam introduced me to his wife and two children. She came out and they insisted I should have a drink with them. Once I was assured that it was non-alcoholic I partook of a most beautiful glass of Russian apple juice. His wife curtsied and went back into the camper van preparing some food for the children. Kam stayed outside chatting to me about his adventure. I informed him that I too was a teacher. I presented him with a copy of my book “The Boy who Kicked a Nun “which he embraced and kissed. He then presented me with a sticker detailing his you tube channel and showed me an online map of all the destinations he has visited around the globe.

On leaving here he was planning to travel to Cork, Kerry and the Burren before heading back home via South Africa or South America. He was still planning the final details of his return itinerary, back to his native Korea where he would talk to his friends and colleagues about my book and his stay in friendly Gorey.

I was bowled over by his enthusiasm for his journeying and the joy he expressed at the facilities he found in Gorey.

He complemented the staff of Gorey Town Park for all their courtesy to him during his stay. He felt very welcome, safe and secure with all the 24-hour lighting and cameras. Take a bow Gorey.

His you tube channel is Alchan_doit. which is interesting to watch.

Mick O Callaghan