Charcoal-grilled pork belly barbecue after harvesting wild raspberries.

After a month, I returned to the countryside to visit my mother, who lives alone. Despite her health issues, she seldom complains. Here I am, working hard in Seoul while my mother remains in my father’s hometown after his passing last year.

Today, I visited my cousin near Daedeok-myeon, Gimcheon City, about 10 minutes from my mother’s village. My father had moved here and registered his residence at the Daedeok Administrative Welfare Center before he tragically passed away in an accident a year later.

This area is unique, being near the borders of North Jeolla, South Gyeongsang, and North Chungcheong provinces, placing it almost at the center of these three provinces.

I came to harvest wild raspberries at my cousin’s place, which is just a few minutes’ drive from Daedeok Samgeori. Wild raspberries typically ripen from early to mid-June, and missing the harvest window means the berries quickly spoil.

When I visited in the first week of June, the berries were just beginning to ripen. Once they start, they turn red within a week and then spoil within ten days. Wild raspberries are not very sweet but are considered very healthy. I managed to harvest about 5 kg in half a day.

Wild raspberry bush

Back at the countryside house, I set up a charcoal grill in the early summer heat. I tested a new dual-sided grill I bought online, which worked well for its price. The grill is stainless steel, foldable, and has locks to keep the meat in place.

We grilled pork belly over the charcoal. Despite some impatience causing minor charring, the double-sided grill minimized flare-ups and grilled the meat well. I give this grilling experience an 80 out of 100.

Next time, I’ll wait for the charcoal to turn completely white before grilling. I also bought fire starter briquettes, which made igniting the charcoal easier without using a torch. This convenience was impressive, and I’ll showcase their effectiveness next time.

We enjoyed the charcoal-grilled pork belly with lettuce wraps, and despite it being early June, the weather was perfect for hot food. My mother also prepared eel, making for a delicious meal.

However, I’m increasingly worried about my mother’s health. Living far away in the countryside makes frequent visits difficult. She spent her life working hard in a restaurant, and I feel sorrow for her struggles. I hope she remains healthy.

Dual-sided barbecue grill
Dual-sided barbecue grill
Freshwater eel wrap

June 7, 2024, Daedeok-myeon, Gimcheon City, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

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