I often think about what I want my kids to remember about me. What do I want them to learn from me? I go back to a couple of things. The first thing is I want them to learn is to work hard and live your best dreams. I want them to be open to new experiences and people. I want them to dive into life even if you do not know what is at the bottom. Curiosity is something that should be explored and teased out like knots in your hair with a concentration and determination until every last strand is freed.
Where did my curiosity lead me this summer? It led me to a town just outside of Atlanta. Why? I was at a travel conference and we were able to pick a location we wanted to visit so we could write about them and I chose Gwinnett County Georgia.
Why would one choose Gwinnett when faced with larger more familiar destinations? Seriously, What is there to do in Gwinnett County Georgia?
If you love to know and learn about new culture Gwinnett County Georgia is a must visit place.
You could say I metaphorically traveled to South Korea while in Georgia. I have never been to Korea. I have never had authentic Korean food and I was culturally illiterate when it came to the customs of the Korean people. I wanted to learn about Korean Culture and believe it or not, you can do that in the heart of the south. You can even go on a food tour in Gwinnett County which I did called Seoul of the South. I highly suggest if you are anywhere near Atlanta you make this happen. Visit Seoul of the South Tour for more details.
H Mart was one of the locations we visited. Why would you go to a grocery store on your holiday? Why not? We were able to sample authentic foods, purchase items that were from Korea, and we got to see specialty items that the Korean population in Gwinnett County use like Kimchi refrigerators. I purchased some honey potato chips and this tea in a jar that has citron tea with honey in it. The kids adore it and I have already ordered more on Amazon since my town doesn’t have it.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fy5Dc9A9rV3N3gnL6
Hmart provides quality Korean food and service. Duluth store opened in 2004 at 2550 Pleasant Hill Rd, Bldg. 300, Duluth, GA 30096. I would suggest a visit so you can immediately be immersed in Korean Culture and come hungry! We found that instead of taking flowers or wine to a Korean house when you are a guest you gift useful items like diapers, toilet paper, paper towels.
Hanbok Nara Traditional Korean Dress was one of my favorite parts of our journey in Gwinnett County. It is so incredible to wear art. These custom creations were beautifully constructed.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xQgshkmZjW8VFPRX7
The second I put on my dress I was able to imagine a celebration. I can see why these traditional dresses turn an “event” into a party.
Amee wearing Korean hanbok
You tie the dresses to the right. They are worn on holidays like birthdays, Korean Thanksgiving, and weddings. You wear underpants under the outfits and usually a slip under the dress to create the shape. The hair is usually placed in a bun on top of the head. The Koreans love to be organized so their hair is never down when they dress up. The men braid their hair and once they get married they wear a bun on their head. The hands are placed across your waist to show respect. The clothes are important but so are all the details from the shoes to the posture. That is how the customs are kept and passed down through the generations.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wtsvEr2AMXnjAnTL9
J.S. Kitchen Cooking Class
I know people love to eat but what if you could learn to cook an incredible meal in your own home. I can say that Korean food is now a favorite in our home and I learned how to cook it while attending this cooking class.
J.S. Kitchen cooking class located at 3492 Satellite Blvd #130, Duluth 30096.
Aritaum – Beauty is a Korean based beauty store. I got to learn about the different skincare lines that Koreans use to keep their skin beautiful. I also picked up several masks and I was given this water-based sleep mask to add to my routine. I just love the results. You can buy yourLaneige Water Sleeping Mask it is worth the investment.
I know I have been talking a lot about the Korean culture in Gwinett, but there is also a large population of people from India. We were able to visit the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir which was breathtaking.
These are just a couple of the things I found interesting while I explored BAPS. I would have never gone into the BAPS if I wasn’t on this tour and that is why I am encouraging you to go. It was a humbling experience and one that should not be missed. I didn’t realize you could just attend. I would check their website to make sure that the day and time you want to attend it is open.
1 Ghandi yoga, vegetarian peace, harmony, and Hinduism are practiced by billions of people mostly in India.
2. They believe that peace should prevail everywhere and that the world is one big family.
3. Hinduism spread through migration of the people not through conversion practices.
4. They believe in karma based on the action and intent of our actions and deed
5. Devotional worship daily meditation, chanting, dance, prayer take place multiple times a day.
6. The practice of. an 8 step yoga method is how to reach God.
7. Peace and tolerance are stronger than unity and diversity. The quality that unites us is far greater than what divides us. 8. The Mandir was built by volunteers they used stone. The stone and marble were from Italy. The inside limestone came from Turkey. 34.000 people craved the stones in India then they brought here. They hand crave them. Each piece had a number on the back and then they were put together based on the number it was a giant puzzle.
9. The pieces connect and there is no metal to hold it together.
10. The whole process is Guru led.
I plan to learn more about the practice of Hinduism.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/46ruCuywAAPMySNMA
BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is located at 460 Rockbridge Road Lilburn 30047.
When you drive around Gwinnett you also experience how patriotic they are. The populations have melded into one complementary symphony of harmony. The notes are all equally important in the music of life. The love of country and remembrance of history is imperative to the thread of Gwinnett’s existence the patriotic art demonstrates how important American history is.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Sts7EzAs1haetkJw5
The Dream Keepers 9/11 Memorial- I was immediately drawn to this sculpture. I was almost late for breakfast. It moved me from the inside out. I remembered where I was on 9/11 and all the children whose lives were changed.
This is where we were hosted while in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The rooms were spacious, clean, and the location was close to everything. The bed was so comfy I struggled to get out of each morning although that might have been because of all the incredible food we dined on and all the places we visited.
I would love to thank my hosts for putting together such a comprehensive, informative, and over the top fun experience. I learned about different cultures and had fun experiences all within this little town close to Atlanta. It made me realize that the best-kept secrets reside in the small towns. We often overlook the beauty that is right before our noses.
To our readers, if you have any questions about Gwinnett leave them below and we will get you the answers you need. I do suggest you fly into Atlanta and head right over to Gwinnett county!
Cook, Baker, Phototaker, Fitness Mover and Shaker, Cupcake Tester, Deal Maker, Adventurous Undertaker, Do Good “Deeder”, Teacher, Mom, Wife, Patriot for Life & Giver of Good Advice – RealAdviceGal
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fy5Dc9A9rV3N3gnL6
