Back home, safe and sound.  No problems on the return flight, although there was an interesting twist as we deboarded.  The Korean authorities took each passenger’s temperature.  Which is kinda funny when you think about it.  I mean, we all spent the past 14 hours breathing each others recirculated air, so I suppose if one of us had the flu, we all do now.  Anyway, I’m not one to let a little pandemic get me down.  Hopefully, those aren’t my famous last words.

I’ve got a few pictures to share of my darting adventures with Duke and Ji Young.  I really had a good time visiting them and I sure do miss having them around here in Korea.  Perhaps one day we will be reunited.  They were great hosts, and even treated me and my co-worker Mr. Kim, Yong-tae do a nice Korean dinner on Sunday in Annandale, which is Northern Virginia’s Korea town.  It was kinda funny because the name of the restaurant was Han Gang.  So, I traveled 7000 miles to eat at the Han river.  Nice place for traditional Korean barbeque by the way.

Saturday night Duke and Ji Young took me out to the Hard Times Cafe for some darts, beer, and wings.  It was all good.

We had some fun chuckin’ the darts at the cork.  Duke as my darts mentor must have been especially pleased that he taught me well, although, perhaps he was thinking that he taught me too well.  Or as he put it, he was just takin’ it easy on the old man. 

Tuesday night we played a tourney at Duke’s home bar in Manassas, Addy’s.  Jim and YJ should be pleased that we dressed up in our Dolce Vita livery for the occasion.

As mentioned in an earlier post, my partner Howard and I walked away with the victory.  It wasn’t a cake walk by any means (we even had to overcome a 9-mark on 15s at one point), but we did go through the winners bracket undefeated.  A little bit different format than I’m used to–one leg of cricket only.  Doesn’t leave much margin for error.  It’s also a requirement that you chalk your darts before pulling them.  A good rule to be sure, but one I’m not accustomed to following.  Also, you don’t diddle in NOVA, you cork.  Otherwise, it was not too different.

Everybody loves a winner!

On Saturday night, Duke’s team, aka “Mom’s Brats” won the DC area “C” division championship.  They were all pretty jazzed about that.

Speaking of which, back in Itaewon during my absence the Blue Bulls took out XOX in the first round of the playoffs.  I was very pleased to hear that as I felt bad about missing a key match.  So, our championship dream is still alive.  Next up is Eberhardt, the first place team from Scrooge Pub.  Looking forward to that one as we are bearing a small grudge about their refusal to reschedule a match, resulting in a forfeit for us.  Come Monday, the best team will be decided at the oche, as it should be.  It will be tough as they have some great players, but I think the Bulls enjoy playing as the underdog.

That’s about it from here.  I’m fixin’ to drive out to the airport in Incheon to pick up a new employee.  This will be his first time in Korea, but I’m thinking if he likes it half as much as me he will be one happy camper.  Even if he doesn’t like it, I’ve filled my last critical vacancy so I’m feelin’ good about it.

Peace out.