11/29/2023 The Incredible Women of Toba

I have met and have been so inspired by the incredible women on these journeys to both South Korea and Japan. Despite the many challenges they faced, they have overcome hardships we could only imagine. 

It only made sense that we continued our journey with a visit to a pearl farming family and some local amas (sea women). I confess I am NOT a fan of raw oysters. In fact, I think of them as snot on a half-shell. I did manage to find a small pearl, thanks to my teacher.

This woman actually designed, created, and sold

 this face mask years ago!

Much laughter during our discussion relating to the procreation of oysters. After all, there is an explanation for the pairing of couples below. Sadly, the family is witnessing the decline of pearl farming as other families move away, climate changes decrease the oyster population, and income declines.

The Local Amas 

The local amas are "sea women" who free dive without a breathing apparatus for octopus, lobster, sea urchins, and other marine delicacies along the coast. 

We discussed their profession and lifestyle before we had lunch in their diving hut precariously perched on the sea wall, enjoying the seafood they caught earlier that day.

When one of our travelers mentioned having ice cream for dessert, one of the ladies hopped on her motorcycle (they each had one), raced into town, and returned within 10 minutes. Proving once again just how incredible these women were.