Jeong Kwan

I don't know how this episode eluded me for 4 years. I just wanted to relax for an hour but by the time the episode ended, I came away thinking that we live in a fast food world, but life is a long journey.

Her preparation for a dish may take months, years in the planning, from growing the vegetables, harvesting, and in many cases fermenting for the exact moment of presentation.

Everything is handled with such care, respect and precision. It's like she is infusing her dish with her own spirit and positivity.

I especially appreciated her stories about her parents. She talks about the first time she prepared a meal for her family. Her parents came home, shocked at her efforts and genuinely impressed. Her mother told her "You will live a good life".

Later in the episode she speaks of when her father came to visit her late in his life. He was worried about her and wanted so be with her so he could experience how she lived. After having reservations about the vegetarian lifestyle, she prepared a heartier dish for him which single-handedly assured him, she was living well.

She says a quote, "Even kings bow to monks". And her father bows to her three times in acknowledgement and respect.

There is much to be said about a simple life, an open heart and and parental affirmation.