Page 14 - mch0617_Magazine

ARMED FORCES RECREATION CENTERS

are there.”
He continued, “BiRite has
treated us very well. I am a little
demanding as far as when we are
purchasing. We make everything
basically from scratch. We don’t
buy any pre-processed food, or
very, very little of it. We have our
own bakery that makes everything
from scratch. We also make all
of our sauces. We don’t buy the
pre-made lasagna. We make every-
thing just from the basic building
blocks. When we are looking at
items, we ask them to look a little harder for us to see if there is a better price in quantity, or when
prices drop for certain items. We use a lot of bacon or pork shoulder; then with a large purchase,
we can purchase up to a container. If it something I am going to use up within a reasonable

fter hearing of his visit to the Dragon
AHill Lodge, Military Club & Hos-
pitality asked Brad Hays, marketing
manager at the Edelweiss Lodge and
Resort in Garmisch, Germany, to offer
his unique perspective on the AFRC in
South Korea.
A Trip to See the Dragon

BY BRAD HAYS
am a seasoned traveler, but somehow
I a trip to Seoul, in the Republic of
Korea, to visit the Dragon Hill ies in the world, I expected a the entire food spectrum covered from
Lodge Armed Forces Recre- lot of noise, chaos, traffic jams, Texas BBQ to Korean starter dishes to
ation Center seemed like a smog and over-packed subways. five-star lobster platters. Dragon Hill
daunting endeavor. This would The city is indeed bustling and bakes its own pastries in the morning, has
be my first time traveling to the air quality is a bit gray at its own butcher and brews its own beer.
the Far East, and with that times, but it isn’t noisy, chaotic I found myself always making it back to
came the obvious concerns: or over-packed. It is extremely the Dragon for dinner even though the
Will the language be a bar- easy to navigate and filled with food in Korea is very good. The grounds
rier? How can I get around if great sites for travelers. The mix at Dragon Hill Lodge are beautiful and
all the signs are in Korean? between ultra-modern architec- well manicured. The Korean gazebo next
Is the food too exotic for me ture and ancient dynasties is to the waterfall is a very peaceful place
to eat? Will there be a threat seamless. to get a little fresh air after dinner.
from North Korea? I found that none of Travelers can easily navigate the city The rooms have American standard
my initial concerns were a factor, and, in by mastering the universal language of amenities along with nice Korean details.
fact, they were a source of adventure and finger pointing. Pointing on a map, on I suggest asking for a room on the high-
exploration during a very memorable trip. a menu or in the street along with a est floor for the best views of the city at
I must disclose that I have a biased smile seemed enough to satisfy getting night. Being that Dragon Hill Lodge is
opinion about the Dragon Hill Lodge. I around easily. Seoul is one of the most so central, there are great views in any
work for its sister property, the Edelweiss connected cities in the world. Wi-Fi is direction. There are the obvious ameni-
Lodge and Resort in beautiful Garmisch, everywhere and with Google Maps you ties that American travelers expect like
Germany. I was sent to Dragon Hill are never lost. coffee machines, in-room safe, free Wi-
Lodge to create a video to highlight its The Dragon Hill Lodge is located in Fi, large-screen TVs and Armed Forces
new retiree vacation program. I never an absolutely prime location in the city. Network programming. The beds are
really considered Dragon Hill Lodge to In any direction are museums, parks, very comfortable and nicely appointed
be a vacation destination, so I was con- shops and public transportation, all within with soft comforters and large pillows
cerned the video would be a challenge walking distance. Anytime I returned to ensure guests get a good night’s rest.
to develop. But it turns out I was wrong; to the lodge from a city outing, I could For those travelers looking to learn
it absolutely is a destination vacation feel an instant calm come over me. It is about the culture, history and have a
spot for service members looking for a familiar; the rooms are spacious, com- relaxed guided tour of the city and sur-
little adventure. fortable, well equipped and the best part rounding areas, all they need to do is
Since Seoul is one of the largest cit- is the food is absolutely delicious. It has visit the Discover Seoul desk in the main

14 MILITARY CLUB & HOSPITALITY | JUNE 2017