📝 Day 2 – Brushed Out & Blissed Out

Stephenie
May 12
4 min read

Day 2 started with a later morning, which was very needed because I was still dragging a bit from the day before. We got up, took showers, ate some snacks, and met up in the hotel lobby at 11 AM to start the day.

Our first destination was the Korean Kennel Club’s head office. On the drive over, we saw cherry blossoms in full bloom and soaked in the scenery while Maria, sitting proudly in the front seat, randomly broke into French. It was surreal in the best possible way.

Emily, Allison, and I prepping model dogs

When we arrived at the office around noon, we were greeted with the kind of warmth that just isn’t performative — it was real, deep hospitality. The team immediately handed us vitamin shots, snacks, and a giant box of strawberries that, I swear, were grown by fruit angels. These strawberries were consistent, sweet, juicy, and perfect. Every single one.

The most amazing strawberries in the universe

Then we spent the afternoon brushing out our model dogs. Wrap wigs are not for the weak. Thank dog for Emily, because she helped us get them detangled, banded, fluffed, and competition-ready. It was a process — but it felt good to just focus on the dogs and get into the zone.

That evening, we went to dinner with several people from the KKC, including Mr. Shin — the president of the Korean Kennel Club and the healthiest 86-year-old I’ve ever met. He looks 60, acts 40, and could probably outrun me. Whatever skincare, diet, or sorcery he’s working with, I want it.

Dinner was shabu shabu, and once again, we were surrounded by more food than any one table should hold. The flavors were incredible, the energy was joyful, and the conversation was flowing. Their generosity continued to blow me away — not just in covering the meal, but in the way they wanted to share their culture and time with us.

We had fried chicken for lunch ordered in and we wouldn't be groomers if we weren't eating off grooming tables

After dinner, we headed straight back to the hotel, got everything ready for the next day, and crashed — full, happy, and deeply grateful.

🌏 Cultural Differences – Day 2

Generosity is a whole way of life here. We were welcomed at the KKC office with open arms and full hands — snacks, drinks, vitamin shots, and a huge box of perfect strawberries. It wasn’t just a polite gesture. They genuinely wanted us to feel taken care of, and it showed in every detail. I’ve never experienced hospitality that felt so intentional and wholehearted.
Strawberries = peak fruit. I will absolutely die on this hill. Korean strawberries are the most consistent, perfectly textured fruit I’ve ever had. I don’t even like fruit this much at home, but I would fight for another box of those berries.
Dining is a community event. Like the night before, dinner wasn’t just a meal — it was an experience. The small plate format, shared dishes, and casual abundance made it feel more like a celebration than just “dinner.” And once again, we didn’t pay a dime — not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
Mr. Shin is either immortal or aging backward. I’m not sure which, but I’m watching him closely.

♿ Accessibility – Day 2

Day 2 was less physically demanding — most of it was spent indoors at the KKC head office and the restaurant. Everything was easy to navigate, and the slower pace helped mentally.

One thing I really appreciated was how calm and unhurried the whole day felt. There was no rush, no sudden changes. Just a steady, supportive flow — which gave me enough spoons to engage socially, ask questions, and not feel like I had to mask constantly.

Once the meat and veggies get eaten they fry up the rice in the leftover broth because obviously we need MORE food to eat

Having people like Harley, Allison, and Emily around made it easier to focus on tasks (like untangling wrap wigs without panic) and made the whole day feel manageable.

💸 Spending Summary – Day 2

Item	Amount (USD)	Notes
Meals	$0	KKC hosted dinner (shabu shabu), and honestly? They fed us like royalty.
Transportation	$0	Included as part of the event support.
Snacks/Other	$0	Everything at KKC was gifted, including the magic strawberries.
Dog Prep Items	$0	We brought everything with us, so no purchases today.

Total: $0.00

An entire day of food, gifts, transportation, and companionship — all covered. This is what I call five-star freeloading with emotional value.

💤 End of Day 2 – Final Thoughts

Day 2 was all about care and connection — from being welcomed at the KKC office to bonding over steaming shabu shabu with people who genuinely love what they do. It was a slower day, and I didn’t mind one bit. I felt supported, fed (emotionally and physically), and ready for what was coming next.

Tomorrow’s the big one — competition day 1.