Had a very interesting day today learning about a lot of (recent) Korean history and the predominant political issue here (namely, North Korea), as Laura and I went on a guided tour to the DMZ, or demilitarized zone. This is the border between North and South Korea, and the tension between the two sides was palpable. You are not allowed to take pictures in several of the areas, but one of the highlights of the day was the trip into a tunnel that the North Koreans had secretly dug under the border. The tunnel was big enough that 10,000 soldiers could go through in an hour to start a surprise attack on South Korea, but it was discovered somewhat by chance and blocked off. 4 such tunnels have been found to date, and our guide speculated that there are maybe 15 more. Anyway, there were several monuments to the US soldiers that died during the Korean conflict, one of which Laura and I posed in front of.
The next picture is as close as you can get to taking a picture of North Korea. I stood behind a line and held my camera up as high as I could reach. It is hazy, but those mountains in the distance are part of North Korea.
Laura posed between two South Korean soldiers for the next picture, which was taken at the "last station", the end of the train line.
After the tour, we headed to Itaewon, which was a shopping district that focused mainly on clothes and leather goods. We had fun going in and out of some souvenir shops and along the way ended up talking to four Americans (separately) that we met. What was funny is that they happened to be from Minnesota. There must be some Minnesota-Seoul pipeline that we don't know about.
The bottom photo was taken in front of a park in Itaewon. The fall colors are really out here, especially the Japanese red maple trees. This is the peak tourism season here from what we have heard.
We are planning to go to one of the royal palaces and the art district tomorrow to kill time before we get to go and pick up Owen (which will be at 3pm). That should be an exciting and emotional time for us and his foster family alike.
We are planning to go to one of the royal palaces and the art district tomorrow to kill time before we get to go and pick up Owen (which will be at 3pm). That should be an exciting and emotional time for us and his foster family alike.
3 comments:
You are very patient being so close to Owen but not having him! I am thinking about you all the time. Enjoy your time together. Love, B
The pictures and information are wonderful! We're glad the two of you are having some time alone together and getting to take in some sights. Laura, I'm going to start reading Lost and Found and am taking Hunting and Gathering with me tomorrow when I leave for Savannah. I also just picked up Run by Ann Patchett at the library. So much awesome stuff to read...so little time. We will be sending all our thoughts, prayers, and energy to you guys and the foster parents (God bless them!) as you make the "exchange" with your amazing son!!!!
The leaves are so beautiful there. What a great time of year to travel! Save some nice weather for us when we travel! Tomorrow is the big day to get Owen!!!!!
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