Day 2

We had a very busy day today traveling to and around the DMZ. The kids all learned a great deal about this important part of Korean history.

Along the way we met interesting people and saw interesting things.


Michael met a man who enthusiastically told him all about the significance of the symbols on the South Korean flag. I didn't get to hear all of it, so I hope Michael will share what he learned with us.


It was very interesting to travel into the countryside of Korea. We saw many different beautiful flowers and birds. The area heading into the DMZ is also very agricultural and we saw many very lush, green farms. South Korea prides itself on all of its greenery.


This is a photo taken from one of the observation points at Camp Bonafus looking into North Korea. It shows what is commonly called Propoganda City. It is actually void of people, but the North really wants it to look inviting for anyone who would like to live there.


At the end of our tour we gathered for a final group picture. In the background is North Korea. Behind the kids, hidden in the trees, is the building in which the cease-fire agreement was signed. That building now houses the North Korean Peace Museum. Ironically, inside the museum are the axes used in the infamous axe murders in 1976-an incident in which two U.S. military men were killed while trying to trim branches from a poplar tree that was blocking the view into North Korea.

Lunch today was interesting. There was no meat (except for some tiny anchovies!). We were served many different types of tofu dishes and other soy bean based foods. The area we were traveling through is apparently famous for their soy bean products. Delicious!