Rainy Days, Sunny Days, and Farewells

On Friday, even though it was rainy outside, we were able to enjoy a few indoor activities. First, we went to the Character Fair in Seoul. It's been Kariann's dream to have her picture taken with Hello Kitty and it finally came true!! At this fair, many different animators come and show off their characters and products. Many children were lined up to see a character named Miffy. There were a few booths set up to purchase things, and a few things handed out for free. It was an interesting experience.









After the Character Fair, we had lunch and then rode the subway to a different part of Seoul. The kids seem to adapt to city life rather well!
We got off the subway at the complex that houses Lotte World. This is a Disneyland-type amusement park with an international theme. I didn't get very many pictures of the kids-once we went inside they were off doing their own thing until we met for dinner. Several of the kids got good pictures and I'm looking forward to seeing them.

On Saturday and Sunday, we were on our own with our host families. I had the opportunity on Saturday to see a part of Seoul I had never seen before. It is near a university popular for its art program. The young people were dressed very trendy and the shops were fun. We were able to go to a Flea Market and purchase some very cool hand-made items. This photo is of a couple of the local artists.

On Sunday, I went to the neighboring city of Anyang to the Art Walk. Basically it is a very pretty river with a board walk up and down it. Along the way, there are interesting sculptures and other pieces of art. It was fun to see the families out enjoying the day.

On Sunday evening, I was treated to a wonderful home-cooked meal at the home of a family who has been involved with our program on the Gunpo side for several years now. Their daughter, Eun byol, hosted my daughter four years ago. This summer, Eun byol will finally get to visit Grant County!

On Monday morning, we had the opportunity to visit a Buddhist temple in Seoul. Here, the Monk talked to the kids about how powerful the mind is and how important it is that we take the time to clear our minds and think. He was very interesting to listen to and asked a lot of interesting questions of the kids.

After our visit at the temple, we visited a famous and popular shopping district in Seoul called Insadong. This street is famous for art work. The kids had a lot of fun shopping and seeing the sights.

Tuesday brought us the hottest weather we have had so far. We began the day visiting Hansei University located here in Gunpo. We were welcomed warmly by the president of the university, Kim Sunghae Cho. During our tour we learned that Hansei is well known in South Korea for its design programs. The leaders of our tour encouraged any and all students from Grant County to consider attending Hansei University.

In the afternoon we visited a very famous Folk Museum in Yongin (near Gunpo). Different homes and other buildings from around Korea were brought here to be preserved and enjoyed. The kids loved the crime and punishment portion of the museum.

This has to be the BIGGEST and UGLIEST bug I have ever seen in my whole life. I just had to share it! It's a little over an inch long in length and I'm glad my camera has a zoom lens because I sure didn't want to get any closer to it!

This evening was our farewell dinner with Mayor Ro. It was a very fun evening for all. The festivities were a little different than in the past with all of the families of the Gunpo students in attendance as well as "Mrs. Mayor". Gifts were exchanged, speeches were given, and many, many pictures were taken. The kids had a wonderful time!

Tomorrow was supposed to be our travel day, but instead Lynette is calling it our "found day". We are probably going in to Seoul to see the National Art Museum and maybe a little shopping. It's supposed to rain, so our plans may change. When we get back to Gunpo we are going to go to Karioke as a group and have a little fun. We will see everyone on the 31st at Seatac!

A Busy Couple of Days...

We've had a lot going on the last couple of days. I'm sorry this post is late-sometimes I just have to go to bed!!

I have been so proud of our kids. They are behaving very well and are enjoying their daily schedules.

Yesterday, Wednesday, we went to the Gyeonbok Palace in Seoul. It is know as the main palace for the King and Queen and their family. The original palace was built over 600 years ago. The kids marveled at the beautifully painted building, the furnishings, and the very short doorways!

After a wonderful lunch of bibim bap, we went to the Seoul National Folk Museum. Before our schedule started, we had a little fun in front of the museum!

Our first activity at the museum was to learn traditional Korean Mask Dancing. The kids were really good sports and had a lot of fun. Taking this video was difficult because I was laughing so hard!

After dancing, we went to another part of the museum for traditional Korean paper crafts. The students will all have something nice to bring home to their families!! We've all grown since preschool and all of our items actually look like they are supposed to!

Today, we started with a trip to the Gunpo City Waste Incineration facility. It was very interesting. The guide showed us how through a large recycling program and the incineration plant, they are able to greatly reduce the amount of waste that goes into their landfills. This huge facility runs with only 44 employees and their emissions are well below government limits.








After lunch in Seoul, we enjoyed a little shopping time. Here you see Courtney and a new shrimpy friend she made during lunch (eyes and all!). While shopping, we saw a famous Korean celebrity doing an appearance at Dunkin Donuts.







After shopping, we traveled to the Blue House. This is where the president of Korea lives and works, exactly like the American White House. The grounds here are absolutely stunning. The tour guide shared with us the place where the first Blue House stood and was torn down after the Japanese occupied it, the feeling being that the Japanese ruined the spirit of the place. We were not allowed to take very many photographs, but you'll enjoy seeing us with our umbrellas!!