March 2, 2008

Today was tour the city day. We were picked up at Eastern by Jenny, a wonderful English speaking guide who was recommended to us by my adoptive friend Erica (thanks so much, she was wonderful!) We first visited a special stream that was at one time covered up (it runs through the middle of the city), but is now exposed and used for anyone in the summer to cool off. We were then off to visit a Buddhist Temple. This was amazing. It was on Sunday so we are not sure if that is why there were so many people in the temple doing a variety of things. Everyone was on the cloth mat on the floor, VERY close to each other, some chanting, some mumbling and/or moaning (but not in pain), some holding a rosary (or something similar) many doing a type of standing/sitting/bowing routine, and almost everyone in their "own world" praying. (I don’t mean to offend anyone who follows this religion by my explanation). There were all facing 3 HUGE gold Buddhas in the front of the temple. There were also gifts of water, rice, fruit and flowers around the room. On the ceiling were thousands (I am guessing) of little lanterns that anyone can pay $170.00 for a year and the monks will pray for you each day for 1 year. Overall, a humbling and amazing thing to see.

After that we went to a palace; it is considered the 2nd palace because it was only built because the first one was burnt down. It is very interesting how the Korean people use 5 colors to symbolize everything in their buildings, decorations, and dress. Those colors are black, white, red, yellow and blue. After the first palace we stopped in an Amythest shop and watched jewelers create jewelry (no I didn’t but any), but did learn that Korea has some of the most prized amethyst. We then ate a traditional Korean lunch; I had Bebimbop (spelling might be off), and it is a rice bowl with different shredded vegetables, rice and a little meat in a steaming stone bowl. On the top they crack a raw egg and you stir it quickly. The hot bowl cooks the egg and then you eat it--delicious! Jeff had Bulgogi and liked it a lot (it was much better than what I made at home.) We then toured a 2nd Palace, the Secret Garden Palace, and it was more beautiful than the first one. There were actually royalty living there up until 1989, and it covers 180 acres of land, literally in the middle of town. We then visited 2 markets, and Jeff was in his glory. He found a chicken barbecue on a stick that must have been 12" long, and was it SPICY! We bought some wonderful souvenirs and I bought a small jade Buddha. We also bought Kayli a Hanbok, a traditional Korean outfit, very colorful and bright. Boys, we also found a couple of neat items for you, but you will have to wait till we are home to know what they are :)

We ended our day holding babies again. I had a little guy who was SO alert and wiggly, but they sure love it when you talk and coo to them. Jeff is a master at that and has them all cooing/singing right away. For dinner we made some traditional dumplings that were great in the kitchen at Eastern.

I have now passed 4 different pregnant girls in the halls and am surprised that none of them speak to me. I always say "hi" but do not get a response, but they do like to stare at us. We learned today that beginning in elementary school all children are required to take English classes, but most of the girls feel they will make a mistake so are afraid to talk and practice, where the boys are more eager.

Tomorrow, Monday, we will try to speak to our Social Worker, Mrs. Sung and ask if we can get Kayli in the afternoon and keep her overnight. I was told if we do, to not expect to sleep since they would not have a crib for us to use. She also doesn’t sleep in a crib at the foster home, just on a futon with the foster mother. So to think about having a 9 month old crawling around our hotel room is not good, so I know I will not be sleeping if we get her.

Evan and Trenton, we are anxious to come home. We miss you and it is very hard to not be able to speak to you. Listen good to Grandma please.

Love, Mom and Dad

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