So, we've been keeping BUSY and I mean BUSY the last couple days. We have an opportunity to learn as much about our son's culture and homeland as possible and I don't want to miss a thing! Yesterday, we were invited to have lunch at the adoption agency and meet with the director. We were joined by 8 other couples who are meeting their babies this week and traveling home in the next couple days. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip so far - it was so nice to see share stories of their adoptions and meetings with their children. One of the parents came to the meeting right after meeting their son for the first time. They looked ecstatic and completely emotionally drained - I could completely relate. We were served a delicious Korean style lunch after the meeting and got to meet the staff at the agency.
We spent the rest of the day exploring Seoul. We decided we were done with taxi's, since the traffic is so bad here, and a taxi ride can be ridiculously long. Instead, we ventured underground and quickly learned the ropes of the Seoul Metro subway. Considering Seoul is considered the 2nd largest city in the world, we weren't sure how we'd do. By evening, we were doing fine right in the thick of commuter rush hour - just about needed a rope to keep us together though! I think we could explore this city for weeks on end and still never come to the same spot twice. The skyline goes as far as you can see, and packs in 21 million people. Yet, I'm amazed at how remarkably clean and safe this place feels.
We made the trek up to Namsan Mountain and got a great view of Seoul from the North Tower! We came down the hill by cable car, which had us packed in like sardines - and I'm pretty sure was over the weight limit! Not my favorite few minutes. We explored Namdong Market, and had a blast sifting through anything and everything you could think of by street vendors. Underneath the outdoor market, was an underground market just as big. All a great adventure!
Today, we had the opportunity of a lifetime and took a tour up to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which lies between North and South Korea. This is the most heavily fortified border in the world. I have always heard of the DMZ, and have learned quite a bit of history of Korea in the last year - so we couldn't miss the opportunity. The DMZ is a beautiful stretch of land that lies 2 KM and extends as a neutral zone between the North and South borders. Civilians are allowed on the border of the South side and can get a glimpse of the separation that tears this nation apart. One of the parts of the tour was the 3rd Tunnel. About 30 years ago, the South Koreans discovered the N Koreans were digging tunnels underground in an attempt at a surprise attack on Seoul, along with an air attack. The army searched for 3 years, and found 4 tunnels that existed, and could have allowed the North Korean army to reach Seoul in 1 hours time. The tunnels have been discovered, blocked, and the North Koreans denied making them - stating they were made by South Korea to invade the North. We were able to go underground and walk a large section of the tunnel. All camera and bags had to be turned in - there was very strict rules everywhere about photo taking. The tunnel was very eery, and saddening that a country would seek to destroy it's own people.
Afterwards, we were taken to the Doran observatory, which is the only place that civilians can get a glimpse at the border of North Korea. The rules are strict and photos are not allowed after a certain point on the walkway. We were warned that North Korean troops keep a heavy eye on this observatory, and any photos taken at the edge can be misconstrued as a threat. We could see a statue of Kim Jong Il, and Propaganda Village - which looks like a skyline from a distance. It was discovered years ago that it was all fake - like a movie set, in order to give the impression that North Korea is a prosperous and rich land, which is the farthest thing from the truth. I have always been intrigued by North Korea. Seeing firsthand a brief glimpse into the oppression by the barbed wire and heavy military presence is heart breaking to me. This should be ONE country.
The highlight of the tour was the Damseng Station, which is a railway station that is the farthest north that one can travel in South Korea. No one goes any further North. The station is not frequently visited by train, unless it's for purposes of visiting the DMZ. However, the station was built as a symbol for unification in the future. The South Koreans are anxiously awaiting the day they will be one country. This station serves as a symbol of peace, and they plan on making it the FIRST station headed North. It is up, running and ready to provide freedom for Koreans to travel through these borders.
Our tour ended with Freedom Bridge, which carried 12,000 POW's after the Korean War and serves as a memorial and symbol of future peace. The trip was well worth it, and something I'll never forget. It was a bit nerve wracking at times with the heavy military presence, strict polices of photographs and behavior in certain areas, and being within such close proximity to a country that seeks for another's destruction. Nonetheless, I'd do it again - and feel like I've gained some amazingly valuable insight into this land, and people.
We'll have one more day of exploring before we get to see our little man again and finally take him with us! I can't wait to give you an update of our next meeting, and preparations to travel home!! Be blessed!!
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