Our last full day - and what a day it was

Tuesday was a wonderfully tiring day. We criss-crossed Seoul and ventured into areas we had never experienced before.


OK, we did hit up Itaewon once again to get one last name scroll from this incredible artist - and it was worth the trip.  When things settle down, I'll add photos of the artist at work and showing off the scroll he made for Ella (Hee Ra) - with an image for "Happiness" up at the top.  He was absolutely incredible to watch and had a personality to match.


Our next stop was recommended to us by my friend Brian Song, a native of Korea.  He said we HAD to visit the COEX Center to see their amazing aquarium and one of the largest shopping malls ever.  The Korean people love to shop and there are malls within malls showcasing the latest luxury goods, Western clothes, electronics and more.   The aquarium was amazing and had the most unique aquarium displays - coke machines, fire extinguishers, refrigerators and even a toilet.  My personal favorite, the (actual) vending machines selling bottles of Pocari Sweat.  Yes, thank you, I'd love to purchase a bottle of sweat for 2000 won.  (Note: the humidity and heat has been oppressive.  I have never sweated  glistened glowed as much as I have on this trip)


After COEX, we trekked to this HUGE Buddhist temple and walked around the grounds to admired the architecture.  


Amy wanted to visit a fish market so we flagged down a cab and finally got one to take us.  We *thought* he knew where he was going since he said it was right by the World Cup Stadium, but after crossing a few bridges, hearing him say "Mapo Pfish Market" on the phone numerous times - and he finally handed me the phone where an interpreter confirmed that we were headed for the Mapo Fish Market.  30 minutes and 20,000 won later, we had arrived.  At least we were in air conditioning and got to cool off for a spell.


The fish market was very cool. So many different types of fish for sale. Dried fish, live fish, squid, and rays.  There was an entire agricultural market as well, so we could see the spices, noodles, everything used in daily cooking.  We hit up a grocery store there and bought some spices and snacks for the kiddos so they'll have some comfort food when they get home.


We finally headed back to the hotel to freshen up (again) and then have dinner before heading out to Namdaeum Market.  We successfully maneuvered the subway system only to realize we had gone back to Dongdaeum by mistake.  Bunny Mumbles.   So we grabbed a cab and wandered around the massive outdoor market place for a few hours before heading home to start getting ready for tomorrow's adventure.  We had one of the best cab drivers tonight - he spoke great English, but sadly not until we were in eyesight of the hotel.  He asked if we were on tour (no, adopting), asked where we were from -- United States of America -- Oh yeah! (with fist pump) ... That is your hotel? Oh. My. Goodness -- just a steady stream of excited conversation.  Then, when I paid and told him to keep the change (tipping isn't expected, but we love doing it here) -- he said "Ahh, Oh, Oh My! Thank You" and as we got out of the cab, he shouted out "See Ya"!!  I wish I had thought to ask him if he could be out driver to the airport tomorrow.  That would have been a hoot.


It is hard to believe our time in Seoul is coming to an end and in a few short hours, we will be getting everything packed up and heading to the airport where the next phase of our journey will begin with our children.  Seoul has been an incredible place to visit and I have grown to love the people and the culture -- and an thankful to have shared it with Amy.


The journey continues...