Around the World Adventures!: 7th May, Thursday

I woke up this morning not knowing the Taz had already woken up. She went and took her shower with all the other ladies. I just woke up and got ready. Sadly, my phone did not get charged. Nor does it work here; no service. So of we went.

We first stored our bags at the subway and then started on our adventure. First stop- breakfast. It was interesting trying to order food and try to explain that I could not have milk. I got the teriyaki chicken wrap with juice. The juice here is like a smoothie. I had to ask them to not put milk in it. Luckily, I lived. We went onwards and saw a cute museum and decided eh, let’s check it out: The rice museum. No English subtitles nor English options!!! I did lose Taz here- she just disappeared. I even checked upstairs, nada! I finally found her. And despite no English, we still enjoyed. The Agriculture Museum of Korea was not on our tour but we took pictures from the outside. We proceeded to Gyeonghuigung Palace.   Taz got a cut while we went through the garden. We got to the palace and while the people at the gate did not understand nor speak English, we could still communicate. It was quite clear that they thought she was extremely hurt-not really. The nice thing about this palace was that everything was quiet; we had the place to ourselves. I thought this was the tkd place, but I was wrong; that is actually near Kukkiwon.

Everyone who doesn't understand English or wants to say "No" just made an X with their hands. We continued after this museum to take pictures at the Seoul Museum of History- yet again from the outside.

Gwanghawamun Square/Plaza was so cool.    Underneath the statue was a museum on King Sejong the Great. Normally, the 1st child of the king continues the reign, but the King chose King Sejong (the 3rd child) because he thought him to be wise and fair. This man believed that his people were heaven and earth and that all he does must be because of them. He learned that the people were illiterate so he created a scientific language to help his people be able to better communicate their thoughts and feelings- the Korean language. The language, before the Korean language was Chinese. Chinese and was only taught to the elite.

He also had a sundial created and military machinery. People loved him because they knew that they were the focus. He went blind and continued to create the language. We then saw his palace among others. It was so cool because there were people who re-enacted what it would be like to have guards marching, etc. It was a never ending maze of Palaces and their rooms, dining rooms, halls, etc... We went in this order for the palaces, and each one took us further from the noise of the city to the peacefulness of gardens and mountains.

  Gwanghwamun Gate,Geunjeongjeon Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheong wa dae Sarangchae

We then detoured to the National Folk Museum of Korea. We didn't go in, but they had an area to show kids, and of course Taz and I are the biggest kids, so onward to fun times and pictures. It was neat.

We went to Insa-dong for lunch at 1430.  Breakfast was at 10. This area is an antique like area. Similar to Old Town, Alexandria. We went into boutiques but didn't buy anything. We found a tea place but she wouldn't let us share our pot of tea....so we left. We finally found a place that was open and serving lunch at a decent price. Taz couldn't figure out the way to get into the restaurant and we were about to leave, but I saw two people in there. So, I went back and analyzed the door which had what looked like a button. (I love taking things apart and analyzing-I’m too inquisitive).   I pushed the button, and voila, entry! The guy was nice and spoke English. I had a yummy dish, minus the 5 flavored tea.... not good, never ever ever again. When the guy left, man, language barrier again. But, we managed to get our cold water and pay.

We proceeded to Changdeokgung Palace but it was closed for the day. We found another entrance, and tried to make our way in, but we were stopped. So we walked around aimlessly, and found Mahabodhi a Buddhist Temple. We also chilled at Tapgol Park, where some martial artists were just finishing class. We stopped at a cafe and did some research for tomorrow. We decided to get our bags, go to our hotel, and then meet the boys from yesterday. We were all good and dandy, we get of the subway and go in the direction of the hotel as we saw it from the subway...but we were wrong.   We continued because it would have been pointless to turn around. We went to the boy's hotel and hung out and exchanged our adventures. I asked Anthony ( a receptionist) for help with finding a dobak. He will let Andrew know, who will email us. I still researched on my own, and found some places. We are adding Kukiwon tomorrow hopefully. Anthony got his 1st dan in the military. Very nice guy; working at the hotel for 6 months now!

Andrew wanted a late night snack, but sadly nothing was open. So, we parted ways.   As, I had thought the subway was closed. So we hailed down a taxi, and Taz tried to show him our picture of the map, but he didn't get it, but finally we showed him something he understood.... he still took us to the wrong hotel, but given that it was 1:30 AM, we let it go and are staying at the Chocolate Hotel which has a wooden bath that you can fill up like a bubble bath. And, it has a computer!! We can't wear our shoes in the bedroom, so we were given slippers. Everything in the fridge is free!!!!! I was hungry, no dinner, so I ate my protein bar, updated this lovely thing, finally charged my camera and phone and such! And now, I'm going to hit the bed.

Till tomorrow!!!