Once again, the #1 son
is overseas and we plan a visit. It's a long way to go and I got the
arrival day mixed up. Upon arrival in Tokyo we must sit on the plane
with shades closed while people in paper hazmat suits come on board
and take the ambient temperature. It is the height of the SARS
epidemic. We are given a bright yellow paper and allowed to proceed.
We run like crazy to try and catch the last flight to SEOUL, pleading
to be let on when we are told there will not be a meal for us.
Finally we arrive in the Republic of Korea.
The bus let us off right across the street from our hotel in the
Itaewon area. The kid has class so we meet
up with him later that night. The hotel is worn. The carpets
stained, the wallpaper peeling and the “complimentary slippers”
are well, well worn. They get kicked under the bed.
It is pouring the next
morning. A good day for the Korean War Museum. Things we both find
interesting. I have more fun looking for English translation signs
with bad grammar. This would be a good job for me. Later we wander
the streets with the kid in search of dinner. Cass beer is mild but
every table in this restaurant has cooled beer holders so your drink
never gets warm. I LOVE it!
The streets are clean
and there are public toilets everywhere inside buildings, with signs
to tell you. This is my first trip to Asia and I love the bustle and
sights.
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| Child's public toilet. |
Day two we are off
early on a tour to the the DMZ and Panmunjom
where there is a collection of blue UN buildings. In the main
conference room mikes on the tables constantly record everything
said. You are allowed to straddle the ceasefire line. This is the
only place where you can safely walk into North Korea. South Korean
soldiers stand guard inside and out in a modified tae-kwondo stance.
Outside you can see these soldiers standing half hidden by the
building. We are told it is harder to be a target when only half
exposed.
Only
44km (27 miles) from Seoul,
the tunnel was discovered in October 1978. It runs through bedrock
about 73m (240ft) below ground. It is apparently designed for a
surprise attack on Seoul from North Korea, and can easily accommodate
30,000 men per hour along with light weaponry.
(http://en.wikipedia.org)
I can officially say
that I have been to “North Korea” after walking around the table
that spans both countries. Beauty and danger are mixed in this
historic setting. Despite its name, the DMZ separating the two
Koreas, which remain technically at war, is one of the world's most
heavily militarized frontiers, bristling with watchtowers and
landmines.
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| The DMZ |
 Half visible = less target.
| ||||||||||
Another evening spent
wandering and finding eats.
Next day we head to Yongsan Electronics
Market and Namdaemun Market. You name it, and there is a market or a
street filled with items. Electronics. Sewing notions. Quilts and
table cloths. My men are entranced in the tool shops. 
 | |
| Anything you could possibly want. |
We finish the day at
Seoul Tower. We wander and people-watch. Interesting artwork above
us. The “Locks of Love” area (similar the one recently taken
down in Paris) make me wish I had a lock of my own to place there.
Kid and I share a cotton candy and man has his picture taken by young
local girls. He says they think he is Clint Eastwood. ;-)
 |
| the King's room |
The nexy day kid drops us off at the
Gyeongbokgung Palace. This was the main royal palace of the Joseon
dynasty, built in 1395. Beautiful and colorful architecture inside
and out. Costumed King and Queen parade about.
Burgers at the roof top Beer
Garden for dinner
Next day Seodaemun
Prison. This place gives me the creeps. Sound track moans and
screams while families with small children walk about, the children
trying out the various torture chambers. I sit on the “death seat”
in front of my jury. Yes it moved. Yes I screamed.
One last dinner with the kid and we are headed home again.
