Exploring Busan

Yesterday, after a late breakfast we split up to check out different places in Busan. Bryan and I went to hike Dongbaek Park while Bonnie, Jennifer, Amelia and Emma went to the Busan Aquarium.

 

 

 



Rail to Busan

Today we took the high speed KTX train to Busan. It was a very smooth comfortable ride that took us from Seoul to Busan in a few hours. I wish airline seats were as spacious and comfortable as on this train.

Even though clouds threatened rain, it was still beautiful weather in Busan.



 After checking with the Tourist Information office for local maps and info we went for a walk. We found a traditional Korean market street for some shopping. Being a coastal city, a lot of fresh seafood available.

Seoul Grand Park Zoo Animals

Here are more pics of the zoo animals.

Seoul Grand Park

Yesterday we met with our good friend Joanna. She is staying in Seoul visiting friends and training in taekwondo. We know her from Cole's Taekwondo back home. she joined us today for an excursion to Seoul Grand Park to visit the zoo. Weather forecast was for rain, but we are prepared. With umbrellas in hand we went to explore a zoo with very few other visitor. The only other visitors were small groups of hikers. There was a dolphin show that was a private show for us since there were no one else there. Korean children are still in school. Between that and a rainy day, we are the few who came to see the show. During the show Joanna was asked to volunteer to touch the dolphins.

 

Seoul Pub

No visit to Itaewon would be complete without a visit to the Seoul Pub. In the early afternoon we beat the crowds that usually frequent this establishment. And one can get a glass of milk without a second glance from other patrons.

Special Day

Monday was the day we went to meet the foster parents of our children. We took a taxi to Korean Social Services, a trip Bonnie Jennifer and I were familiar with from escorting. Our children were only six months old the last time they were here. The foster parents were very excited to see how the babies they cared for are growing up.

It was a pleasure to see Ms. Lee and Mrs. Kim from KSS. They arranged this meeting and interpreted so the children could meet and speak with the foster parents.

Return to Jonny Dumpling

We decided to give Jonny Dumpling another try for dinner. The restaurant behind the hotel was full. So was the restaurant in the alley across from hotel. As we stood outside deciding wether to wait or go elsewhere, Jonny, the owner walked up. He told us about his third restaurant around the corner and across the street. It is on the second floor and has more tables. We got a table there and enjoyed some egg&vegetable and some pork dumplings.