Wow…what a full day! First of all, happy 12 year anniversary to my beautiful wife. I can’t imagine life without her. She is simply amazing!
Gyeongbukgung Palace - Click to Zoom
I’m going to do something a little different today. I’m going to try and make is short on explaining our activities today and post some more photos of our first meeting with Halle. After all, that is why we are here.
So…here is our day in a nutshell….
It was really cold today…high of 39 degrees. We headed out at 8:30am after waking up at 5:30 thanks to Jake’s screwed up sleep schedule. We went to the French Bakery again for coffee and weird pastries (hot dog in a flaky bun, donut twist thing, etc.). After that we headed to the subway and went to
The family with the Palace Guard - Click to Zoom
Gyeongbukgung Palace. This place was originally built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The grounds were massive and the buildings and colors simply amazing. Jake was able to dress up in the traditional palace guard uniform (dress/pajama thing) and everyone was taking photos of him. Again…rock star status for Jake in Seoul.
Jen and Jake at the Palace - Click to Zoom
After the palace, we went into the adjoining museum for coffee and hot cocoa…just to get warm after being in the freezing cold breeze for a couple of hours. We took off on the subway again to go to Insadong Market. A couple of days ago we went to another market (Namdaenum) so I expected this to be much of the same….not so fast bucko! Namdaemun is a lot more rustic. Insadong is more westernized. We found some cool trinkets and had lunch at a place we imagine is more like the Noodles & Company of Seoul. More accessible Korean food for westerners who get freaked out by octopus, squid and unusual pork parts.
Jake and I sampled some street vendor food while Jen search for trinkets to buy. Jake and I then hit an arcade. I love a good arcade. It takes me back to the massive arcade at Valley West Mall in Glendale, AZ in the mid 80′s (I just can’t remember then name of it).
Jake at Insadong Market (Jen is to the left) - Click to Zoom
We headed back to our home away from home after 6 hours of being on the move. We had dinner plans at 6pm with our neighbors, the Petersons. We took a quick cat nap and got ready dinner. I convinced everyone that we needed to go to one of the restaurants that let you grill your own meat in the middle of the table. After checking out several of these places near Hongik University we settled on one place that had an equal balance of people, cleanliness and hot coals vs. propane in the table. We had a great meal and Jake did great putting up with boring adult conversation. We really enjoyed our time with the Petersons and we look forward to seeing them more after we get home.
We are now back in our room and getting ready for bed. Our last full day is tomorrow…and best of all, we get more time with Halle at 3pm.
And now…more photos…
Halle - Click to Zoom
Halle - Click to Zoom
Halle - Click to Zoom
Halle - Click to Zoom
Halle - Click to Zoom
Halle - Click to Zoom
Halle - Click to Zoom
The Palace is BEAUTIFUL!!! I’m glad you didn’t eat any more scary pork parts!!
And thanks for more pix of Halle, tomorrow at 3 will come faster than you know! It’s almost Tuesday, and she will be in your arms for good. Halle’s cousins are dying to play with her, and so is her new aunt!!! Love you guys, keep the blog rolling!!! XOXO from Georgia!!
What an amazing adventure!
Wow! What an incredible journey this is! I feel so blessed to be a part of this huge milestone in your lives! I love you guys so much! Love, Kristen
What an amazing job you are doing with the blog – I really feel that I am getting to experience everything with you and of course the best part is getting more pictures of our little doll. Wouldn’t it be great if she realized what an outpouring of love and welcoming is coming to Korea from all your family and friends – so much love!! Gives me goosebumps. Today will be a very special day for you and I know that you can’t wait for Tuesday.I anxiously await pictures of Monday’s meeting with Halle.
I am so glad that you had such a great anniversary !! Love, Mom
Lucy is being a good girl. We are counting her calorie intake very carefully. She is walked frequently during the day and sleeps next to Dick on the floor at night. She sits next to the computer as I read your blogs to her. She enjoys them as much as we do
;) A Belated Happy Anniversary to you both. A safe journey home.
Hi Clay and Jenny (and Jake),
Happy Anniversary on Central Standard Time in the U.S.
It is 3:20 a.m. on the l5th, Sunday here.
I took my “brag book pictures” to church this morning and my friends got to see Jake, Halle, Clay and Jenny. Everyone is so
excited for you, just like we are. I’m already counting down the
clock and it is only 9l/2 hours until you get Halle “for the rest of
your lives”. I can’t wait and I certainly know you three can’t wait. She looks like such a happy baby. The foster Mom must have done a wonderful job with her just like you will.
Jen, I hope you can find a little hat for her like the one she had on. I’ve never seen anything like that before. So cute!
I will be counting down for the rest of the day and know that tomorrow will be such an exciting day. Tuesday is going to be here before you know it. Love you all “bunches and bunches”.
I know when I’m writing this you three are sleeping since it it
5:30 a.m. on Monday there already. JUST THINK! TOMORROW YOU WILL ALL BE BACK HOME WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR! Can’t wait for that plane to get it. You know I will be there early, early!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
Mom and Jack
How is the Kimchi? Baby looks cute. REminds Annie so much of her baby pictures.
Congratulations!!!
She is really cute….So is Jacob.
We (Mary, Rich & Mark) enjoyed looking at the pictures….
Can’t wait to see her….
You all look good.
Take care,
Mary