Day two

Today was a very big, long day. We had another early start as Grayson woke up at 5:30 ready to go. We stayed in the room for a while and then let him go to the playground across the street. I took advantage of a quiet, empty room to get all of our gifts wrapped and organized. This took a bit of time, but they are done and will leave us quite a bit of room to take back extra things.



We had our city tour today. This is something that is offered to all traveling families through the agency and we wanted to take advantage of it. The tour guides are volunteers and are often college students. Our guide met us at our hotel this morning and we took off. She had part of a plan and we had some places we wanted her to show us. Our first stop was Gyeongbokgong Palace. It was originally Built in 1394 and housed the kings from the Joseon Dynasty.






The architecture and design are very much influenced by the palaces in China; very detailed and beautiful.


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Our tour guide, Rachel. She told us first thing this morning that we were her first tour with foreigners and she was nervous. Her English was very good and easy to understand and she did a great job.


On the grounds of the palace is the national Korean folk museum and it was free to go through. As we walked up to it, there was a band playing. They were very good and it was fun to hear the traditional Korean instruments.


Inside the folk museum is the Children's Museum. I had heard good reviews about this place, but didn't have it on my list. Glad we made the extra stop though. Grayson enjoyed it.



The next king?


We spent all morning at the palace and museums and were ready for lunch when we were done. We made one quick stop into a bookstore I had heard was good and then decided it was so good we would have to come back when we were fed and had more time. Rachel chose a great traditional Korean restaurant for us. The food was delicious. During lunch, Rachel gave us a gift for being her first foreign tour group. It was a very nice cd of a popular Korean violist who now plays in NY. We had her a gift as well.



After lunch we headed to Insadong, the most famous shopping market in seoul (for tourists of course). I was on the hunt for several specific items. We had name chops made for both boys as this is very popular here. They both turned out fabulously. We also bought traditional Korean wedding ducks. Will have to show and talk about those later.



After a little bit of shopping, we decided it would be best if we came back to the hotel and let grayson out of the carrier. Being in it all day is tough. Rachel was a fabulous tour guide.



It was such a long day without a nap for anyone that we just decided to stay in and play around the hotel tonight. Early to bed for us tonight. Tomorrow is another big day!

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