More With Mike

"One museum a day", became Michael's motto, as I dragged him around Seoul to see one thing after another.  "I can only 'see' so many things before I need to get out and 'do' something."

We saw the changing of the guard at Deoksugung Palace

The Seoul Museum of History

 Gyeonghuigung Palace

Another Art Museum

 The War Museum and a Body Worlds Exhibit (no cameras allowed).

 Of course, I had to bribe Michael along with lots of good food and treats!

We took Bob with us to the Lantern Parade held in celebration of Buddha's Birthday.

And FINALLY, we got to "do" something!  We went on an amazing 5-hour hike to the second highest peak on Bukhansan Mountain just north of Seoul.  It was a strenuous, but beautiful hike with many sites to see along the way.  The trail started out lined with colorful lanterns until we reached an exercise plateau.  We visited a small Buddhist Temple where the Monk pointed out the elephant rock on the mountain.  Passing through fortress gates opened up tremendous views of the ancient wall around the city. With the help of ropes, we climbed some amazing boulders and took in breathtaking views of the city and it's surrounding mountains.  Michael scaled the very top boulders!

  

The descent was equally challenging, taking us down some pretty steep trails.  However, with blisters and sweat as my reward, I was looking forward to my next hike.  This was really an awesome thing to DO.

Along the way, we spotted the highest peak on the mountain - to be conquered when the rest of the family arrives!

Michael Arrives!

Friday night Michael arrived is Seoul with nothing but a bag on his shoulder.  His initial flight to San Francisco was delayed, which meant he had to sprint through the airport with just 30 minutes before take off on Singapore Airlines to Seoul.  After being rushed through ticket processing and security, and scrambling to repack the contents of his spilt backpack - all the while being paged for final boarding - he collapsed into a sweaty heap for the 16-hour flight.  His luggage did not keep up with him!  We picked up Ben from the bus terminal on our way home from the airport.

On Saturday morning, Bob, Stephanie, Ben and I joined Michael, who was arrayed in his father's "loose fit" Sunday clothing, as we headed to the Seoul Temple for Michael to receive his endowment.  It was our District Temple Day, so the sessions would be in English. Bob and I were called to serve as ordinance workers a couple of months previous, but today we attended as Michael's escorts.  What a special day it was!  Although there was confusion and lack of organization at the temple, we were blessed with some very tender spiritual moments together.

Sunday was spent at church, followed by a drive to Geoge, where Michael and I hung out for a couple of days to help take care of Emma while Stephanie was on bedrest recovering from a medical procedure needed for her pregnancy.  Grandma got to take Emma to a birthday party!

In the meantime, Michael was finding his own fun on the Island.

The Port and Shipyard

Interesting Food at the Market



 Exercise Equipment at the Park

Korean Barbeque and Indian Cuisine

Then Michael and I rode the bus back to Seoul and spent a couple of days previewing Namdaemun Market, exploring a special exhibit at the Museum of Art, and finding unique sculptures on the streets of Seoul.

Anticipation

Stephanie and Emma drove up to our home in anticipation of Michael's arrival in Seoul a few days later.  All four of us were able to spend a little "girl time" out on the town.

Fun in the Fountains

Creativity at Seoul Children's Museum

 Did I say "four" of us girls?  Yep, Emma has a little sister on the way.  According to Emma, little "Mittens" is due to arrive around the first of November!