We met up with home-stay family for a bit who showed us around more. It was a hot day (around the 30C). They bought Alex a tradition loose Korean outfit, and a friendship ring with the names of their kids engraved on it and sais that they will always remenber Alex! I took them out for dinner because they have been so good to us. I have told them that our house will always be open to them.
We also met up with Derek (father of a family living in Seoul for 6 months) and got (and payed close to 40000 won cash for) Tony's pendant with Dad in hangul on it. Will have to find a bank now to cash more money. I will try to do my best to get a hanbok for Julie, but still have to work on my shopping list for the first time and given only so much time on this very buys trip (plus need time to pack with all the extras Alex has received!).
I have to sign off quickly. Love, Alex and Willem
ADDENDUM:
Alex, Mrs. Kim (home-stay mother), and I went to the same "Old Teahouse" that we had been in back in 2004 - Alex liked it! (Note from Mom: This teahouse had live birds flying through the woodsy decorated room and a pedestal, birdbath-like fish bowl with goldfish in it in the bathroom - also the first toilet I encountered with all the buttons that had me worried as to how I was going to use it until I saw a regular flush handle!;)
The dinner we had consisted of some style of thick BBQ bacon (Note from Mom: Just what you need!;)
Mom with tears in her eyes... Photo makes me MISS YOU SO MUCH, or maybe it's knowing you will be home soon and I can squeeze you, and smell you, look into your eyes, and hear your laugh.
ReplyDeleteI also feel sad that your journey is approaching its end - but know its memories and impact on you will last forever.
I wrote an e-mail to Shin family to thank them (now will have to thank them again for another outfit and very sentimental ring!). Included some baby and every birthday photos of Alex! Next will send some goofier photos of the both of you!(They don't know what's coming with me and photos!;)
2 more sleeps... LOVE YOU! Mom and Derek
What a great picture of the two of you - and what a trip this has been! I can't wait to hear about it all in more detail (BBQ perhaps???) and see lots of pictures.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about hanbok for our Alex... relax, have fun and get all of the things you need to remember this amazing trip!
Julie
Mom sees that you are wearing new clothes, Alex!I hear home-stay mother is dressing you up with gifts!
ReplyDeleteWow! Now that's bacon - you, Alex, who loves it so much must have felt like you were in heaven!
You too, Willem, and by the amount of fat I see on those slabs, you'll get there sooner - unless kimchie has some kind of counter-effect?;)
Mom is really missing you...!