Hello From Seoul, Korea

This will be quick. I am in Seoul, Korea on a layover taking a half day tour. Free Internet access! Korea is COLD. So far we've been to a famous Buddhist temple, the Bulguska Temple and now we're at a museum honoring Korean movie stars. The picture is with Kwon Sang-woo. I look tired in these pictures and that's because I am. I hope to sleep all the way home so I'll be ready to work tomorrow.

Viet Nam is still in my heart but my mind is half-way home. Seattle, here I come!!

Four hours later, waiting for departure:

Seoul, Korea has the most civilized airport I've ever visited. I am upstairs in the "Rest and Relaxation" area where there is free Internet access, extended lounge chairs for resting, snack bars, news and movie lounge, massage studio and museum available absolutely free. Every where I have gone in this airport from check-in to security to immigration has been simple. There is always an English speaking attendant for questions. I would spend eight hours in this airport without complaining!

My tour of Seoul was interesting although nothing to write home about. It seems in comparison to Saigon that this city is very westernized and sophisticated. I noticed many expensive cars; Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac and even one Rolls Royce. The city is huge and seems to expand forever. Although not as crowded as I recall New York City to be it was no less large.

In addition to visiting the aforementioned temple and museum of Korean stars, we also did some shopping which seemed very dull in comparison to Viet Nam. We were taken to a Korean style barbecue for lunch complete with sitting on the heated floor and enjoying stir fried beef, vegetables and of course, Kim Che (spelling??). It was tasty. Some of the group opted to have sujue, Korean style wine, similar to Sakai but tasted like watered down vodka. I didn't order any but my neighbor did and he gave me a taste. At 18.5% alcohol I'm glad I didn't have an entire bottle. My writing would be even screwy than it already is!

I will be home tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11th. It is already Wednesday, March 11th at 3:04pm. This year's March 11th will be endless for me, something I get to enjoy nearly twice as long!

Once at home I plan to include at least one more blog entry; a postscript to my entire magical journey. I want to write more about my visit with Marjie at the Castle and all her village people I got to enjoy. Marjie was a wonderful hostess to me and I am grateful for her sharing of her experience in Ho Chi Mihn City with me. I don't think I would have seen as much and certainly not eaten as much great food without her help. I want to describe my massage at the Bum Bum because I've never experienced a massage like that, it was one of the best I've ever had as well as one of the most unusual. I also want to touch on some of the memories I will keep forever.