We woke up SUPER early to go a few hours out of the city to visit Jack Cruz's birth city.
We had to go {up} these two flights of stairs. Never more have I felt more like a samon swimming upstream.
We took the Korail a looooong way out.
On the outskirts of Jack Cruz's beautiful city is Nami Island. We hopped on a ferry with another handful of people and rode about 5 minutes over to the island.
It was absolutely gorgeous and amazing and I cannot wait to get big girl camera photos loaded once we're home. Since we arrived super early, there was hardly anyone else on the island and it was super breezy and cool. So peaceful. At about 11:00 when we were heading our people started coming in in DROVES. So if you're gonna go- go super early!
Obligatory kissy pic. (And yes we both look like silly fish bc we were trying not to laughs!). If you're a KDrama fan, this is where the two main characters share their first kiss in Winter Sonata.
Smooch.
I loved all the sweet little walkways. I bet this one is beautiful at night! (This was taken as we were leaving. I'm so glad to have several shots on my camera with no other people in them.)
These Lily pads and blooms were ENORMOUS. They were each between 2-3 feet high and about 8 inches in diameter.
And then after all the serenity amongst the island there's...this.
And if you guessed that it is a representation of two Chinese rivers and how they 'feed' the land around them, then you would be correct! Go you!!
And this is where it gets really interesting. I wish I had more cell pics but I took so many on my real camera that I didn't really have time to snap with this too.
We took the train further out into the heart of Chuncheon City and then hopped into a cab and asked him to take us to the best Dakgalbi place he knew. And this is where we ended up. And when I say we landed in the middle of 'no English', I'm exaggerating none.
But, a few laughs later, and we'd managed to order the famous Chuncheon City Dakgalbi- a spicy grilled chicken dish.
They dressed us in aprons and we were ready to dig in.
Justin devoured 3/4 of it, while kitty and I shared the rest. ;)
This cat was so sweet and cute. I named it Galbi. If it wasn't for knowing it'd be a pain in the rear to get it through immigration, he would have come home with us.
And for those that say we aren't adventurous eaters, I give you the origin of my cabbage and kindly dispute your claim.
J became a chopstick master and enjoyed rubbing his new talent in my face. Whatevs. I'm the one that managed to use my mad Hanguel skills well enough to produce us some cokes. Bam.
I reallllllly loved where we ate. It was such a hole-in-the-wall family restaraunt. There was a huge garden that I feel certain was where the produce we ate was grown. One of the servers also went down to the flower bed while we were eating to weed some. It just felt like home. Gorgeous mountains, a quiet little river running at the bottom of the garden, and a screened in porch for lunch. The family pet and some good BBQ. A cool breeze blowing and good conversation with your hunny bunny. What more could you ask for?
After lunch, J was very ready to get us back to some civilization. He loves adventure, but also wants someone to be able to find our bodies should things go really south.
From here on out, I only shot with my camera, but I want to remember some details too.
We took a bus back to the station, and on the way I was able to quickly capture some other major landmarks and attractions. I really think Chuncheon City is similar to where we live. You have the beautiful country side that within 20-30 minutes commute feeds into the city.
J and I both couldn't help but wonder if the people we passed on the street could have any relation to our sweet boy. It was very emotional for me to look out over the country and city and imagine my baby's life if he were staying in Korea. Obviously there is so much of me that's ecstatic for the life he'll live at home with us, but it's also sad for me to think that he won't grow up where he was 'supposed to.' Adoption is beautiful, but it's a beautiful heartbreaking mess at first. So thankful for the redemption that God promises and how gracefully he weaves beauty from ashes.
There are mountains everywhere in Chuncheon City and it's surrounded by big, beautiful lakes. It's an outdoorsman's paradise. There were hikers and bikers all over. They say because of the location among all the lakes that it's often very foggy. It also has four distinct seasons, like Alabama....or atleast in theory.
I also noticed that there were numerous gardens and little flower beds. Even in what appeared to be the poorer parts of the countryside and city, the flower beds made things happy and homey. It was a beautiful land that will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.
And what's a day in Korea without a little subway card #murphreekdrama ??? ;)
We did a little grocery store 'window shopping' where we viewed the local delacacies...
And Justin found his FAVORITE drink ever-banana milk.
The mall was decked out in beautiful 'Christmas lights' so naturally Justin had to act out a few scenes from Elf.
Seriously, there's no one I'd rather spend two weeks in the other side of the world with than this guy. He's great. Especially when he starts belting out,"I'M SINGING. A SONG. FOR MY DAD!...."
{thankful for}
a mother's choice
the beauty of his homeland
His good and perfect plan made from our brokenness
escalators
lily pads
first and millionth kisses
extra subway cards
a Korean market back home to buy my babies some banana milk
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