Day Two

Hello All!!

Well, we finally have an internet connection. First off, my computer could not get charged due to plug/converter thingy... then once we got that figured out, we didn't have access to internet until just late tonight. But what I have been doing each night is typing out our events in Word, so I can cut and paste them in. I may be able to download a few pics as well, however, I might be on dial up here at this hotel. I'll be happy with just the content for now...lol. So here is Day Two's notes:

Our day began at 5 am, where we first took our morning showers. Korean washrooms are very different than ours… their toilets plug into a wall, off the ground about 4 feet or so. This provides for a variety of comfort options including heated seats bidet and automatic sanitization. This would seem to represent a rather luxurious washroom, however the shower and facet (no sink) is all in one small space of approximately 3X6 feet. You shower, wash hair, brush teeth and use the toilet all in one shot... no shower curtanine or tub… at least not where we are at.

Our host family is very kind. Leeta made a lovely breakfast of fish soup, dehydrated fish, rice (almost barely like and very yummy), kimchee, potato slivers (Liam’s version of Korean French Fries), and rice tea, among other side dishes. Far from the bowl of cereal we usually have!!
Our first excursion was to learn Korean cooking. We make bulgogi – thin marinated beef with onions, mushrooms and we also made bimbibap – a mixture of rice, baby sprouts, hot pepper paste and caviar – also quite yummy. Our project did not go unwanted, as it was what we had to eat for lunch! It was a lot of fun – and of course Liam was in heaven playing chef in a formal setting.

The afternoon event was a visit to the orphanage was Liam spent the first 2 months of his life. It was surreal to actually see where he slept at one time, a half way around the world. Next, we had a wonderful opportunity to meet Liam’s foster mother – who took care of him from 2-4.5 months of age. She is such a beautiful woman. She and Liam bonded immediately, and what was so surprising to me, was after had fostered 13 children (Liam being her second), she remembered all the little quirks, and issues – some of which he still has….LOL. We shared stories and gifts, and certainly some emotions. Liam didn’t want her to leave and I could see how disappointed that she was leaving. Not a disappointment like when you can’t have that favorite toy, or trip to MacDonald’s, but almost a sense of loss or grieving – knowing he will likely never see her again. See this reaction from him certainly made my heart break, and still does as I type this out. It certainly was a very special moment – one that I’m sure he will remember for a very long time.
We met our host family, along with 2 other host families, for a bbq – of which we were served a very special cut of pig – that is only usually served for extremely special occasions – yet another treat! After dinner, and discussion, my host family began to make comparisons with our heights….lol. I am now 100% convinced that 6 foot tall women with blond hair are a rarity here in South Korea.
All in all a tiring but wonderful day – still no internet despite our attempts to purchase a new adaptor.
Time for sleep. Liam is snoring – fully asleep on the floor mats therefore I get to have the single bed all to myself this time!! Yee Haa!

Until tomorrow,
Lisa and Liam.