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Seoul in Two Days
The Trip that Changes Your Life By Julie Laatsch-Kitchen
Traveling to Korea is not for everyone, but it is definitely something everyone that adopts from Korea should consider. Jacob's foster mother was sent from God to take care of Jacob before we could bring him home. Our picking him up in Korea gave her a sense of comfort, and we were proud to tell her about our home and what a happy life Jacob would have with us. She especially wanted to make sure he had a nice yard to play in since most families in Seoul live in apartments or condos.
We spent about an hour and a half with our son that morning. We met the pediatrician that had been taking care of him and saw many other waiting babies and their foster mothers. Everyone was very nice and watched us closely as we held Jacob. All too soon it was time to leave Jacob until the next afternoon. Leaving him after finally seeing him was difficult, but I was glad his wonderful foster mother would at least have one more day with him.
We spent the next 28 hours keeping ourselves busy with sightseeing and shopping. The next day, we visited the Seoul Tower and the Namsan Park. We also took the subway, which was very efficient and clean, to the other part of the city where the Olympics were held. We then spent the rest of our afternoon shopping at the Lotte and back to the Namdeamn Market. We wanted to bring a lot of souvenirs home for family and friends, as well as some artifacts for Jacob's room. Although the heat was extreme, we prided ourselves on doing and seeing as much as we possibly could and left with the feeling that we accomplished just that.
We both loved the city and plan to go back someday, either to adopt a sister for Jacob or for a vacation with our son. I have such fond memories of that trip that when I close my eyes and think of Seoul, I actually feel like I am there. I've never felt that way about any of the many journeys I've had in my life, and I doubt I ever will again.