Our First Week in Seoul 2013

Monday, October 7 - Rochester

Do you think it a bad sign that when we unloaded our luggage at the airport we realized we forgot a key ingredient to our luggage set, the stroller?  Thanks to my insistence we arrive way too early to the airport and Beth's taxi service we were quickly reunited, glad we didn't opt for the MSP airport, that 20 min ride to the airport would have been more like 90 min.

Our flights went about well as expected, you know the short flight to Chicago was late, we burned every ounce of energy running with Evan and carry-ons though the international terminal and security again. We love Korean Air and will plug them at every opportunity, they saw us coming with toddler in tow (or maybe my panicked sweaty self frightened them) but they escorted us to the front of the line and onto the plane immediately. It was the first time in a year and a half that Evan was suddenly surrounded by Korean faces and he just stopped and momentarily grounded right there in the middle of the aisle (you know that person in front of the enormous line of passengers waiting to get on  the plane and someone just stops, people love that). After a quick bark from this loving momma we found our seats and Evan immediately said something I have now lost track of the number times, "I need a snack". Evan loved his seat, he quickly had his multitude of snacks and found headphones and movies all before the emergency landing lecture. 

Tuesday, October 8 -Seoul 

About a million miles later we landed at almost 5pm to to find that our biggest piece of luggage did not join us on our journey, but it is so hard to be upset because those beautiful KA flight personnel are so nice. The bus ride from airport to our apartment that E had been looking forward to for months was slept through, all 80 min. Glad someone got some shut eye. Dan best described the drop off like: the bus pulled over (no shoulder mind you) while driving down what could compare to Michigan Ave in Chicago and plopped our luggage on the street and left us there. The sidewalk was blocked by shrubbery and traffic was crazy, oh and that sleepy toddler was deliriously crying. Lets just say not an experience I wish to repeat. we found a sidewalk and a crosswalk a block up, crossed our 8 lanes of busy traffic, eventually found the apartment. Our apartment manager scolded us upon entering the apartment because we didn't immediately take off our shoes. Did I mention the sobbing toddler, my haggered look (also wearing boots) carrying too much luggage and you want me to stop everything in the hallway?? A real treasure. 

Wednesday October 8 - National Hangul Day (alphabet/language)

To tell the truth I expected some festivals or dancing in the streets, since the adoption agency is closed there had better be something exciting to make up for that!  We spent day the walking around our neighborhood and locating the adoption agency. Hard to believe that even without map or directions with us we found the agency first attempt- okay I had read those directions about a million times in the past few months but still impressive with the sleep deprivation.  I can honestly say I do not remember the rest of the day

Thursday October 9 - meeting with Elleigh Bom

We found a Korean/Chinese restaurant close to the  agency that looked not only affordable but had photos (this is very important when you don't know the language and your silly translator app requires wifi). Dan had a octopus soup with a side of noodles and black bean paste. I had a rice and black bean with sweet and sour 'meat' (no clue). Evan had most of what he attempted on his nice shirt.

 We met at the agency and was whisked away by a driver and social worker into a van that took us to Elleigh's foster family's home about 45 min away. As we pulled into the apartment complex there is a huge playground and Dan and I found her immediately. She didn't want to leave the playground is an understatement but I think she was promised a snack which like Evan will make the world go round. While Mrs Lee (foster mom) fixed some fruit and yogurt for all of us we attempted a meet and greet with our daughter. Evan was pretty excited and forced several hugs. Elleigh kept a good distance until she needed someone to open her cheese slice, I jumped at this opportunity. 

When we all sat on the floor to chat we learned that this girl can eat, we hope Evan can learn something from her. She is a good sleeper and spends most of her day at the playground. (This may be a probelm with winter in Minnesota). We learned she adores her foster dad and later witnessed this, as we were saying our goodbyes he arrived home and she was so excited, ran over and bowed repeatedly so enthusiastically she tipped over face first. When we were leaving the apartment Mrs Lee told her they were going to the playground, she immediately ran over to stuff her chubby feet into her shoes and grabbed Evans hand and pulled him outside, she was running best she could and we could hear Evan say "whoaaa slow down Elleigh Bom".  Melt. my. heart. 

 Friday October 11

We spent the day exploring the Gangnam area. We started out at the Gangnam Vistors Information building. While Dan and I poured over maps and brochures Evan ate snacks and played games on the iPhone (big surprise this is what he spends the majority of his days asking to do) 

We visited the upstairs museum of Korean Pop and Drama. (It was free and something to do) 

Evan dressed up like a drama star that he is. 

We roamed through some neighborhoods until we found a playground, Evan desperately needed to run off some energy it probably looked a little odd the three of us walking through apartment complex parking lots on the hunt for playground equipment. We dined at the same Korean/Chinese restaurant near the agency and visited with Elleigh for another hour. 

We were armed with MMs, snacks, books,toys. . . No luck, still really hestitent of us and only wanted the cheese her foster mom had brought. We were left in the agency playroom for about 45 min to try to win some sort of affection or at least dispell some distrust. 

Unfortunately she could still see her foster parents just outside the room so there was a lot of crying out for Apa (dad). Although we know this is going to be difficult and heartbreaking we know she has learned to form attachments which is so important at this stage. 

Saturday October 12 - Children's Grand Park

We spent our Saturday at a large children's park/zoo. Let's start with its free! Dan compared it to a more spread out version in Como Park, in the Twin Cities. We started with polar bears and marine animals. Then Evan fed the zebras, longhorns, mules, deer, llamas, and goats. Then our favorites: jaguars, cheetahs, lions, tigers, elephants. Then all kinds of monkeys then snakes!  We watched camels give rides and found the giant playground. Evan had his first of many emotional breakdowns when two little girls starting chatting him up while building a sand castle. I think the fact he couldn't understand and they couldn't understand him. He just lost it. Poor kid. 

  

 

 

O 

Sunday October 13 - Seoul Forest

We spent Sunday with another family in the adoption process who also have a 3 year old. It is a beautiful area with tons of walking/bike trails. A few deer to feed, a few great playgrounds. We walked along the Han River (got a little lost) but found our way back!