of Aliza's first steps! I know I'm way behind on this, she's been walking for over a month now and is much improved. But for those interested, these were the first.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Seoraksan National Park
The long Colombus Day weekend we spent exploring Korea's most beautiful national park. Seoraksan is on the east coast of Korea - about a 4 hour bus ride from where we live. The fall leaves were beginning to change and the scenery was truly breathtaking.
Our pictures don't do it justice!
Naksan Temple just outside the park
Sting ray jerky, anyone?
Making friends while we waited for our fellow tourists
So many beautiful hikes in the park!
Piryong waterfall
On our way to Kumkang Cave
Korean hikers are almost always decked out in high-tech gear. I thought this lady was especially amusing.
The destination: the cave is at the top of the picture. Ivy with read leaves is growing out of it, so it looks red.
Don't look down!
Almost there...
It was super tiny! I'm standing at the back of the cave, looking out. Behind me is a little carve-out for Buddhists to pray. And of course, a lady selling trinkets. What a commute to work she has!!
Back down
Our trusty tour guide, Mr. Pak. He told us to be sure to remember his face. If we called 'Mr. Pak!' half of the Korean men would turn around. So, remember my face!
Little nap on the way down...even adventure babies need naps!
Chillin' at the Waterpia water park after a long and grueling hike. :)
Beautiful fall colors
At the top!
Back down again
I just thought this was so pretty.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Guam
The last week of September, Nate had to go to Guam for work. So, Aliza and I tagged along and it turned into a pretty fabulous tropical vacation!
Back in the U.S. of A.!
While Nate was working, we drank from coconuts and walked on the beach.
It was rough.
Almost a part of their special day.
Our little bathing beauty LOVED the water! Even after a salty gulp, she still wanted more. The reef just off the shore caused the water to be warm and calm - it was perfect!
A windy trolley ride!
We tried to create a little 'room' for Aliza, but it didn't really work. Isn't she cute?
Not quite sure how she knew to do this...she's never seen us use a phone with a cord! Yeah, she's probably a genius.
Each morning we enjoyed a fabulous, leisurely continental breakfast.
And made a friend while we were there, of course.
We had time one afternoon and drove to the other side of the island (it took about 45 minutes) to Talofofo Falls Park.
The greeting committee:
Talofofo Falls is also the site of Shoichi Yokoi's cave. Yokoi was a Japanese soldier who went into hiding when the Americans liberated the island in 1944. He remained in hiding until he was found by two shrimp fishermen in 1972 - 28 years! He finally returned home to Japan and became somewhat of a celebrity.
He picked a beautiful spot to hide - too bad he could only see it at night!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Daegu
For Labor Day weekend we took a trip down to the city of Daegu. It was a blast! It's a beautiful city with tons to do.
We got there by KTX - Korea's super fast train. We went almost 190 mph!
Video of our train ride
Our first experience with Spam
Making friends on the way to the World Championships
Dongseongno Shopping Street
More friends
The Confucian Academy
A pomegranate tree for the Confucian scholars!
Oriental Medicine Street
The first protestant church in Daegu. Isn't it pretty?
We stayed on Camp Walker, one of 3 U.S. Army Garrisons in Daegu.
Video of Aliza being silly in our hotel room. Bedtime gets a little entertaining when we're all in one room! She clammed up a bit when we got the camera out, but she's still pretty darn cute. If you listen closely, you can hear Aliza say "bye bye" at the end.
We got to meet my Aunt Myrna's friend Chungyo! She was so great and took us to a fabulous traditional Korean restaurant.
Waiting for our cable car ride back down the mountain.
The train station on our way back home.
Sleepy travelers
Not so sleepy anymore!
Almost home and making more friends
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