{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part Five}

Korea is known for its public bath houses and spas.  Most Koreans live in small apartments without bathtubs (oh how spoiled Ryan and I were last year when we had one) so public baths are used to relax and bathe.  My parents and I were able to enjoy a well-earned day at Spaland, the nicest bathhouse in Busan on their last day in town. 

We soaked our feet in the steaming hot water of the outdoor foot baths.

We later relaxed in a few of the many co-ed steam rooms and dry saunas, all with varying temperatures and health claims.  Then the men and women parted ways to visit the single-sex baths, a somewhat daunting experience for us westerners.

 Visitors to the single-sex baths shed the uniform issued upon arrival at the spa and enter a large room where everyone is naked.  Yep, naked.  Women are lounging in pools and meandering around to find the perfect bath to take a soak.
It's a bit uncomfortable at first, but after the initial awkwardness you get over it and embrace the opportunity to test out a variety of warm pools and saunas.  

Awww relaxation.

With the busy sightseeing adventures of the previous week and a half, Spaland was the perfect way to end my parents' time in Korea.  We had a great time together.

Later that evening when the time came, it was really difficult for me to say goodbye to them.  I shed a lot of tears.   
A lot.

Usually it's easy to block out the things that are happening back at home.  If we don't dwell on the birthdays, weddings, happy hours and everyday bits and pieces of life in the US that are taking place without us, it's easier to avoid thinking about them.

Most of the time we're able to in a way, block out that part of our lives, and focus on the life we have here.  But with my parents in Korea it was almost as if  my two worlds collided.  
Don't get me wrong--It felt so good to spend every meal with them, to share our daily cocoa and conversation, and to show them the life Ryan and I have been living for a combined year and a half in Asia.  I wouldn't have traded their visit for anything.  But for the first time in a long time, I had a feeling of real homesickness.  That feeling in the pit of your stomach where you truly long for something.  I don't mean longing for the silly little things like margaritas, an English speaking hairstylist or access to my favorite magazines and books--but for the people I love who are thousands of miles away.  With my parents here I realized that if I didn't live across the world from my loved ones, I could see them as often as I wanted to.

The winter weather doesn't help the mood here either.  It's much easier to relish our life abroad when every weekend is spent reading a book at the beach or visiting a new outdoor restaurant on a sunny summer evening.  

Last year at this time we were wrapping up our first year away.  We were excitedly planning our Southeast Asia trip and knew that it wouldn't be long before we'd see our family and friends again.  But that's not the case this winter, where the stubborn season seems to be dragging its heels without much to look forward to.

However, on Thursday night we were home from work before dark.  That hasn't happened since autumn.  The waning blue sky we saw from our rooftop gave me hope that the days are getting longer.  I know that someday soon we'll see the year's first cherry blossom.  And I also know that being away from home will soon be easier as well.

By now my parents are halfway through their tour of Southeast Asia.  After Korea their itinerary included stops in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.  I'm so happy they were able to visit us and see Asia for the first time.

Hope you're having a blast Mom and Dad.  
We loved having you and we already miss you.

{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part Four}

Last Sunday we took my parents to Hugsiru, a traditional Korean restaurant.  We had arrived early for our reservation, so we ambled around the neighborhood a bit.  It was the first time I've seen new architecture being constructed in an old style.

At noon we were led to our clay hut within the maze of the restaurant's courtyard.  We took our seats on the floor atop a heated mat.

 

 We ordered a large pumpkin stuffed with roasted duck and sat back while the side dishes and drinks were delivered on our long table.

After we'd sufficiently stuffed ourselves, we made our way to Yonggungsa, also known as The Temple By the Sea.

Vendors selling fresh waffles and roasted chestnuts lined the entrance to the temple and made way for the twelve zodiac statues.
Mom, the Dragon

 

Dad, the monkey

Around the corner for a first glimpse of the temple

 

Dad, Me, Mom ♥

Make a wish and throw a coin from the bridge into a bowl

We finished the afternoon with cocoa at a beach-side coffee shop.  It was a great end to another wonderful day with mom and dad.

{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part Three}

Gyeongju is Korea's ancient capitol.  It's my favorite place we've been to in the country due to its history and inherent beauty.  Naturally we decided to share the lovely city with my parents as part of their visit.  

Gyeongju looked and felt much different from the last time Ryan and I were there, but we still had a wonderful day despite the winter cold.  I especially relished the company.  Having my parents experience some of the memories I've made here with Ryan brought me so much happiness.

Bulguksa Temple

These rock formations are made to create wishes by temple visitors

 Gyeongju National Museum and Tumuli Park

Ancient tombs of kings from Korea's past in the distance

 Last stop: Japanese dinner

Later that night we were back in Busan to spend Sunday in the country and on the coast.

Still more to come... :)

{Mom and Dad in Korea: Part Two}

Last Tuesday I met my parents' train from Seoul into Busan.  Our first stop was the glitzy Hotel Diamond, perhaps better known for its downstairs nightclub, "Arabian Nights."  

In my defense, I chose the Vegas-style accommodation based on its proximity to our apartment (less than a ten minute walk) and hoped my parents would embrace the gaudiness.  They had no problems with it, besides that their room was a balmy 85 degrees and the hotel staff couldn't quite get the message that they wanted their heat OFF.  Cue help from a  Korean co-worker, and problem solved.

I took off work for my parents' first couple of days here and played tour guide, showing them Nampo-dong, home to Busan's traditional market and the infamous fish market where Ryan and I once ate "live" octopus.  We discovered a second outdoor fish market which paralleled the ocean, with numerous vendors displaying the day's catch on ice and in tanks.

 

 

Our midday snack was fried vegetables and shrimp at a charming food stand.

 The three of us stopped to warm up from the icy ocean wind to sip hot cocoa, a daily tradition my parents had started in Seoul.  We later met Ryan for dinner at our all-time favorite Korean restaurant for some spicy, cheesy rice.

The following day was spent at the United Nations Cemetary and The Busan Museum to soak up some history.

Dinner that night was steamed tofu with kimchi and delicious green onion and carrot pancakes at a bustling University hang-out.

Over the weekend the four of us traveled to Korea's old capitol.  Stay tuned!