Busan, Gimhae, Changwon, Jinju, Damyeong

Saturday - As we drove out of Busan this morning we all remarked on what a beautiful, friendly city it was. We headed about 40 minutes to the north eastern suburb of Busan - Gimhae - city of Sam's birth seven years ago. Eastern (the babies home in Seoul) had kindly provided the address of the hospital where he was born, so with Liz Reddick acting as our official photographer, the four of us duly posed outside the door of the Obs & Gyn clinic where Ms Lee, Sam's birth mother, brought him into the world. Sam was fairly non-plussed about the hospital (understandably), but as he was giving me a cuddle in bed this morning, he quietly whispered proudly to me "Mum, wasn't it lucky I was born in such a pretty city with cherry blossoms, the mountains and the sea".

Yesterday Sam and I took a few moments alone to choose some special gifts for him to remember his special city - a picture for his room, a cap with the flag and Busan written on it, and a couple of other little things.

Back in the bus for another half an hour or so, and we stopped at Changwon - known for its beautiful trees and blossoms. We walked along several boardwalks through the spectacular forest. The ground was covered in a layer of pink snow-like blossom. The kids had a delightful romp, gleefully throwing the delicate petals over themselves, while the adults tried to take in the beauty of the mountains, the quaint bridges, the camelias in full bloom, the lovely bronze sculptures, and the warm, spring sunshine.

Next stop, a roadside cafe for lunch. Mmmmm.... bulgogi pizza. Then it was onto Lily's birthplace - Jinju. Although only three, Lily was proud to tell everyone on the bus that this is her town. We stopped at her hospital to take a photo. This hospital was an impressive stone, almost church-like building. Out the front were pretty azaleas in full bloom. Would you believe across the road there was an "Outback Steakhouse" (an Australian style restaurant). Jinju is a very picturesque city - a castle-like fortress presiding over the river.

We spent a couple of hours strolling around the beautiful gardens inside Jinju Fortress, watched the changing of the guarde with all their pomp and ceremony (and lots of drum beating and gong banging). We visited storybook-like pagodas and buildings, admiring views of the river and the city, and enjoyed watching the everyday Koreans strolling around. The mums among us (especially) all still give a small sigh when we encounter a young Korean mother wrapping her baby up in a podaegi and placing them on their backs to carry them around.

Sunny had arranged for all the kids to make a little Korean silk pillow charm to remember their Jinju visit. The museum guide instructed them how to sew it up. The museum here is extensive, and we didn't have time to see much of it. Jinju is a beautiful city, and we can't wait to return again one day soon, and explore it in more detail.

We watched a short 3d film in the museum about the Jinju fortress and the role it played during various Japanese invasions. Don't Bill, Liz & Amelie look cool in their 3D glasses?

After Jinju we drove for a couple more hours up through the mountains to our stunningly beautiful guesthouse for the next three nights in Damyang. The serenity of the surrounding hills, the deep burgundy magnolias, the delicate white blossoms and the colorful orchids and azaleas dazzle us with their beauty. We ate a late dinner in the restaurant, and then headed off to bed. Well, at least most people did - as you can see - I'm still blogging! Good night dear friends...