Hi First Graders,
I had another quiet week in my hotel room, while Dr. Kevin worked a lot. On Saturday I got to go out. Let me show you some things.
In the morning, we went to visit some good friends. Everyone dressed up in traditional clothes for a picture. (but not me. I think they didn't have any for someone who is flat!) The traditional clothes are from old times. Now people wear modern clothes just like ours, but dressing up for pictures is something they do for fun or special occasions.
After our picture time, we said good-bye, and went for a hike on a nearby mountain in Bukhansan Park.
The trail was hard to climb. I rode in Dr. Kevin's backpack. It was easy to follow the trail and not get lost, because the stones were like steps, and along the way were many gates like this one.
The mountain was so steep that a building that we passed was built into the side of the mountain. The front had windows and a door, but the back did not. It was right against the mountain.
There are many statues outside in the park. They are there to welcome hikers. I thought that was very friendly.
After our long hike, we were tired, and went back to the hotel to rest before dinner. Then we went out at night to see a Tae Kwon Do show. Tae Kwan Do is a bit like karate. It is a way of fighting with hands and feet to protect yourself. Tae Kwan Do started in Korea long ago. Now people practice it all around the world.
I had another quiet week in my hotel room, while Dr. Kevin worked a lot. On Saturday I got to go out. Let me show you some things.
In the morning, we went to visit some good friends. Everyone dressed up in traditional clothes for a picture. (but not me. I think they didn't have any for someone who is flat!) The traditional clothes are from old times. Now people wear modern clothes just like ours, but dressing up for pictures is something they do for fun or special occasions.
 |
| I got to stand in front because I am the shortest! |
The mountain was so steep that a building that we passed was built into the side of the mountain. The front had windows and a door, but the back did not. It was right against the mountain.
 |
| Even if you can't read Korean, I think you can figure out what this sign says! |
We were careful, and no rocks fell on us. Another thing that we saw along the trail was a HUGE bell.
It is used to call people to pray. The log swings on chains. If you pull it back, and let it go, it hits the bell to ring it. I didn't hear it, because it wasn't the right time for prayers, but I think it would be VERY loud!
The last picture we took on the hike is this one.
There are many statues outside in the park. They are there to welcome hikers. I thought that was very friendly.
After our long hike, we were tired, and went back to the hotel to rest before dinner. Then we went out at night to see a Tae Kwon Do show. Tae Kwan Do is a bit like karate. It is a way of fighting with hands and feet to protect yourself. Tae Kwan Do started in Korea long ago. Now people practice it all around the world.
The show was on a stage. There was music, and many people performed together, doing kicks and chops. It was almost like watching a dance, except sometimes they broke boards with their feet and hands!
That was the end of an exciting day for me. Our trip is at an end. On Tuesday we will leave South Korea, and fly back home. I will see you soon at school.
Your friend,
Flat Stanley
