korea day 11 / vietnam day 1

we walked over to my uncle's place and had breakfast.  health is a big thing in korea these days. everyone is eating healthier and gyms are popping up all over the place.  we had a really healthy breakfast.  we talked about the world cup, family news and said our goodbyes.

we met up with will's cousin saejong again, and went out to lunch in apgujeong.  i had momil guksu (soba) and donkasu.  we also saw a once famous korean music group, dj doc there.  we rushed back home, and got our luggage.  will's aunt and uncle took us to the airport.  i cried after we said our goodbyes as i was going through security.  i remember i always used to cry when i left korea, and i did it again. 

i had a great time in korea, but i think the trip was especially significant for will.  will had not been to korea in 20 years.  a lot has changed since then.  also, i think the trip was really healing for him on two levels.  first, in terms of identifying as a korean american and being proud of the korean part of himself.  secondly, in reconnecting with his family and gaining a larger perspective on his own family, especially his father.  i feel really grateful for the time we had in korea as a couple, and that i was able to meet his family.  it was very cool to see how great the trip was for will too.

//vietnam//

no one in korea could quite understand why we wanted to go to vietnam.  all of our relatives told us it was dirty, really hot, and not much to do.  still, i think i had a bit of a shock when i arrived at the airport in hanoi.  it was a lot smaller than i had expected.  and it was hot.  will's cousin picked us up and we went over to his home.  he is married with 2 really sweet daughters.  we planned a general itinerary and went to sleep.