A Photo Safari Halloween Solo Trip for Oct'13: Trip Report Started!

[Luvchefmic]

I googled metrophone at WDW I found it can't post the link but it was about 1/2 way down the page underneath the Orange Bird picture


Been going for decades & never heard of such a thing

We all probably walked right past it thousands of times and THAT is what I love best about WDW, always something "new" to discover (even if its not)!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Never heard of this! It will be interesting if you can find it. I might have to keep any eye out for it myself! I love looking for little things like that. I was so excited to find the Disneyland time capsule when we were on our anniversary, although we expected it to be a lot more hidden than it actually was so it took us awhile to find it.

I googled metrophone at WDW I found it can't post the link but it was about 1/2 way down the page underneath the Orange Bird picture


Been going for decades & never heard of such a thing

We all probably walked right past it thousands of times and THAT is what I love best about WDW, always something "new" to discover (even if its not)!

Metrophone.....that's it! I couldn't remember the exact name of the phone. I just love finding out these little nuggets sprinkled throughout Disney!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Tuesday, June 25th - Changdeokgung and the National Museum of Korea

The kids woke up bright and early again starting with DS who was up promptly at 5:30am. DD shortly followed at 6:30am and DM fixed them some breakfast. I needed a heavy dose of coffee as I was seriously beginning to feel the effects of the lack of sleep. My body already felt like it had adjusted to the new time zone but the kids clearly had a ways to go as I would find out the next evening. During breakfast, DD declared to her grandmother that she “loves Korea!” (this made my mom’s day pretty much) and that it wasn’t scary to be here. DD had been worried about visiting Korea because she thought no one would be able to understand her speaking English and also because we had plans to visit a “volcano island” (more on this later in our trip). DS at one point also told DM that he liked being here. When DM playfully asked “Would you like to live here and have mom and dad go home?”, his answer was “Sure! Oh wait, what?? Nooooo!”

While we were getting ready to head out, DD suddenly ran into our room asking me how to bow to grownups as is the custom in Korea. She had already learned how to say hello in Korean and she wanted to try the greeting out with a bow to my parents’ housekeeper who visits their condo once a week. Once I taught her, she ran back out and to the delight and surprise of my mother did it perfectly.

We had a fairly full day planned for this day. First on our agenda was Changdeokgung (or Changdeok Palace). This was one of the two royal palaces used during the Joseon Dynasty the other being Gyeongbokgung which we visited several days later. While Gyeongbokgung was the first palace built at the start of the Joseon Dynasty, Changdeokgung was built shortly later in 1405 when the king at the time had some negative feelings about the first palace and wanted a new environment. For the next several centuries, Changdeokgung remained the more preferable palace for the kings to live and conduct their business. Changdeokgung (along with Gyeongbokgung) was burned down during the Japanese ultimately failed attempt of an invasion in 1592. You’re going to notice a common theme here about many of the Korean ancient structures that we visited. Since most of the structures were wooden, it was not uncommon for the famous sites to have burned down at some point in the past. Reconstruction of Changdeokgung was completed in 1610 and served as the main and only royal palace for the next 250 years until Gyeongbokgung was rebuilt in the late 19th century.

Changdeokgung can be roughly divided into two major sections. The front section is where the throne hall, the king’s office, and residence for the king and queen are located and where official royal business were conducted. Currently, it’s open to full public access. The back section also affectionately nicknamed “The Secret Garden” served as a retreat for the king and his family. The park services have done a remarkable job of preserving the beautiful natural landscape and structures in this section of the park by limiting visitors. The only way you can visit this part of the palace is to sign-up for a tour which tends to be very difficult to snag. Imagine the equivalent of BOG ADRs. We were able to sign up for this tour with an English guide. We also signed us up for an English tour of the front section of the palace.

On our way to Changdeokgung, we drove by the East Gate of Joseon Dynasty. It's sort of a cool look to see these old and historic structures in between high rise buildings and other modern structures.

IMG_2657 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As we were collecting our tickets at the booth near the entrance of the palace, school children (probably about 9-10 years old) in the dozens on a field trip were walking by us. (No tour leader flags were seen. )


IMG_2659 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

They were giggling as they saw DW and DFIL and a few of them walked over to try out their English skills by saying “Hello” and “Nice to meet you”. It was pretty cute. DW and DFIL waved back at them saying hi. As the rest of the line moved past us, all of the kids were waving at us smiling, laughing, saying “hellos”.

Once we went through the gates, we stood and waited for the tour to begin for about 15 minutes.

The roof work of the main outer gate into the palace

IMG_2660 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I was taking some pictures of the family in front of the gates when a woman from Denmark offered to take a picture with me in it. I ended up having a conversation with her and her traveling companions. Turned out they were visiting Korea for an international geriatric medicine conference in Seoul and decided to take the morning off from conference activities to tour Seoul. Hmmm, taking time off during conference to visit the local sights – sounds familiar.

The tour started.
Our English speaking tour guide. I don't know how they stay cool in that outfit. Temperatures were in the upper 80s this day

IMG_2673 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Over a stone bridge called Geumcheongyo and heading into one of the inner gates. This bridge was built in 1411 and remains the oldest of its kind in Seoul

IMG_2819 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Still walking. Sort of an outer courtyard after going through that inner gate. To the left is the final gate structure that leads into the main courtyard and the throne hall

IMG_2675 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Injeongjeon, the throne hall where coronations and official royal ceremonies were held.

IMG_2676 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

The stone markers indicate the location of where officials of the court were to stand during ceremonies based on their ranks.

IMG_2677 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2692 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

The throne hall

IMG_2691 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2682 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2681 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Next the tour took us to Heejeongdang, the residence building for the king. It also served as his office later years when the actual office building next door proved to be too small and restrictive for the kings to conduct their business.

IMG_2695 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

One of the things you’re going to notice quite a bit in my pictures is the painted patterns on building structures. This painting is called “Dancheong” and has many aspects unique to Korea. It served two purposes: to help preserve the wooden structures for longer periods of time (I guess you can consider it similar to sealing a deck!) and to beautify the appearance of the structures. Traditionally, the paint was derived from different minerals some of which were not native to Korean geology and required imports from other country. This also allowed the paint and Dancheong to last several centuries. I read that contemporary Dancheong artists utilize artificially derived paints and thus these Dancheongs only last about a 100 years at best.

Dancheong at Heejeongdang - this one was seen under the awning type of roofing in front of the main entrance of the building

IMG_2696 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

More Dancheong - they do make beautiful subjects for close up photography

IMG_2701 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Continued in next post

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome pics!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Continued from previous post

Our tourguide next took us to Daejojeon - the residence building for the queen. On our way, we could see the throne hall from the back.

IMG_2705 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Different parts of Daejojeon

IMG_2706 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2715 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2719 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2721 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2729 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

This was one of the furnace for "Ondol". Ondol is under-the-floor heating system utilized for the bedrooms in traditional Korean houses. The heat from these wood burning furnaces is transferred and heats the masonry that lies underneath the bedroom floors and heats the floors and rooms.

IMG_2720 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Our final stop on this tour was Nakseonjae. This late addition to the palace was built in 1847 under the orders of the king at the time who created a new living space for his royal concubine.

IMG_2733 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2737 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

DS lost interest in about 1 second and DD in about 10 minutes of the tour. The rest of us really enjoyed it. To the kids’ defense, I don’t think I would have been interested either at their age. Plus, there was a lot of walking. And we were baking in the sun with really no shades. Fortunately, we brought DS’ stroller this time so he was in a much better mood than he was when we made him hike up Namsan the day before. We were planning using this visit to Changdeokgung as a litmus test to see how much the kids would enjoy visiting the historic sites and we got a pretty clear idea. The tour itself was very good.

The tour guide was actually very engaging. The only negative about the tour was that they had packed in so many stops that the guide was rushed to get through all of the narrative points. In fact, in many cases she began talking even before the rest of the group joined her. The group size was also pretty big (80 people) so it was a little difficult to hear her if you were standing in the back even with her portable amplifier. We walked through the various sections of the palace including the throne hall and some of the living quarters of the royalty and their servants. It was a little challenging to navigate the tour route with a stroller as there were a lot of stairs.

After the first tour ended, my mom decided to take both kids back to the condo. The kids were more than ready to leave the tour at this point. They ended up playing quite a bit at the playground in front of my parents condo and taking a loooong bath as they “swam” around in their grandmother’s tub as I heard from them. The way I looked at it, the important thing was to make sure the kids got to spend time with their grandparents and have a good time doing so. The historic sites can wait and will still be there when they are a bit older.

Continued in Next Post

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Continued from Previous Post

The rest of us in the meantime started on the second part of the tour that took us to the more secluded parts of the palace. This turned out to be one of my favorite spots for the whole trip. Absolutely gorgeous. There were a lot more shades and natural vegetation that was preserved. It was very tranquil and serene and you could immediately understand why the kings of the past loved to use this area as their retreat.

Along the walking path leading up to the entrance of the Secret Garden

IMG_2742 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I don't have my notes organized for the Secret Garden tour and websites seem to be giving me some conflicting information on the names and purpose of these structures. So, I'll just lay the pictures out for you. As I said, they were used for reading, studying, small poetry and drinking parties etc by the princes


IMG_2746 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2747 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2752 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

I think this is the only stone gate I recollect seeing in any of the palaces.

IMG_2753 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Not sure how much reading I would have been able to accomplish sitting in there with such beautiful surroundings.

IMG_2759 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2762 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

In the pond in front of the above structure

IMG_2764 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2765 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2767 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2768 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2777 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2779 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Our tour guide for the Secret Garden

IMG_2784 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2790 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Ceiling art

IMG_2803 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2812 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2813 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2815 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

The tour was a bit of hike. And I was very glad that we didn’t have the kids follow along. The paths and stairs were not stroller friendly. DD would have been exhausted walking the tour route. My 70-year old father who spent most of the tour chatting with my father-in-law about Korean history was completed exhausted near the end of the tour so stayed behind on the last 10 minutes of the tour. There was a little girl about 8 years old I think who struck up a conversation with the tour guide as we were walking about a drawing of the bat she saw in one of the structures and how scary it was. It was pretty cute. A lot of the structures were designed for drinking and poetry for the royalty which sounds like a cush way of life.

As pointed out by our tour guide, one of the unique aspects of Changdeokgung was how it was built adapting to the existing topography and landscape and the considerable amount of thought and effort to preserve the natural surroundings while building in the structures. The builders wanted to make sure that the palace blended in with its natural surroundings. This was much more true and noticeable in The Secret Garden.

Continued in Next Post

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Continued from Previous Post

By the time the tour ended, we were completely spent from the heat and the walking. DF took us to one of his favorite Korean restaurants nearby which specializes in rice noodles and Korean dumplings. I think my father would eat at this restaurant everyday if it was located closer to his home. It was excellent. DW and DFIL loved the dumplings while I tried my DF’s lead in ordering the rice noodle dish served cold with soybean broth. First time trying it but thought it was good. DW even tested out her Korean language skills that she had been working on for the past couple of months by asking the server for more water in Korean. And the server completely understood and (amused)!

We drove out to our final stop which was the National Museum of Korea. Made up of three floors, it covers the 3000 years worth of history of the Korean peninsula along with artifacts, art, and crafts that define each dynasty. We spent only about two hours although if we were less tired may have easily spent more since we covered maybe about 30% of the exhibits.

Interior halls of the museum

IMG_2823 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Crown from Silla Dynasty (57BC - 935AD). The crown resembles the shape of a tree with the gold outlining the branches and the jades representing the leaves or fruits. We'll get a better look at the Silla Dynasty in my next update when we visit the ancient capital of Silla, Gyeongju

IMG_2835 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2836 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2838 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2839 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Here are some celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty (918 - 1392) which immediately preceded the Joseon Dynasty. While the craft of celadon ceramics were found earlier in China, a uniquely Korean type of celadon craft called "Sanggam" was created and refined during the Goryeo period. This technique involved engraving designs and patterns in semi-dried pottery and filling the engraved areas with black or white clay before finishing the pottery.

IMG_2840 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2843 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr


IMG_2846 by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

As you can see, this version of the museum is relatively new having been built only several years ago. The original museum was located inside one of the palace grounds in a former government building the Japanese built during their occupation in the early 20th century which ended with World War II. The Korean government eventually decided to demolish the building and relocate the museum which I think was the right move restoring the palace grounds to its original glory. I had been to the old version when I was a kid, and I have to say that this new museum completely blows it out of the water.

We regrouped with my mom and the kids at home then headed out for some Korean BBQ dinner which was a first for DFIL. This particular Korean BBQ restaurant has been around since I was a kid and used to be my favorite place to go out and eat. My parents, particularly my father, remember this quite well and always makes an effort to go here for dinner every time I visit Korea. This was actually a very successful first for DFIL since he really enjoyed the food and eating the food like Korean with a little coaching from my dad. The kids on the other hand were completely passed out during the entire meal.

DW took this one from her phone of DS passed out at the restaurant. Poor thing.

Evan at Korean BBQ by DaveinFallsChurch, on Flickr

Sadly they never woke up even when we came back home which led to a very sleepless night for me when they woke up at 3am.

 

[khertz]

The tour sounds really interesting (for the adults, at least ) and like something I would really enjoy. I love history!

Awww, that pic of DS passed out at the restaurant. I bet it took the kiddos awhile to get on a normal schedule while there, and by then it was probably about time to head home, right? And I was nervous about the time change taking Paxton to California last year!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Awesome pics!

Thank you!

The tour sounds really interesting (for the adults, at least ) and like something I would really enjoy. I love history!

Awww, that pic of DS passed out at the restaurant. I bet it took the kiddos awhile to get on a normal schedule while there, and by then it was probably about time to head home, right? And I was nervous about the time change taking Paxton to California last year!

Yeah, the first week and first half of our trip was heavily focused on exploring the history and past traditions of Korea. We ended up picking and choosing for the kids attractions and sights we thought would hold their interest. The second part of the trip was all about relaxing for everyone.

It took about 4 nights for the kids' sleep cycle to adjust to the new time zone. Korea is 13 hours ahead compared to Washington DC. So it literally is a night and day difference between the two time zones. When I was in medical school, I took a one week trip to Korea and the whole trip was a blur because it was too short and my body barely had enough time to adjust to Korea's time before I headed right back. That's one of the reasons why we planned out two weeks for this trip.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I am very much enjoying this tour Dave Your pictures are stunning I am blown away with the craftmanship and artwork of centuries gone by So true in many cultures and countries Pity, where is the old world talent ? The Dancheong is breathtaking

How sweet and respectful your DD wanting to learn how to bow & the school children reaching out in English That says so much about our future Now strictly a nosey question because I told you I soak up these TRs like a sponge, do your parents dress in a certain way, a traditional way, or much like we do If I was going back to some of my roots Italy, Scotland I would want to learn everything!
your children are fortunate to be able to have this opportunity as they get older of course it will be easier and mean more

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

I am very much enjoying this tour Dave Your pictures are stunning I am blown away with the craftmanship and artwork of centuries gone by So true in many cultures and countries Pity, where is the old world talent ? The Dancheong is breathtaking

How sweet and respectful your DD wanting to learn how to bow & the school children reaching out in English That says so much about our future Now strictly a nosey question because I told you I soak up these TRs like a sponge, do your parents dress in a certain way, a traditional way, or much like we do If I was going back to some of my roots Italy, Scotland I would want to learn everything!
your children are fortunate to be able to have this opportunity as they get older of course it will be easier and mean more

Happy to hear that you're enjoying the TR! The Korean government for the past few decades have been designating and recognizing individuals who possess these traditional Korean craftsmanship or performance skills (also called intangible cultural properties) as living national treasures. I think it's been vital in ensuring that these treasures of old Korea continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

Not a nosy question at all! My parents (and I would say almost everyone) in Korea dresses in modern attire. Hanbok (which is the traditional Korean outfits) are now mostly reserved for special occasions such as New Year's Day, weddings, milestone birthday parties, etc.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Very wise of the Korean Govt with that decision I will have to find out if other countries have taken that step

Thanks for satisfying my curiousity about your parents day to day dress now that I know you don't mind I will continue to ask questions

SO...I hope you have taken food pictures

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Very wise of the Korean Govt with that decision I will have to find out if other countries have taken that step

Thanks for satisfying my curiousity about your parents day to day dress now that I know you don't mind I will continue to ask questions

SO...I hope you have taken food pictures

I'm pretty sure that the Korean government modeled their policy after other countries. I think Japan started doing that earlier.

As for the food pictures - to my disappointment and regret I was not good about taking pictures once again. I think though I figured out the reasons for this trend of photonemia on my trips. a) I'm usually so hungry and eager to eat that I completely forget and b) as soon as the food arrives I'm helping out with the kids and trying to get them to eat that I don't have the time to pull out the camera. Which is probably why I have more food pictures on my solo/business trips than family trips.

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

You may have noticed I have two tickers going in my signature. In addition to this October conference/Disney trip, we are currently planning for a family trip to Disney at the end of January. I went ahead and booked a package yesterday when the 2014 prices became available which was an exciting event on its own.

On top of that, my brother, his wife, and my 4 year old nephew has decided to come with us as well! We've been trying to get them to come along since our kids love spending time with nephew. Plus we don't get to see them as often with them living up by NYC. My brother is not quite sold on Disney based mainly on his experience a couple of years back when the three of them went - in middle of May. He felt it was too crowded, too hot, too much walking, not enough enjoyment for the adults, etc - they were exhausted after their Disney vacation. His son of course had a blast. I'm hoping to change his mind this trip and what better way to do that by taking them along on one of the least busiest week of WDW with cooler temperatures! Plus, they've delegated all of the planning to me and you know how much I enjoy planning! I've already told them that we won't necessarily have to be attached to the hip the whole time - they're vacationing style is quite different than ours and probably would like to take things a bit slower than we do at Disney. DW and I also will offer to take our nephew with us for rope drops or early breakfast ADRs since they are not early morning people. In any case, very excited about this new development!

 

[afwdwfan]

That was great that your kids were expressing a fondness for being in Korea, and your DD wanting to learn to bow. I'm sure your parents just loved it!

The tour looks really interesting. The paint and artwork and all the details really are quite impressive. Your picture of the throne room was almost overwhelming to look at with everything going on in there. I think it was a good call for the kids to go spend time with the grandparents while the rest of you finished the tour. That was probably a good thing for everyone involved.

Congrats on getting the January trip on the books. Good luck getting everything planned for both families.

 

[Luvchefmic]

yeah for the family trip in Jan You will convert him with the time of year
and you doing planning Before you know it he will be a Disser too never know !

Dave whats the date you are doing MNSSHP ? I may have asked before but I forgot & am too lazy to look it up DH & I are meting other Dissers and going Sun Oct 6

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

That was great that your kids were expressing a fondness for being in Korea, and your DD wanting to learn to bow. I'm sure your parents just loved it!

The tour looks really interesting. The paint and artwork and all the details really are quite impressive. Your picture of the throne room was almost overwhelming to look at with everything going on in there. I think it was a good call for the kids to go spend time with the grandparents while the rest of you finished the tour. That was probably a good thing for everyone involved.

Congrats on getting the January trip on the books. Good luck getting everything planned for both families.

I'm hoping to visit Korea again with the family in another two to three years if my parents are still living in Seoul - they may move out to the US by then but we'll have to see. I think by then if we do go back the kids will find some of the sightseeing more interseting.

I'm actually excited about putting together plans for two families! I was starting to get a little bored coming up with touring plans just for us.

yeah for the family trip in Jan You will convert him with the time of year
and you doing planning Before you know it he will be a Disser too never know !

Dave whats the date you are doing MNSSHP ? I may have asked before but I forgot & am too lazy to look it up DH & I are meting other Dissers and going Sun Oct 6

My MNSSHP will be Sunday October 27th. Was the best option available with my conference schedule.

 

[DDuck4Life]

Figured I'd join in and follow along since it looks like we will be meeting up on this trip. You know, get to know you a little before we meet in person.

And on that note I'm loving all the pictures and history going along with the South Korea TR!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Figured I'd join in and follow along since it looks like we will be meeting up on this trip. You know, get to know you a little before we meet in person.

And on that note I'm loving all the pictures and history going along with the South Korea TR!

Looking forward to meeting you and your family in October over a plate of The Grey Stuff! Actually, I'm guessing you and I will be pointing our cameras at The Grey Stuff while your DW and DS enjoys it.

 

[SAT887]

So I haven't been able to keep up with the Dis in weeks it seems. I am so happy your family had a wonderful and safe trip. I've been reading your mini TR and the photos are amazing, I always love seeing new places, they always seem so exotic Also, the historical background you give is fantastic! Reading through it the history is so amazing, and it always makes me remember how "young" the US is. I had to laugh about the driving though - DH and I are originally from NJ (so the manhattan cabbie image was funny) and all I could think of is how he would love to drive there(he is the only person I know who enjoyed driving a commercial pick up truck through NYC) While, I definitely would defer to mass transit The teddy bear museum seemed interesting, although I have to admit, I may have gone the other way after seeing the bear with the "sketchy" look I am in total awe and amazement of the architecture, it is beautiful, and the detail.... Wow.... Well I can't wait to see more!!