Let's end on a high note and go out with a bang!

We're in a band...

Our last night in Korea was spent at a Hanok, a traditional Korean house. We stayed at Bukchon Maru, owned and run by a sweet little husband and wife duo. We slept on a mat on the floor in a tiny room with paper thin walls (all of which we expected), but it was surprisingly quite comfortable, quiet and a neat "old world" experience.

Bukchon Maru, our guesthouse 

Our door lock & entry way to our room

The door to our room

Some of the pretty houses in the neighborhood...

We enjoyed Iced coffees Americano's* on the patio at this cute coffee shop called DooRoo, which was on the main street on the way to our Hanok. 

*Throughout this entire trip we've been drinking Iced Americano's because for some reason Korea doesn't serve just regular Iced Coffee. 

After lunch we strolled through Changdeokgung Palace, the most loved palace by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. Sick of temple pictures yet?!

The Secret Garden was intended to be a place of relaxation for the kings and royal family, and a venue for various outdoor activities. We could only view the valley of The Secret Garden by private tour, which took us about an hour and a half.  

Buyongji Pond and Juhamnu Pavilion

Aeryeonji Pond and Uiduhap

Our lovely tour guide.

After the Palace, we had Jjim Dalk for dinner, which is just a big plate of Korean-style braised chicken and vegetables. The chicken is braised in a sweet and savory braising liquid and gets its spiciness from dried whole red chili peppers.

We ordered the half chicken Cheese Jjim Dalk and added rice cakes and dumplings to it. The dish also came with potatoes and noodles.  It was like a carb overloaded Korean version of Rochester, NY's famous garbage plate.

I found my old lady visor!

The next morning we were served a traditional Korean breakfast by one of the staff members at BukchonMaru. He spoke and understood English quite well and told us that learning English in school is mandatory for Korean students.  

Not your typical breakfast, we had Korean pancakes, rice wrapped in seaweed, and some pickled vegetables. I even unknowingly ate dried squid (and liked it)! 

After breakfast we were able to try on Hanboks and have a little photo shoot. I think our hosts had as much fun watching us as we did dressing up.

Too bad you can't see Kiel's lavender M.C. Hammer pants.
What a handsome Korean prince he makes! 😂

I was told the Queen wears this type of jacket. haha

Before we left I showed the owner the photo of me as a baby in a Hanbok. She didn't speak much English but she understood that it was a photo of me and got very sentimental and gave me a big hug; it was quite endearing.

Even though Japan had set a high bar for us, I'd say we both enjoyed our time in Korea. Kiel seemed to like Busan better, while I may be leaning a bit more towards Seoul. And admittedly there were times that I felt like I was having, what I guess you'd call, an identity crisis: Do I look like these people? I am not like these people. Am I supposed to feel something? But in the end, I feel very content about finally visiting my birthplace and seeing what a beautiful country it is.