My Special Friend

Today was another great day. After a morning of lectures we went to the Korea War Memorial. This was a very moving memorial museum, we spent about 3 hours there.
An option for the evening was a shopping excursion to Itaewan. This is an area known for tourist shops but it specializes in hand tailored suits. The men greeted us at the bus, "you want me make you suit, very good price". One teacher in our group is having one made for $220 dollars and they are giving him 2 ties AND a free hankerchief. You can't beat it at Walmart!
It was a great evening of shopping and bargaining. We met some endearing people who wanted to make sure we bought from them! I don't know if we really got a great deal but it was fun to banter with the merchants and make some new friends. Dinner was a Starbucks Drink (big mistake as it is 1:30 a.m. and I am wired!)
We headed for the subway. Along the way we stopped in a tourist information center and got posters for our classrooms. I figured out where we were going and we hopped on the train. After awhile my companion asked if we were going the right way. We were distracted taking pictures of a cute little girl. We decided it was better to get off the train and decide before we went too far. We consulted the map and decided that we were going the wrong way and got back on the train.
A young man (picture) got on with us. I knew right away he was autistic, I took a seat next to him. Being autistic, he immediately bounced up and was pacing the floor. He took out a piece of paper and every time the train came to a stop he checked his paper and then looked out the door. He came back and sat next to me. He showed me his pen (which he kept clicking). I pointed to my camera. He wasn't shy and was very curious about the camera. He wanted to press all the buttons. As you can see, he's my new friend.
After many stops we decided to consult the map again. We determined that we had been correct and had been only one stop from home before we got off the train. A half hour later we were back to our stop. Another short trip that took three times as long as it should have. For me, it was worth it.
Our "early" evening brought us back to the hotel at 10:00. We were hungry and the hotel 7-eleven wasn't appealing and the Dunkin Donuts wasn't making crossoint sandwiches so we decided to go to the Outback and get appetizers. "So sorry we are closing". They felt sorry for us and handed us each a bag. Inside was a small loaf of bread and butter. We joined the "over 40" crowd that have been meeting every night on the rooftop where the view of the city is spectacular. (The young kids go out to the clubs and the casinos). We enjoyed our "dinner" and the company.
Tomorrow we have a long travel day. We are going to Samsung Electronics, to Hahoe Folk Village, and then on to our weekend destination to Gyeongju. We won't arrive until late tomorrow night.
I have to pack now, we have to check out early in the morning. After drinking my Starbucks Grande I will probally still be awake. Grande mistake!
Love to all,
Barbara