DMZ

Yesterday we experienced the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone).....also known as the Spot of Division between North and South Korea.  It was such a rich experience.  (Sorry, you will have to wait for the pictures...and there were some areas where pictures were not allowed at all.  They were very strict about this...very!  Side note..at one point where we were able to literally look across and see North Korea, one guy tried to take pictures and the soldier came over and said, "Let me see your picture!"  Needless to say the guy had to delete the picture and the soldier watched him and looked through ALL of his photos until it was deleted.  They even have a line that you MUST stand behind in order to take pictures...serious business)  Here is a little bit information about the tunnel that we went to....

The 3rd Tunnel was discovered at the point of just 52 km away from Seoul, in the administrative district of Paju in 1978.  The tunnel is 1,635m in length, 2m in width, and 2m in height.  Also, it is as large in scale as an army of thirty-thousand fully-armed North Korean soldiers to pass through within an hour.  This is the largest one among those that have been discovered up to now, and we can certainly guess how strong a North Korean plot to invade the South was at that time. 

Going into the tunnel everyone had to put on a helmet.  It was surreal.  There were even places where you could see the dynamite holes from when the tunnel was formed.  Me being as short as I am, had no difficulity walking though, but Ivory on the other hand, had a few problems because of his height.  He was actually too tall to walk through and kept on hitting his head! The walk back up was a workout!  Once we got out of the tunnel, we took off the helmets and waited for the rest of our group.  As soon as I took off mine, I noticed the ladies at the information desk looking.....at my hair.  They were SO fascinated with it!  Because they were nice about it, I explained how the lady did it and how I maintain it.  (Yes, they spoke English and understood what I was saying).  She told me that it was beautiful! :)  Luckly, I had just gotten it done the day before! :)  



We also went to the bus station that takes one from North Korea to South Korea.  It is no longer being used, but there is hope that it will one day be put to use.  The tour guide explained to me that in order for this to happen, the North and South government must meet and discuss some kind of agreement.  Until then, it will only be used as a tourist attraction. I also learned that there is a bridge called the "Point of no Return," meaning that once you cross the bridge to North Korea, you WILL NOT be able to return to the South.  If you want to live in North Korea, you have to give up your rights as a South Korean citizen and if you want to live in South Korea (good luck), you have to give up all of your rights as a North Korean citizen. 

For the most part, most of the Koreans I have come into contact with are very kind people.  I spoke with a girl today as I was going to the sauna.  Her name is Lucy.  She was born in Seoul and just finished from the university (college).  She has worked at the sauna as a front desk receptionist for about a month.  As she asked me about how I like it here, she shared with me that she is ready to leave......leave Korea.  Her dream is to go back to Chicago (she has been before).  I told her what is getting me through and helping me make this transition, reading and prayer.  Her face lit up and she said, "Oh, you are so positive!  Thank you very much!"  As I went on about my business, I felt bad for her mainly because I am able to go where I want when I want and thankfully have the means to do so.  Then, I prayed for her. 

Whew!  Until next time.....