Reindeer and such

For anyone that knows me, they know I love reindeer. I have a collection that comes out every year at Christmas time. They have always figured out where to come, even with all our moves.

So imagine my surprise when I drove up to the NamKang Orphanage in the city of Busan where I was apparently born and saw some reindeer decorations! Like they were welcoming me. And it’s not even Christmastime. So I’ve determined reindeer are my spirit animal. I may need to get a tattoo of a reindeer now. JK James.

I also got to see the building where I probably spent my first 3 years of life. Since it is now a welfare home, similar to Holt Ilsan, they do not do adoptions anymore.

However what I did also see what a picture that showed some children from the 60’s and 70’s and how they slept - most likely similar to my experience. Paul Kim mentioned that the floors were heated and so it was actually quite comfortable with the little sleep pads. I seem to recall a story being told of my parents finding me sleeping on the floor. I don’t know if I conjured that from somewhere or it actually happened, but it would make sense.

Lina who has been our tour guide took me on this side trip to my orphanage and she talked about my name and what it meant. More on that at another time.

In the morning, before this side tour, we had lunch after landing in Busan which is the second largest city in Korea. We definitely have not had a chance to starve. Apparently with all the emotions and activity, we burn a lot of calories. And then it was off to the famous fish market. Busan has the second largest port in the world. This is where people come and eat live octopus that has been cut up but is still wiggling when you put it in your mouth. I may or may not have tried it. 🤪

After checking into the hotel, I was able to capture a picture of the Diamond Bridge we had crossed over earlier in the day. Both Seoul and Busan have beautiful city skylines at night and although my feet were sore by the time I got there, but it was worth it