Today was a long day. We woke up and got down to the lobby by 9:20 so that we could get on the bus to go on our tour of the DMZ. The area that is controlled between North and South Korea. I was really excited because this is the only area like this in the entire world. We got on the bus for about an hour before stopping to get some food and to prepare to get on a more controlled bus on a tour of the DMZ.
After that our first stop was in an area with a Tunnel. We walked down a tight tunnel that led underground and that was cramped and moist until we reached an area that was blocked off and showed a little window showing the North Korean side. This was pretty cool, but rules were very strict and I had to leave nearly everything in a locker before going down.
After visiting the tunnel, we were able to go on a visit of the observatory. This location had a great view of both South Korea and the North Korean border. You could see cities in both of these areas and the North Korean flag raised high above the cities on their side. We weren’t able to take photos of this area, but it was so interesting learning about how North Korea is essentially cut off from the rest of the world. I looked through the binoculars provided and saw nothing but regular buildings and towns. I learned from our tour guide Esther that South Korea actually provides a internet to North Korea and that we were able to see the antenna that was used to block the media from other countries. This entire experience was so interesting and after talking to my Leader he said that South Korea is still trying to reunite with North Korea as they see them as “Family.” I think this concept is so strong and really touched me as even through fighting people in South Korea still see a need to bring their countries together.
After the trip to the DMZ, we went to a baseball game. It was actually such a good experience, and I really was not expecting it since I normally hate baseball, but I quickly realized it’s nothing like in the states. There were dances for almost every player and after buying a uniform for the wrong team I was ready to get in the element. I started dancing and it was actually so fun. I would love to go again.
