Lisa and I arrived in Seoul a couple of days ago. We are staying in a guest house provided by Holt (the adoption agency), which is similar to a small hotel. It is not in the downtown area, but there is plenty to do and eat where we are. It is a short subway trip to many of the locations we want to see.

Yesterday we visited the main Korean palace named Gyeongbokgung. It was in use from around 1300-1500. It was beautiful -- in addition to the architecture, the cherry blossoms are out here, and everyone is enjoying them. We also visited two well-known markets here, Namdemun and Insadong.

Yesterday we met our daughter Yunji for the first time. She is absolutely amazing. We met her foster mother, Mrs. Kim, who is very experienced and knowledgable. I hope some day we can be as good a mother as Mrs. Kim appears to be.

Yunji didn't take too kindly to us at our first encounter. She cried a lot, and wouldn't let us hold her. I didn't get any pictures of her yet. Mrs. Kim said that she is probably just uncomfortable right now, but that she usually does well with strangers. She suggested that we come to her house today to visit, where she will hopefully be more receptive to us. We agreed, and will take the subway to her place this afternoon. Lisa and I are both hopeful that it will go well.

Tomorrow afternoon Mrs. Kim will bring Yunji back to Holt, and we will bring her to our guest house. We will remain here with her for several days, and return to the US early next week.