Photos from the DMZ

The DMZ was an amazing experience for our students. We traveled for about 1 hour north of Seoul and once we got to the border we had to change to a special bus to take us into the DMZ. Armed soldiers boarded our bus to check our passports, the boys particularly impressed by the machine guns! We then arrived at the DMZ memorial site and boarded a monorail that took us 250m underground. After that we walked along one of the tunnels that the North Koreans dug during the war to try to invade South.

Our bus then drove us to a lookout spot where we could gaze out across 4km of bush and see North Korea! It was quite a strange feeling for us all. After that we visited the train station that could take you to Pyongyang (North Korean Capital) all the way through Russia and on to Europe. Quite amazing!

We also visited a Korean palace where we were able to see some historical architecture. It was a very peaceful place and celebrates Korean history.

Check out the photos below!

Matt.

Welcome to Japan

Hi Parents,

We have safely arrived in the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan!!! We had a quick flight from over from Korea and checked in at the hostel in Osaka and then had our first experience of crowded trains. We met our guide and then went to Osaka Castle, a colossal sight!
A huge castle build entirely by man power. Tomorrow will be an amazing day as we travel to Hiroshima. After talking to our guide today (who I have known since the first time we came to Japan) has organised a friend of his who is a survivor of the WWII Hiroshima atomic bomb attack. An English speaker, he is going to talk to our kids about his experiences. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will be amazing for our kids. Photos to come tomorrow night. 
Matt.

Action Stations

Hi Parents,

Another great day today in Korea today. After a little confusion with our bookings, we spent the day travelling around Seoul. First we went to the Samsung showroom and marvelled in some amazing technology. We then moved on to some of the sights of Seoul including the Presidents Palace, Blue House and the War Memorial Museum. The students learnt about the Korean War and the rift between North and South.

Tomorrow we will be travelling to the DMZ Zone which will be a great experience.

Stayed tuned for more action.

Matt