N Seoul tower, teddy bears and Nanta.

We had a slow start to the day which was really nice - not having to head out the door until about 11.00am. Ian has been working at night and most mornings so the slower start gave him 2-3 hrs of solid work (and the boys 2-3 hrs of ipad time!). We headed in to Myeongdong station where we headed to the bottom of Namsan mountain to reach the funicular which travels partly up the mountain and then we caught the cable car up to the top. The tower is a beautiful spot and today it was partly shrouded in misty cloud so we knew that our views would be partially obscured but at the same time the feeling was quiet surreal as the misty clouds floated past.

We headed to the top of the tower where we were able to pick out landmarks that we had visited - either on our last trip or on the this one (amongst the clouds remember!). After the tower we headed down for some lunch where we ended up going in different directions with Ian and Han picking Korean whilst Kim and I opted for a change with a hamburger.

After lunch we went to the teddy bear museum - we had been last time but it is sooo cute you just had to do it again. The museum uses teddy bears to depict moments in Korean history and of modern culture. In the historical section you have to find a naughty little bear who is slightly mischievous - great fun! At the shop I bought a teddy just like him and Kim bought another bear who looks very much like the bear he bought last time - so the teddy brothers were reunited today.

One of the things at the tower that is really moving is the thousands and thousands of padlocks chained to the fences which are a symbol of love. Couples can buy a padlock, write their message on it and add it to the fence. Today Ian bought a padlock and we added our message to the fence. When we come back again we will be able to look for our padlock and remember this trip.

After the museum and adding our padlock we headed down the mountain - this time we decided to walk down (last time we couldn't do it as we had the 4 grand parents with us). The walk is stunning - stairs, paths, mossy fortress wall and trees just starting to turn in colour. We took it slow but by the time we reached the bottom my knees were screaming - stupid arthritis! Hard to believe that thirteen years ago Ian and I walked up the mountain!! Couldn't do that now.

After a quick train trip we headed to Nanta - another non verbal musical performance. We had a chance to have a cool drink and a yummy donut before the show. We had seen Nanta last time (twice) but it was on the top of the list for both of the boys again this trip and I have to say Ian and I were also pretty keen. The show did not disappoint - lots of laughter, amazing drumming, magic, balancing and incredible knife work. There are some great clips on YouTube if you want to check it out.

Now back at the guest house - tea dealt with, showers done and we have packed for our three day jaunt to Busan. We will travel by KTX which is a bullet train that can reach speeds of 300km/h. I will try to post whilst we are in Busan but we are not 100% sure that our mobile internet (affectionately known as 'the egg') will work in Busan and if it doesn't that we will have wifi at our hotel. So - if I go off line - don't panic!! We will see you on the other side.

The cable car to the top of the mountain.