Playing in Seoul (April 30, 2026)
I miss Violet already. Yesterday, we had a wonderful time rounding out the last few hours before Violet caught her flight back to New York. For so long this seemed far, far away. And then the time came and went. But not before the three of us has a wonderful time playing together.
Spider webs aren’t just for spiders. Anyone can climb on them here.
As we bounced on the ground-level trampoline, used the swings and climbed over all the playground equipment, I reflected on how much fun I’ve been having with my kids during this trip. It’s the simple things like playing on a playground that I’ll remember most from a year-long trip like this one.
We also played tag.
At 53 years old, I don’t believe a single year has gone by since my kids were old enough to run that the three of us (and four when Elena was available) played tag. That’s saying something. First, how many young adult kids want to play with their parents? And then of those who do, how many parents want to and can actually play tag with their kids?
This playground doubles as a water park (including this slide)
The playground was set up to satisfy the needs of both kids and parents (as well as any interested adults). Right next to the playground was workout equipment — something I believe should be a regular feature at playgrounds.
Slide weights closer for maximum lift (22 kgs per arm) or away (8 kgs)
Ingenious design that allows leverage to increase or decrease weight
Love all the outdoor gym equipment. Each time we’ve come to this park, there are always people socializing around the equipment just like any indoor gym. What a great way to stay healthy and fit while also playing on the nearby playground. Weight training + cardio when jumping on the trampoline and playing tag.
Mosaics greet walkers, joggers, parents and children
Getting to this playground was part of the fun together. Especially since both Will and Violet recently discovered a looping video ear worm that is better than any advertisement I’ve been exposed to. I didn’t get it at first, but seeing how much both kids loved and referred to the video, I watched it a second time and then this short phrase invaded my brain as effectively as it had both my kids:
It was genuinely entertaining as we walked to the playground repeating the “I crush the alien” at various and random parts of the walk. The repetition sticks in your brain and all we needed was the start of “I crush …” and then the others would pile on in unison, “…the alien.” Silly? Absolutely. But as the talk track continues to reverberate in each of our minds, bringing it up was the only way to “release” and thereby continue this segment.
Sure, we talked about everything else, but wherever there was a lull in the conversation, it would inevitably resurface. Ah, pop culture. Simple. Fun. Silly. Just what we needed as we walked together to the playground on Violet’s last day.
Violet and Will deep in conversation as we walk to the plaground
One thing we all agree on is how effective Seoul’s pedestrian walk (and don’t walk) lights are — especially at night. The street at your feet is either bright RED or GREEN as you approach a crosswalk.
This should be universal. It’s such an effective “Don’t Walk” signal to all.
Green too. Notice the count down arrows to the left of the walk image.
Like I said, I miss Violet already.
Tonight, Will and I will fly to Mexico City and depart Seoul. This will complete our Southeast Asian experience and begin the final leg of this world tour. From Mexico, I’ll head to South America and then home toward the end of June. It’s officially ten months into my journey and I have two remaining months to make the most of this epic trip.
What I’ve enjoyed most is spending time with people all over the world — especially spending quality time with my family members in new and different parts of the world. Having Airbnbs to reside in have made it particularly fun and interesting. They have allowed us to feel like residents in foreign lands. Home away from home. I truly have enjoyed all my time in Southeast Asia; especially at this slower pace.
