제주 Jeju Island Part One- Storm and Sun

Arrived in 제주 in an hour plane flight. The forecast of the beginning of our trip did not look promising with rains and clouds. But we made the most of it. 

Fisherman before the strom

Taking a drive around the hills of 제주, we stopped to enjoy the countryside, wind, and spot of sunlight before the rains engulfed the island. 

At 설록차 뮤지엄 오설록, we had samples of organic tea and planned our rainy first day.

Green tea ice cream and bread. 

유채꽃 were in full bloom throughout the island

Our main event for our first day was trekking through the crazy winds and rain on 송악산 on the south-west corner of island. 

The whole mountain was to ourselves due to the weather. A better memory can be made when situations turn seemingly awry.

나은 explains to me how when Koreans come to Jeju, they feel like they've gone to a foreign land. In my two months in 서울's building dominated landscape, I understand how the fauna and spaciousness of Jeju gives a fresh breath to the city-dwellers. 

At a local 시장, we obtained our fill of Jeju snacks and local specialties. 

The island's tourism industry must provide main source cash flow. This market's vendors showed products that provided for the residents and for the visitors. 

Famous 김밥

We found a secluded beach with no one in sight to have our 김밥 picnic. Black volcanic rocks offer a different experience than the sandy white of Florida.

 성산일출봉- After a steep stair climb, we were provided with a beautiful overlook towards 제주 

These traditional 제주 houses are built from a design that has lasted centuries. The walls are sturdy stone and mortar to withstand the typhoon winds. The straw roofs are tied down with twine and kept low to reduce winds. 

Small evidence of people inhabiting this village were scattered about. Lights turned on, unopened bottles of water outside doorsteps. Coming late afternoon and not seeing any residents, they must have been out working. 

The final part of this day was calling up the owner of the restaurant to tell her that we'll be coming in around 8:00. As the owner and cook, she waited for us as the last customers. We had 성게킬국수 and 성게덮밥.

Sea Urchin had a smooth taste with a hint of fishiness. To our surprise, the lady was actually a 해녀 that harvested what we were eating a few days ago. A living relic of the past serving us her hard work.