Mesmerising Jeju

The Love Island

Often the first choice of lovers and wooers, this volcanic island offers locales and landscapes that bring unforgettable memories to one's life.

Beaches, cliffs, coves, lagoons, caves , mountains and almost all of nature are strewn all over the island. You will come across any of the mentioned features as you drive around the island.

 On the second evening, both Esther and dad decided that a visit to the famous Seongsan llchubong Tuff Cone is mandatory for the next morning.The ambitious target was to catch the sun rise. Apparently it is the place where the sun rises at its best. It also meant we were to be on the road by 5 am. Not too inviting an idea but when you are the minority, you just follow. The night was plagued with the fear of over sleeping. So, it was fretful rest.

Much as we wanted to rush for the shot, we regretfully could not make it.

But we had glimpses of it from afar. Almost reaching the locale, we witnessed wind turbines processing energy, tapping on the strong breezes that embrace the island. It was a fascinating sight.

The scenery surrounding the crater was resplendent. Words can hardly describe.

It is just a reflection on the greatness of God.

So you ponder around aimlessly just taking in the majestic view.

It was climbing again. 

You whisper relief into your own ears thanking God that both your legs are fit enough for the adventure. When you come to Jeju and miss this place, it is like you miss the Great Wall when you visit Beijing. No tourist would purposely miss it except for the physically challenged ones. 

Esther is good at photography, true?

 Once the site of a crater, Seongsan llchubong Tuff Cone is now overgrown with vegetation that befits the climatic conditions. Cone trees and other mountain species flourish abundantly, what with the lave deposits. Soil is fertile.

The morning sun is captivating and awesome. You stand at the peak with your mouth wide-opened. So how do you write journals about it? I am writing for future use. My next generations will remember me too through this account. Journal writing through blogging is cool. 

You feel happy sharing your experience with others.

 In June we conquered the Great Wall of China. Now we also conquered Seongsan llchubong.

Good feeling.

 We stood there for sometime just absorbing the beauty of nature.

A volcanic crater now turned into the most sought after spot by all.

A picture paints a thousand words.

Jusanjeolli Cliff along the coast of Jungmun-Daepo, comprises columnar and platy joints developed in basaltic rocks in a lava flow. Cracks are formed from contractions due to the rapid cooling of lava.

Throngs of people , old and young climbed flights of steps to view the place.

Nearby, the Jeongbang waterfall is another major attraction. 

Majestic.

With time in your hands, you just drive and drive and stop whenever and wherever you want.

Even this beach was worth a look.

 Dried under the sun, the cuttlefish is sold to consumers after they have been 'burned' under fire and then hammered to palatable sizes. 

I remembered eating it in this form when I was a little girl in my hometown. 

The vendor was an old lady and her only adult daughter took up the trade after her demise.

Thanks to good photography skills again.

The glass house, a design by the famous Japanese architect, Tadao Ando , apparently won many awards . Not really understanding buildings, it looked just like another structure to me. 

But both father and daughter went into great details of examining the building materials and design. 

Esther felt it was rewarding to be here.

 The glass feature was to allow natural lighting and the privilege of enjoying meals beside the alluring sea and nature. We had tea and we served with much care. Nothing is cheap. It comes with a price.

Around the island too you may be surprised by the stones seen above.

Have you seen this before? We do see clumps of it during travels but never in this volume.

The Sangumburi crater area grows silvery grass in splendor. The silver grass or eulalia is such a winning sight as it captures all hearts. No one who comes here can forget the place. It is simply different and out of the world. Jeju is home to it.

So would be brides and grooms make it a point to come here to be photographed.

The best can only happen here.

Jeju is beautiful.