The Jeju Experience

When it is due for a break, you need to go somewhere.

What is the preferred pick for a short rest ?

Jeju is on everyone's lips; cheap, easy and little fuss.

So, it was Jeju then.

The adult daughter also felt it was time to spend some time with the parents. So, we had the privilege of her company for a week. Esther is a busy girl packed with a heavy work schedule that sends her to the ends of the earth. It is not surprising then to be confused at her state of affairs at any one moment. When she was a minor, stitched in between her sisters, she was often the less outspoken one suffering from the middle child syndrome. But today, when I express myself in her presence, I have to watch my words and connotations. That is part of being in an adult world. She reads and misreads. My expression must be precise. She is a grown up, I keep forgetting the fact.

We are together once again. Esther booked a car as she never believes in group travel. She booked a big car saying it would bring us comfort. I frowned at her decision; you see we look at things differently. A small car is easy to handle and maneuvering it in a foreign land would mean safety. Believe me, I prayed for journey mercies each day. Korean driving is not familiar to us as the driver sits on the left side. Dad used to be the hero and what others cannot handle, he normally can. This time around, we must admit Esther was the deft one. She took over the wheels and dad only instructs. She is a dare devil admonishing me for my fuss and lack of confidence in her. Admittedly, she did a great job and the car was returned in good order except I am not too sure about the impending summons that she may have to pay for speeding.

With a map in our hands, we started our travels based on blog remarks and places of interest on the island.
The autumn hue was soon disappearing but glimpses and traces of the season thrilled us for some moments.
Weather was kind to us and at times even a little too warm.

Jeju is acclaimed for its volcanic landscape, coastal allure, and mountain trails. So, you can guess what we did there. When Esther and dad casually mentioned getting up in the wee hours of the morning to see the sun rising and walking for miles to Mt Hallasan , I became disturbed. Oh No. To walk and walk for miles. But it was either you went along or you were left behind.

To come to Jeju to savor in the beauty of nature. Sunny and yet cool. Earlier as we were driving up the slope, we already witnessed tons of enthusiastic hikers trekking the path. Esther trekked without any sign of fatigue. She is strong and eveready for adventures and out of the norm. She kept chiding us for not doing enough to pump our poor hearts. 

At some parts of Mt Hallasan, the autumn mood was real as the leaves change hues.

Autumn is nostalgic as it ushers in winter; a season where people keep themselves indoors because of the cold and short daylight hours.

At the peak, the cold sets in and the landscape is less picturesque as it looks dull.

 Well, we have been to Mt Hallasan; a volcanic peak which is the source of many volcanic activities and formation of volcanic features on the island.

We are glad as our knees may be getting too old for long trails and climbs soon. 

After the Great Wall climb in June, this was really quite achievable.

The threesome in a pose to be kept in memory.

 We are always so busy and wonder when is time on our side. 

So, every opportunity together is history created.

There was a small cafe to serve hikers.

I asked Esther to snap a photo and she retorted

"What for mum? This is not the spot. Look at Mt Hallasan !"

She does not understand that the aged looks for spots that they feel they will look good.

True? I think I look good here.

That's the Mt Hallasan trail.