A weekend in Jeju...

 I treated myself to a weekend getaway on Jeju Island.  Who went? Just me, myself, and I.  I didn't have a plan or really know where I was headed, but that is just the way I like to travel.

I started my Saturday at Yongdaum Rock and just chilled, watching some fishing.

 Then I stumbled upon the Port while hiking east of Jeju city.

Eventually, I found my way to Yongyeon Pond.

Then a lovely bus trip along the coast towards the west side of the island.

Which way to the beach? Made my way to Hyeopjae Beach.

 

Spent four hours at the beach, which included a two hour nap under an umbrella I rented for 5,000 won.  People watching and reading was how I spent the rest of the afternoon. Only on Korean beaches are children running around naked and adults swimming fully clothed.

Looking for the bus stop to take me back to Jeju City, I found the most beautiful campsite next to the beach and this fabulous little eco park.

 

 Meet Bertie, an ostrich I watched attack a Korean that got too close with a camera.

Cactus juice, anyone?

This man looked so peaceful.

 Found some lava caves...

This park is located on a site that was a supposed wasteland...

Peace?!  Hopefully someday...

The amazing peacocks puttin' on a show.

I've come to be a fan of the dragon :)

Leaving the park I could see the coast and snapped a nice shot of the ocean...and then saw this sign. Things you don't think about while strolling along paradise.

The sun was setting on my ride home, which made for the perfect drive along the coast.  I didn't get back to Jeju City until nine that evening and I hadn't had any dinner yet. Feeling too tired to sit in at a restaurant, I went to the Family Mart and grabbed some kimbap and ramen noodles.  Little did I know, my healthy state would change for the remainder of the trip.

During the night I awoke in a sweat and in severe pain.  It would seem I would have every single symptom one could have when suffering from FOOD POISONING!!  No need for details...but the rest of the evening was utter hell...especially since I was sharing a hostel room with four other girls.

Feeling my pain, a girl from Singapore gave me some medicine but on this advice, "I have something for you, but only if you are brave enough to take it. It is Chinese medicine and will help you...but don't be scared."

Desperate, I followed her directions and took the vile.  An hour later, my symptoms subsided, but things get a little strange.  I was feeling super high with the strangest body aches.  I decided I couldn't let this ruin my day any longer and I needed some tea.  Finally I left my room and joined others in the rec area.

A Korean man and I started chatting and he discovered I was from Ontario. He had lived in Vancouver for two years so we were discussing Canada. All of a sudden he broke out into the Canadian National Anthem and was singing to me.  And being as high as I was on Chinese medicine, I joined him.  People stared...and I laughed...and laughed.

Feeling pretty good, I then decide to go to Loveland. It was pretty far from where I was, so I caught a cab and was on my way.  

Breezing our way across town and listening to some crazy type of Korean music, I started thinking about my parents and got a little teary eyed.  Suddenly, I hear a familiar song on the radio, but not just any song. This is a song that my Dad loves by Kansas.  Perking up, I start belting out the lyrics.  The driver seeing that I like the song, turns it up full blast and gets right into the groove with me.  So here we are, groovin' to 'Dust In The Wind', me singing and him dancing and driving, when we finally reach Loveland. 

When I stepped out of the taxi, I thought Loveland was closed because there were no cars or buses in the parking lot.  I found out after that people were parking at another lot near Loveland, just not at Loveland. Hahaha.  Here are some pics I'm willing to post lol.

While travelling around the park, the Chinese meds wore off and my symptoms came back with a vengeance.  I hauled ass to the airport six hours before my flight in hopes of catching an earlier one.  The Chinese gods answered my prayer and I was in the air within the hour headed back to Seoul.  I even received a refund of 18,000 won because my flight was miraculously cheaper.  Unfortunately, the flight home was unbearable, but luckily I had an aisle seat and it took less than an hour to return to Seoul.

Although, the last 11 hours of my vacation were a little crazy, I had such a fabulous time...and it made for a pretty entertaining tale.  Enjoy :)