Adventures

I visited Korea last summer and stopped by Jejudo. It’s about the equivalent to the US’s Hawaii. It’s a small island off the south coast of Korea and the hot spot for newlyweds celebrating their honeymoon. Although they’re not as big into water sports as Hawaiins are, they’re into everything else. I spent a total of three days there and climbed several mountains, visited a couple of botanical gardens (with ostrich’s and all!), went horsebackriding twice, saw some of the most breath taking beaches I’ve ever seen, went under water in a submarine, ran around the world cup stadium, and did so much more. One (of many) great thing about Jejudo that I’ve never really experienced in other countries, is that getting a personal tour guide is the norm. The reason for this is, there really isn’t any other way to get around..sort of. Taxis and busses are rare on the island, so what most people do is make reservations beforehand for a tour guide who will pick your party up every morning from your hotel and just drive you around all day to places tourists go, or wherever you want, and they always know the best places. At the end of the day, you’re dropped off. Although you tip these drivers, you don’t tip anything/anywhere else including haircuts and waiters. Why? It’s insulting! And no tax either–it’s AMAZING! I must warn you though, Jejudo is more pricey than mainland Korea because of it’s touristy nature so don’t be surprised if a dinner for 6 at a run down shack costs $80–but it’s worth it because it is DELICIOUS. What I found absolutely bazarre and not so delicious looking, but probably was (I wouldn’t know, I didn’t have the guts to try it) was the half alive squid tourists & natives chowed down. When you go to certain beaches, there will be the cutest old ladies in scuba gear swimming around the rocks digging up sea cucumber and squid. Right in front of your eyes they will wash them, cut them up, and serve them. While the many legs of the squid still squirm is when you’re supposed to eat the suckers. It’s supposedly a delicacy. Something I choose to stay far, far away from, but just thought I’d let everyone know that option is out there if you’re up for trying new things. One thing I always love about Korea is that I lose weight! Every time. Now, as a member of the female persuasion and from the US where anorexic is beautiful, this is one of several perks about going there. You walk around everywhere, and eat much healthier food. Also, everyone seems to hike in mountains–very frequently. As a Houston native, I hadn’t seen my first mountain till middle school when I went skiing in Colorado so seeing foreign things like mountains..and snow bring a smile to my face.