Touring the Island

Tuesday morning began early, loading up the buses for a day of adventure. I was given a schedule before we left (in Korean) but per usual our plans had changed - same destinations, but in a completely different order. Our first stop was a beautiful coastal walk at a place I can't remember (or was never told) the name of.  Basically it was time to hear the students complaining that their legs were tired and it was too hot, not a good sign for the rest of the trip. Again this was just one big photo shoot, the boys were hilarious (and gullible) as I got them believing my boyfriend was back in Buksam at my house while I was on this trip. I'm hoping these guys continue to talk to me back at school  because they were a blast to spend time with in Jeju, true colors were definitely showing. 

After our morning walk it was back on the bus for a short trip down the road, leaving us at 천지연푹포 [waterfall].  Again great picture opportunities, beautiful weather, hilarious students and lots of fun.  Oh one other thing to note - these kids are constantly eating! I guess I forgot what it's like to have the rapid metabolism and hunger of a high school student but I swear every stop we made they were buying ice cream, chips, meat, candy..pretty much anything the vendors were selling they were buying.
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After leaving the falls we made a quick stop at the International Peace Center, and when I say quick I mean it. I think we spent maybe 15 minutes there - basically ran through the place so I don't remember much other than the creepy wax statues on the lower level.  Next it was time for lunch which was another disappointing buffet, so it was quick back to the buses, this time  north to 요두암 or Dragon's head rock. Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worse, along with a drop in temperature there were some gusty winds to greet us along the shore. The place was gorgeous but a bit hard to enjoy   as I was getting smacked in the face with cold gusts of wind.

Back on the bus I had some time to thaw out - seriously I don't know how it got so cold so fast but I kind of wished I had brought my ridiculous yellow jacket along. Our next stop was, as I was told, a miniature theme park. I'm not sure what comes to mind when you hear that but it was literally  miniature things: Th White House, Statue of Liberty, Titanic, Tienanmen square, Sydney Opera House, etc.  It was basically gardens filled with mini statues, cool but I was kind of over it, probably due to being tired, cold and hungry. 

After all of this and we were nowhere close to being finished, like I said, marathon tour of Jeju. I guess our tour guide wanted to make sure we got enough in because we were go, go, go all day long.  The next stop was at 곷자알 which was basically just a 20 minute walk through the forest, hence why I have no pictures of it. Then finally it was on to our last destination, 주상절리 another coastal site with spectacular views.

Even after all of this adventure the day was no where near being over.  Upon returning to the resort it was time for coffee and snacks, despite the fact that I really wanted to nap I joined the teachers in the room next to ours.  I did manage to close my eyes for a few minutes, but was rustled awake for dinner.  This trip was seriously just one meal or snack after another.  Although the day was long and full the best part was yet to come, a night of song and dance from the students who had been preparing for months.