Jeju TaLK Farewell Winter 2013 - Sunrise peak, Jeju Aquarium, Ice Museum

Let's start this post out on a high note (sarcastic) - So.... I lost my job. Yup, that happened. We got an email saying - Happy Chuseok (Korea Thanksgiving) followed by a nice little -- sorry, we will no longer have the TaLK program in Chungbuk province, which meant we had to find another job or leave the country.

So, I left.

But.

Before you think this sounds so horrible let me say.
1. I was probably going to leave Korea anyway (or knew I should), so it just solidified it.
2. We got a really nice trip out of the deal!!

Ok, the real, actual HIGH NOTE!

We got to go on an all expense paid trip to Jeju Island with all the other TaLKers who were leaving the program. 400 some of us that all flew down to the 'Hawaii of Korea' for a 3 day 2 night vacation in paradise! Not too shabby, eh?

James (this chap, above) spent the night at my place, since we were flying out of Cheongju. We got up and headed towards the airport and after some bus time issues we ended up finding Kim and going with her by bus to the airport. It all worked out and we made it to Jeju.




















We got chartered around by buses (like 6 buses) and hustled to eat and then on to some tours. Then we headed down to our resort, which was super nice!

Just Alina and I shared this massive room! We even got BEDS -- our own BEDS! Oh my gosh.. BEDS, not mats. Oh the luxury!

We had a farewell ceremony, which was actually quite sad really. I really started realizing my time in Korea was for sure coming to an end, reality was hitting me, and it was coming fast!

We had some awesome 삼계탕 (sam gye tang) - a whole chicken, stuffed with spices and cooked for a long time and made into soup! It's one of my favorites and I only discovered it at the end of my time in Korea. Sad.

We got the whole evening to chill, so of course Alina and I wandered around the property and I took a few photos, of course.

The next morning we took a hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong - Sunrise Peak. Thankfully they didn't make us do it AT sunrise! It wasn't a bad hike.. just a little windy and a little chilly, but it was much warmer once we starting climbing. 

You know it's going to be a good time when you're hiking with a crazy Brit! 

And of course the random photo with the random Korea hiking men who demanded we take a photo with them. No idea what was happening.. but the funny thing is that this wasn't even that weird to us! 

We made it to the top!

Us posing with the little Jeju man. He's a statue that is EVERYWHERE!

We had a bit of time after the hike to wonder around.. we headed down to the ocean front where we met up with some friends, took some photos and watched some korean ladies fix up and sell their catch from the day.

This is just one of those photos that will be treasured FOREVER. Lactaction Room? - good try at the translation Korea, good try.

And just another one of those signs (found in the stall) that I find hilarious and ridiculous and awesome all at the same time! 

The next day we got on the buses and headed to the aquarium. We watched these ladies dive down 15-20 feet (without oxygen tanks). It's impressive. Women actually do this in real life. 'They are called Haenyeo, Korean female divers or lady divers. They hold their breath for two or three minutes collecting clams, abalone, or seaweed.' Information taken from here - read the post to learn more!

We also watched a dolphin and walrus show. The walrus spit water out onto a volunteer, who was really not happy about it. But we all thought it was pretty funny!

We went to a place and rode some rail cars around - a disguised workout! We had to pedal the whole time and of course we decided we had to pedal super fast so we could pass the other team next to us. But it was all good fun, AND did I mention a workout!

The Ice Museum. Basically a big walk in freezer with all kinds of ice sculptures. It was freezing (of course) but was fun to wonder around. It was even complete with a SLIDE! A real working slide, that we all went down! Such kids at heart.

Next was the trick-eye-museum. A collection of ridiculous murals/paintings and just weirdness that when you take pictures of looks funny/weird/cool. I would highly recommend doing this with some fun friends. It's good to have them jump in some of the photos with you and have a good laugh!

And then this. So awesome.

At the end - us from Cheongju, got to go see one more thing because our flight was a bit later than everyone else's. It was nice of them not to make us sit at the airport for 4 extra hours! They took us to the dragon head rock - a rock that they believe looks like a dragon. Ok, fine it kind of does. Of course it's super touristy.

Instead of just staring at the rock the whole time we climbed them, watch some of the diver ladies (we assume) cut up and sell their finds. 

And we also made a little video. Because why not? Video by: James, Alina and I. As well as some extras. 

Check it out here on Youtube!!

Thanks TaLK-ers for all the memories! :)