With the start of the trip starting off as wonderful as it did, I was afraid the rest of the trip would be a let down. It wasn't! These islands are absolutely amazing. There is definitely a little bit for everyone no matter what you like. Although, I was joking with Reuben saying the only thing missing was a massage palor for after the long hikes...
After the swim and bike ride around the islands (the three main islands are all connected by these little narrow bridges. This is nice as this essentially means the only vehicle that can cross is maybe a golf cart which adds to the feeling of actually being out in nature), we all headed in to shower before the sunset. The sunset was an absolute blaze of glory as it lowered behind the mountain.
After the sunset we enjoyed an amazing Korean dinner with the rest of the group and the ventured off to the beach again with fireworks in hand. Between the guys in our group setting off the fireworks and the local men from the island with their boys setting off the fireworks, we had quite the display going on. We had a very relaxing evening down by the water enjoying the stars and listening to music until we eventually wandered off to our beds.
In pretty traditional Korean style, our room fit four people on floor mats. It is pretty comfortable to sleep on the floor as it's a little softer than a normal hardwood floor. Unfortunately, since I was outside all day near the trees, I had a tickle in the back of my throat that would not go away. After coughing on and off for about 45 minutes, I decided to take a walk so I wouldn't keep everyone else awake.
It was such a beautiful night out. Since it was such a clear night and on the water it was a little chilly so I brought my blanket out with me. The few locals I saw probably thought I was crazy walking around with a blanket wrapped around me, but I didn't care. :)
I walked the shores from 3:30am until sunrise at 6am. It was such a relaxing and peaceful time for me. I was able to explore the other side of the island that I wasn't able to see the day before. As I was walking down the trail, surrounded by dense woods on either side, I noticed something in the sidewalk. Huge paw prints. It looked like when they laid the cement, an animal walked the path before it had a chance to dry. As I continued walking the trail I would notice that whenever the woods became dense on both sides the paw prints would show again.
The above picture was taken with my cell phone. They don't appear very large but they were about the size of the palm of my hand. Dog or not, I was hoping that I wouldn't run into that animal during my walk!
Eventually, I made it to the end of the trail--a beautiful (and long) deck leading out into the sea. I walked to the very end of the deck and just soaked in the stars above me. It was so dark that the billions of stars shown brightly down upon the water. It was such a nice moment, especially since it's so rare to see a star where I live. I stayed out there until it started becoming light and then searched for a place to watch the sun rise.
I found the perfect bench around 6am and watched the sun come out greeting the morning with its happy rays. I only had my cell phone with me (and can't figure out how to turn the picture right side up) so I only have a crappy upside down picture that doesn't even do justice to how beautiful it truly was--although I have to admit I was more of a fan of the sunset.
After watching the first part of the sunrise, I decided that perhaps it was time to go inside and try to sleep.
I shall write about the next day in part III. :)
After the swim and bike ride around the islands (the three main islands are all connected by these little narrow bridges. This is nice as this essentially means the only vehicle that can cross is maybe a golf cart which adds to the feeling of actually being out in nature), we all headed in to shower before the sunset. The sunset was an absolute blaze of glory as it lowered behind the mountain.
In pretty traditional Korean style, our room fit four people on floor mats. It is pretty comfortable to sleep on the floor as it's a little softer than a normal hardwood floor. Unfortunately, since I was outside all day near the trees, I had a tickle in the back of my throat that would not go away. After coughing on and off for about 45 minutes, I decided to take a walk so I wouldn't keep everyone else awake.
It was such a beautiful night out. Since it was such a clear night and on the water it was a little chilly so I brought my blanket out with me. The few locals I saw probably thought I was crazy walking around with a blanket wrapped around me, but I didn't care. :)
I walked the shores from 3:30am until sunrise at 6am. It was such a relaxing and peaceful time for me. I was able to explore the other side of the island that I wasn't able to see the day before. As I was walking down the trail, surrounded by dense woods on either side, I noticed something in the sidewalk. Huge paw prints. It looked like when they laid the cement, an animal walked the path before it had a chance to dry. As I continued walking the trail I would notice that whenever the woods became dense on both sides the paw prints would show again.
Eventually, I made it to the end of the trail--a beautiful (and long) deck leading out into the sea. I walked to the very end of the deck and just soaked in the stars above me. It was so dark that the billions of stars shown brightly down upon the water. It was such a nice moment, especially since it's so rare to see a star where I live. I stayed out there until it started becoming light and then searched for a place to watch the sun rise.
I found the perfect bench around 6am and watched the sun come out greeting the morning with its happy rays. I only had my cell phone with me (and can't figure out how to turn the picture right side up) so I only have a crappy upside down picture that doesn't even do justice to how beautiful it truly was--although I have to admit I was more of a fan of the sunset.
I shall write about the next day in part III. :)
Jessica, I'm so impressed with your adaptability! You're wearing shorts, climbing mountains, riding a bike, eating strange food. But seriously, it looks like you're having an amazing time. I'm glad your sister is having a baby...otherwise I have a feeling you would stay a while longer.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I am only going home long enough to say hi and then I am off again somewhere else! :)
ReplyDeleteWell...that's how it goes. Eliot and I are planning our own adventure...maybe we'll cross paths?
ReplyDeleteI was hoping you'd run into the animal that made those prints, no offense. But it's cool that you're breaking out of your mold and stuff.
ReplyDeleteHurry up and write Part III (and friend me, too!) ! >:\