(Real) Snow in Jeju (19. Feb.)

On Feb. 19th, I saw real snow on Jeju Island! I say "real" snow because the snow was quite a few centimeters (a few inches) deep. It didn't stay for long, but for the time it was there, I had to get my camera and capture this beautiful scenery my eyes were able to behold.

Walking from my apartment to the institute. This is the park between the institute and my apartment.

Flowers and snow.

Holding the snow (from below)

Snow frosting

Just look at this.

Looking at the institute from an entrance of the park.

Before the kids came and had their jumbo snowball fight(s).

The gazebo 

I love how snow falls on the trees.

Just to get an idea of how long this bike has been here.

Different variances of snow fall on the tree.

Almost monochromatic 

See the thickness of snow on the car?

From the teachers' staff room, looking at the park.

A few early "pedestrians"

At the district court. 

Something that really got me, was tropical plants covered in snow. Let me show you . . .

Ah! The Dolharubang (stone grandfather) with snow!

Finally, Halla Mountain from my apartment window.

As you can probably imagine, the snow is all gone now, but it made for a breath-taking scene of virgin white--even if only for a while. I'm grateful.

oh, did I mention this is currently my last weekend in Jeju?

Hike up to Sarabong (15. Feb.)

All this time, I thought I had climbed Sarabong. I was wrong. I climbed up the other hill that was right beside it. I don't know the name, but it's right beside Sarabong; can't miss it.

On Feb. 15th, a friend of mine and I climbed up the (real) Sarabong. Here are my pictures from that hike.

Our starting point was at a park on one side of the hill.

The red dot and letters is the location of this sign.

Shall we go up?

Up on the top (wasn't a difficult hike at all, maybe a grand total of 7 minutes or so--slowly) a sign about this place.

Pagoda on top with steep stairs.

The top of the neighboring hill I thought was Sarabong (which I've gone up several times).

Where's the sea? Where's the sky?

Tapdong (through the mist).

What's this historic relic with the exercise equipment?

Ah, thanks for the info.

Marker and relic.

This is something I've seen in just about all parks in Korea. This board explains something about walking on stones and where it can benefit the body by where on the foot the pressure is mostly applied.

Yes, you walk on stones barefoot (or with socks).

Are you willing to try this?

I'm not.

The port, from the other side of Sarabong.

Closer look at the port.

Another map.

Another info board.

Now I've been enlightened that this is the real Sarabong. My apologies for mistaking the other neighboring hill with Sarabong.

Walk to airport, then Mexican food (11.Feb.)

Ha! I was able to scratch another item off my "Jeju Bucket-list."

I walked to the airport.

I was never able to do something that crazy before. I figured; the airport isn't that far, I've walked further, I've never done it before, . . . why not? "Let's change that" I always say.

From my apartment to the airport (counting waiting time at street crossings): about 1 hr. 20 mins.

The airport as I'm about to cross the street to enter it.

The overpass/bridges to the departure floor.

A couple of days ago, I saw a flyer for a new Mexican restaurant in Shin (new) Jeju. I saved the number and decided to find it and check it out.

Two calls and a taxi ride later, I arrived.

Boss Tacos

The lunch menu, just to get an idea of what they've got.

Yeah, they've got a typo ("Maxican"?), but English isn't their 1st language. I can forgive them.

The menu and complimentary cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips.

Need to send a fax? Boss Tacos has got you covered.

Humidifier and cards at the bar table.

This is a restaurant, bar, and cafe.

Need anything else?

The table at the far left corner (with the backpack) is my table.

Yeap, that's a computer anyone can use and printer anyone can use. One should pay 100 Won per black-and-white page and 500 Won per color page. Sounds like a deal to me.

The lamps above my head.

My meal.

They call it "Tostada"; I was raised calling it "Taco Salad." Tomae-to, Tomah-to.

It was good. They used actual lettuce instead of cabbage (like in Zapatas) which kept it authentic. The sprouts were new, but I love them so that was fine.

My only complaint is that I believe the portion size is smaller than the value. The food I had was really good, but I wouldn't want to pay 10,000 Won for it. I'd still return for more, but I wouldn't recommend going when you're famished.

They offer lunch specials and other stuff, so I'll see if I can try it and then get a better idea as to their value.

Oh, the owner and another employee speak really decent English.

Shall we try it together sometime?