Jeju Island

Yesterday afternoon our plane touched down on Jeju Island. We are becoming such experienced travelers! We successfully navigated a Korean domestic flight and have rented a car. The parking is extremely tight, so we plan on using the car only when we are taking a longer excursion. 

We checked out of our place in Gwangju around 10 a.m. and then walked across the street with all of our luggage to Starbucks. I love Starbucks here in Korea for many reasons. The main reason is that they do not use disposable cups. You can order your coffee to go and then it will be in a disposable cup. But if you do that, you may not drink it in the coffee shop. If you stay in the shop, you must drink out of a regular mug. Fine by me! I find the coffee to be much more delicious and satisfying out of a regular mug.

We took a taxi to the airport and checked in without any problems. When we left Gwangju, we had a bag full of leftover food and 2 or 3 bottles of drinks. We thought we would just give it a shot and find out what would happen. It was no problem! Drinks are allowed through security here in Korea. The flight took off a little later than its scheduled time, but we still landed pretty much on time. The flight was only about 40 minutes long.

After the flight we rented our car which also went very smoothly. The hardest part was parking the car at the lot here at our Airbnb. Our host met us and showed Luke where to park. The vehicle fits, but it's tight!! That part was a bit stressful. We rode the elevator up to the very top floor- the 18th floor- to find our stunning Airbnb. It is gorgeous. We have a lovely view of the city, one window shows the ocean, and everything feels modern and comfortable. We ate out at a restaurant across the street. The boys and I ordered chicken. I must say I'm getting quite tired of fried chicken as it is the one thing Aiden likes here, so we get it all the time. But this was the best chicken I have ever eaten hands down. It was delicious!

Our entire trip we were obsessively checking the weather on Jeju and it showed rain for our entire stay here. But in the last 2 days, the forecast has changed dramatically. Now it looks like today will be the only rainy day and the other days look sunny and warm. Despite today's forecast, the sun is currently streaming through the window and it looks like it will only rain sporadically, not all day long. I'm not sure exactly what today will bring. Luke is still sleeping. He has to work during the night sometimes because of the time change. I'm hoping to go to the Haenyeo Museum and am hoping I can get the rest of the family on board with that plan.

In the meantime, here are some pictures!

Mrs. Yoo took us to an archery facility on Sunday. She said she takes her senior group there. She was quite skilled. I was impressed! I struggled quite a bit. But check out that form!  :-)

Jordan was a natural!

Aiden also caught on quickly.

Luke told me he caught on quickly as well but I have no proof that he is telling the truth!

Yum!

Boarding the plane for Jeju Island

We made it!

These sweatpants have officially become my traveling pants. They are so comfortable!

Boarding the shuttle bus to pick up our rental car

So many palm trees!

Driving in Korea! Thankfully they also drive on the right hand side of the road.

Jordan is standing in the living room of our Airbnb.

Out on the terrace

Showing off his chopsticks skills- he told me he could pick up one tiny piece of seaweed with his chopsticks.

"See, Mom! No problem."

Not to be outdone, Aiden had to show me that he could do it too.

Chicken and beer is a common pairing here in Korea. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but I had to give it a try. The chicken was delicious!!