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Published: October 8th 2010
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Third day on Jeju-do (Jeju Island) and loving every minute of it! This is where my mother grew up, a volcanic island about 53 miles off the tip of the Korean peninsula and where it all started for my family. My grandfather, Hyun Gee Won, was originally from North Korea before it split from the South and during the Japanese occupation of Korea he was forced to join and fight for the Japanese military. On August 15, 1945 after 35 years of occupation, Japan surrendered to the allied forces and my grandfather was able to return home. However, he was aware of the problems stirring between the North and South and decided to head to Jeju-do. My grandfather worked as a police officer and one day he noticed a picture of a woman outside of a local photography shop and asked who she was. He was able to find out due to his position as a police officer and that's how he met my grandmother. Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away when my mother was 6 leaving her with very few memories of him. Yesterday, we were able to visit his grave site as well as my uncle's. It was a very
spiritual and emotional experience. My aunt and uncle brought some fruit to leave as offerings along with a cigarette and some soju. My mother, sister, and I then bowed to our knees to pay our respects to both my grandfather and my uncle. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget and am so happy I was able to share that moment with my family.
After the visit my uncle wanted to take us to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) which was a volcano that rose from the sea over 100,000 years ago. Today there are trails that lead you straight to the top of the crater for a spectacular view of Jeju-do and the ocean. There are no words to describe how beautiful this place is and I don't think pictures do either but hopefully you can get somewhat of an idea.
After our hike we somehow ended up at the Sex and Health Museum which was pretty interesting, we didn't go in, I think the sculpture outside were plenty enough for our amusement! It was a long day of site seeing which we all thoroughly enjoyed!
Today's adventures were even more amazing and interesting! When I woke
up this morning my mother asked if I wanted to go to the spa, sure why not?! Who doesn't enjoy a day at the spa? Well folks a Korean spa is like no other. If you have a low tolerance for pain and are modest this is not the place for you. I knew everyone went nude but what I experienced was not what I had imagined. Once you de-robe you walk into one large room that has a pool, several hot tubs, a sauna, cold room, open showers, and a corner with a massage table where it all goes down. I had a nude adventure in Italy but that does not even compare to what I experienced this morning! My mom points to the corner and says that's where I'm to have my body scrub and massage completely nude by a Korean lady in her bra and panties. Um...ok that's different but what the heck! So I get on the table (awkward) and get scrubbed down like I have never been scrubbed before in my life! I think she removed 27 years of dead skin from my body from head to toe in every crook, crease, and cranny! All
I can say is I feel like a new born baby!
Afterwards, we decided to do something a little more normal and something the whole family could participate in, hike Cheonjiyeon Falls. This place was absolutely amazing. Three separate waterfalls located in a tropical paradise. Once again my pictures do not capture the true beauty of this place so come see for yourself! You won't regret it 😊
Overall, it's been an amazing 3 days with 3 more days to go until we head back to Seoul and I'll do my best to shorten these entries and be a little more entertaining! Hope I haven't bored you! Until next time...ahn-yangi-kah-sayo!
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Brook
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Amazing!!!
Stina your pictures are beyond words...I love the one of your mom at your grandfather's grave. This entry def made me tear up :) Miss yall and keep the pictures coming!!!! xxxx