Oreums and Bingsu!

I'm a little behind on posting. Greg's started teaching this past week and I've been diving into my new online endeavor through my business, Samya Yoga Healing. 

Greg and I got our Olle Passports! One of the hiking opportunities here is hiking a series of trails that goes along the coast called the Olle Trails. I'll be posting more about this and the passports later.

The another hiking opportunity on the island are on the Oreums which are tree covered the volcanic hills. Wikipedia defines them as "small defunct volcanos."  There are more than 360 of them!  

We got a chance to hike our first one, Jeoji, though due to the heat and humidity, we didn't go down into the crater. Next time! It's pretty close to us so I imagine it will be one we do a number of times. We went with a group of staff from SJA (St. Johnbury Academy where Greg teaches) including Aiden (kindergarten) and Liam (Second grade), two kiddos that were rockstar hikers.




Part of the trail we were on was also a part of the Olle trail system. There was a couple different options of walking around Jeoji and then up around the crater so we did a bit of both. At the top, there used to be a wooden tower and right now they are building a new metal one. So, with trees on the top, we couldn't see much but there was a look out point where we could see out towards the GEC (Global Education Center where we live), surrounding towns and the ocean. We hiked about an hour - which was plenty due to the heat.





After the hike we headed to a Korea restaurant. Eating out is a challenge for me. Even with explaning I don't eat meat, my dish still came with fish. Luckily, it was reexplained and the next dish came without any meat. It was all tasty!

A handful of us decided we needed a cool treat to top off the morning, so went to go get Bingsu. Bingsu is Korean shaved ice that is made with freezing milk. Traditionally, it is accompanied with red bean paste (which I enjoy but I think is an acquired taste) and some other fun things sprinkled on top. You can also find it with mango and or other fruit options.

I think we hit the jackpot on Bingsu variation on our first experience though. It was not only delicious but an opportunity to connect with our 'inner child.' So much fun!

We got two orders so that our group of 7, which included Liam and Aiden, could have plenty.

When it came, is was this blue mound accompanied by all the necessary supplies to create your own tropical beach scene. I dove right in to start the beach, got the hesitant adults to join in and have some fun. 




It was tasty and fun to destroy our creation. At one point it looked like the aftermath of a typhoon or tsunami.  

From our short time here, I'm gathering fun, creative touches are very 'Korean' and I think Jeju embraces this even more. I'm looking forward to seeing if there is any other Bingsu that rivals this first experience. My mouth has eagerly donated itself to this task.

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