As Brian has mentioned before, Jeju-do (Jeju island) is volcanic. That means that the soil is very good for growing things, all sorts of things. Jeju is particularly famous for citrus fruits like halla-bong and other tangerines. In the neighborhoods we walked through, I also saw several persimmon trees, what looked like a few nut trees growing wild, and once even some pomegranates. The richness of the soil is not wasted at all. And, as it turns out, the soil as well as the weather conditions make the island an optimal environment for growing tea. So during our vacation we decided to go to a green tea farm. I enjoy drinking tea (hot, iced, or whatever) so I was especially curious about what the tea farm would be like. Also, I heard they made special ice cream.
On Jeju island the green tea facility is called O’Sulloc Green Tea museum. In front of the museum there are some nice topiary-like shrubs shaped like tea cups:
This picture was taken by a friendly person who offered to help us take a picture together.”같이” they said.
Before entering the museum itself, we tramped through the green tea fields for a little while. The fields were beautiful and green, with rocky volcanic soil, buzzing insects, and the light fragrance of something very essential: manure. The sun was bright that day, and it was hot. As is their custom, Korean women walked around with parasols to protect their skin; as is customary for me, I relied on my God-given brownness. It was really a delight to watch everyone taking fun pictures standing in the rows. So Brian wanted us to capture these moment as well.
As I have mentioned already, the sun was bright that day, and even though my skin was drinking in the sun with joy, my eyes do not share its enthusiasm. I was happy to be in the fields of the tea that I enjoy so much, but my feet were not happy on the rocky soil, considering my footgear (flip-flops). My nose was a little offended by the rich, wholesome smells of the fertilized earth, and I really wanted some of that famous green tea ice cream. But not before taking an idyllic photo of my beloved surrounded by a lush field-full of the leaves that I love:
After this we made our way inside. Because it was hot, and because I wanted ice cream. But before we could have any, we had to get some culture. So we paused to contemplate the tea exhibit and learn about its origins, how it has been served in various cups, and poured from various kettles including those carved entirely from a single block of stone. Finally we learned about the health benefits of tea, and how it was imported to England in the 16th century. Very interesting.
The tea was equally interesting, and I don’t mean that as some sort of euphemism. They had free samples of freshly brewed tea, which was much more fragrant and flavorful than the cheap green tea I had back at the apartment, many people were gathered around to taste the tea, and I smiled at the taste, knowing that I was soon going to have to buy some of my own to take home.
Although it was listed on the tourist maps as the O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum, the main feature of the museum seemed to be the cafe, which was bustling. The line for the comestibles was long, but people were happy to stand in it. The cafe chairs both inside and outside the cafe were full of folks eating and drinking. The cafe’s menu boasted such delights as green tea ice cream, cake, and cookies, and even an absolutely delicious iced citron green tea. After making our purchases we waited with a buzzer for our order.
This is what we got:
After we ate our treats, we decided to go up onto the observatory decks and survey the fields from above. The wind was blowing up there and the weather had cooled a bit.
So after the wind became too much for me to bear, I went downstairs again to buy my souvenirs: Green tea for brewing both hot and iced tea, which I have enjoyed greatly since being back in Busan.
Then we found a taxi and went along our merry way.
Our beloved Ashley and Brian ,
We are enliightened and happy to receive the play by play discourse of your
experiences and joy ..keep ’em coming as they are quite a treet for us .
Please stay well and travel safely .
love .
grammi and poppi
I concur with Poppi and Grammi…
You and Brian write a mean travelogue!! And the pictures are so delightful! Ashley, I LOVE your dress (with shorts underneath – how smart of you!)…and yes, Brian looked very happy and cute as ever!
Mega smooches!
awesome ,again ! deep thought should become a habit and shorts are s.o.p.
for dresses that are worn on windy days …..we love you two and send
blessings galore .
I love your dress, too!
By the way, do you know where I could find Uzma Yacoob’s dress?
Here is the link to it https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/p480x480/1463714_530574180360870_1215683789_n.jpg