Rainbows appeared for the Soul, Jeju (Day 6)
It was already Day 6 of the trip. It reminded me how quickly time could pass, even when we chose to slow down. The morning air was cold and windy, nudging us to seek warmth and comfort. A simple bowl of soupy noodles felt like the perfect companion; nourishing, steady, and enough to make that fleeting moment joyful.
As usual, the routine of itinerary planning began with a cup of hot decaffeinated coffee. Its aroma drifted through the house, bringing both life and relaxation. The warmth of the ritual steadied the morning, even as worry lingered.
My son’s tummy discomfort continued to weigh on us despite some improvement. It was perhaps due to the secondary school choices he had made a few days earlier for the new chapter of his education path, or maybe to the anticipation of family members soon joining us. In the midst of planning and concern, I reminded myself to pause. To breathe. To let the coffee, the quiet, and the moment carry us gently forward.
“There was no point in worrying.
Life unfolded in its own rhythm, and we met it step by step.”
The rundown of the day had been completed with consideration of the wet weather. Tasks were behind me, and the evening felt lighter. Music from one of my favorite artists filled the space, turning routine into comfort.
We had arrived at the popular eatery, braving strong wind and rain. With care, we ordered our food, mindful of avoiding overly spicy choices to help our son.
We chose the counter seats facing the beach, hoping for a simple view to steady the moment. Binoculars were available, a considerate touch for guests, but they remained unused in the pouring rain.
A young couple sat beside was too engrossed in their own world to notice that we needed one more seat. Their bags and jackets occupied the space; a quiet reminder of how easily people can overlook others when they were too self-centered.
Still, the warmth of the food and the sound of the waves carried us forward, turning the storm outside into part of the memory.
Amid the storm, there had been a sudden commotion. Rainbows began to appear on the sea horizon. The first lasted for three minutes, and the second followed shortly after, settling into a double rainbow that stirred excitement among the crowd.
It was a reminder that to see a rainbow, there must first be a storm. Beauty often arrives after turbulence, and joy often follows challenge.
The rain had given in for a short while, and we took the chance to speed off in our car toward the next destination. The brief pause in the storm felt like a gift, a window of movement amid the day’s uncertainty.
I had been making my way toward Snoopy’s World, but as I neared the entrance, the sight of rows of tour buses at the carpark made me change my mind. The crowd felt overwhelming, and slow living reminded me to choose ease over rush.
So I continued further up the road and arrived at the Wildlife Park instead.
The shift in destination felt natural but needed. I thought sometimes the best journeys are the ones that change direction, leading us to places we hadn’t expected but needed all along.
I had been too quick to conclude the verdict of my decision, for as we arrived at the gate, we found the place closed due to the extreme weather. A middle‑aged lady greeted us kindly, and within seconds hail poured down upon us.
We were ushered into a cozy hut where the lady rested beside a wood‑fire stove that kept us warm. We exchanged a brief dialogue using simple English and hand gestures before the snow began to fall. My son went wild with excitement, as he had always been a fan of snow; and who wouldn’t be, especially for us who lived in the tropics.
The snowfall lasted barely a minute, just enough to tempt us into the park. The cold, however, made it clear that lingering was not meant to be. The lady at the entrance waved us in without charging, a small gesture of kindness that lingered longer than the visit itself.
We walked briefly past a few enclosures, pausing beside an owl that seemed completely at ease in the cold afternoon. Black crows caught my attention too; birds I see almost every day back home, almost invisible in daily life. Yet here, in a different setting, they felt unfamiliar and worth noticing. It reminded me that what is common is no longer common when the setting or context changes.
“Change the setting, and the ordinary reveals its value.”
With a quiet wish for more snowfall, we settled into a sheltered spot, Bunker Des Lumières, Jeju, letting the cold air and passing time do their work.
Bunker Des Lumières is a former secret national communication bunker has been reborn as a novel realm of light and sound, serving as a cultural regeneration space that has become one of Jeju’s most iconic artistic attractions. (source: visitjeju.net)
Of all the segments, fun, artistic, classic etc, the Haenyeo story left the deepest impression; quiet, yet profoundly touching for all who watched
It embodied the struggles of the Haenyeo in their early days and the respect they earn today; much like many of us who strive to create a voice of our own through meaningful content, hoping for the like, support and appreciation of others.
“A three-minute read can be the result of hours of work behind the scenes.”
Stepping into the gift shop right before the exit, we snagged the Haenyeo postcard series and spinned a few Gachapon machines, and couldn’t help but laugh at the little surprises that tumbled out.
After an immersive art and light display, the mother and son paused for a picture before heading toward a nearby cafe. It was much needed as the exhibit hall was so calming that we nearly dozed off amidst the soft lights and gentle ambiance.
By the time we arrived at the café And( )r , the snowfall had yet to appear, and darkness was creeping in quickly.
The drill has become SOP: check out the goodies, place the order, and find the perfect seat for both the view and photos.
Lastly, we stopped by a convenience store to top up our water and snacks, while my son grabbed two bowls of instant noodles, one for dinner and the other for a late-night supper emergency. A growing boy indeed!
This was a day painted with rainbows, brightened by a kind lady at the park, teased by a sudden snow, and filled with ordinary crows seen in extraordinary ways. Art and emotion carried us along, yet struggles reminded us of reality, and persistence proved vital.
The day ended far too quickly, with snacks, laughter, and simple pleasures making it sweeter.
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