Starbucks: "Jeju only"!

Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea

The first irony is that the only reason I went to Starbucks was to find some black tea. After combing several food stores, I had been unable to find ANY black tea. Sure enough, Starbucks had a box of lovely (albeit overpriced) black tea for sale. Phew.

But then I noticed the pastries. Most of us can agree that Starbucks' pastries in the States taste like cardboard. But here was a totally new line up: Jeju Peanut Roll, Peanut Mugwort Rice Cake Scone, Jeju Cactus Chocolate Cake, Mugwort & Red Bean Cream Cake--and more! And each pastry had a small sign indicating that these are available on "Jeju Only."

I can report that the Peanut Mugwort Rice Cake Scone was so tasty that I went back two days later and ordered it again.

Jeju Starbucks' pastries: definitely worth a try!

Hiking Jeju's Mt. Halla

Hallasan, Jeju Island, South Korea

As we set out on the 8.8 km hike up Mt. Halla, I was pretty sure we wouldn't make it to the top. The illustrated maps of the trail, however, seemed to make it more doable. So, up and up and up we went. All the way to the very top,with lots of fantastic views along the way. 

And then came the REALLY tough part: coming down again. Oh, my knees! I am super glad we did this wonderful walk/hike, but I could barely walk for the next 4 days...

Graceland Khao Lak Beach Resort

Khao Lak, Thailand

After two days in the jungle, we decided to go a bit upscale (with a steep discount from Agoda) and try the Graceland Khao Lak Beach Resort. Not usually our cup of tea but we enjoyed the beach, the crazy fun pool, and the over-the-top breakfast buffet. And the comfortable room from which to observe the on-and-off monsoon rains. We'll be back.

Back to Art's Riverview Lodge

On the edge of Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

This was our third trip to Art's Riverview lodge, though this time we only spent two nights. Food was great, the room a bit rough, but generally good to be back again. Went on a great tour of the park that Art's arranged in conjunction with other nearby lodgings.

Return to Chumphon Cabana

View from the restaurant

Saphli, Thailand

It took us five years, but we are back at last at our favorite place in Thailand: Chumphon Cabana! The cabanas are still wonderful, as are the views, the beach, the food--and the staff (!) even as nature continues to reclaim the back portion of the property.

So wonderful to be back! 

Green Papaya Salad: my dream food

Maybe it's not true and you CAN go home again...

Joyously, around the Lake!

Seattle, Washington

The smoke finally gone and a break after our first of rain in months--and around Lake Washington I went. Stopped for a coffee at my favorite coffee place in Kirkland and then charged up Juanita Hill. Decent fall riding weather at last!

More "books on bikes":

• "The Return of Faraz Ali" by Aamina Ahmad (this promises to be very good)
• The Holiday Swap" by Maggie Knox (fun but very "lite")
• "Nomad Century" by Gaia Vince 

50.2 miles

More "books on bikes"

Seattle, Washington

Okay, I have lost track of all my rides lately, but I am determined NOT to lose track of all the great books I've been listening to. I just started two new ones: one "heavy" (Nomad Century) and one "lite" (Holiday Swap), but it's too soon to tell if either of them will be good. But this one was a fun (and, in some ways, thoughtful) one:

• "Love Marriage" by Monica Ali (she also wrote "Brick Lane")