Jeju Island is a UNESCO world heritage site and popular honeymoon destination for locals. This mini break from roughing it was a great excuse to wind down, eat, and generally get spoilt by my parents. When my parents picked us up from the airport Dad asked us to confirm the spelling of our full names. I thought this was a funny question until he sprung on us that we were going to Seoul with him and Mum next weekend as Mum had to work and thought we'd all tag along. We were pleasantly surprised by this impromptu trip and eagerly awaited the weekend. On our first night we were treated to a traditional Korean BBQ - including sitting on the floor. Korean cuisine features many interesting side dishes such as spicy kimchi and delicious sauces.

As we toured the island, the rolling mountains, numerous farms and coastline reminded us of rural NZ. We had the privilege of exploring Jeju with vehicular freedom and Aidan experienced his first right hand side driving (I kindly offered to drive but no one suggested that I be added to the insurance policy).

My father has a great passion for historic buildings so in Seoul we explored every nook and cranny of the Gyeongbokgung and Deoksugung palaces. While watching the changing of the guards ceremony you captured a glimpse into a time when Korea was at its greatest.

South Korea has the highest per capita rate of plastic surgery in the world with 1 in 5 women having undergone a procedure. As we walked along the streets of Gangnam (style, yes one in the same), we couldn't help but notice the streets full of plastic surgery clinics and 'before and after' posters. After seeing this I couldn't stop looking at noses and eyelids of women in the subway... before or after?

Though our encounter with South Korea has been brief, it's been a great chance to refuel. Looking onward and outward to our next step of the journey I get a feeling I'm in for a shock. As I've been told by many, nothing can prepare you for India!