After first hearing about a peculiar coffee shop from a fellow racer’s girlfriend (a cute couple I might add), I imagined sipping its sweet, aromatic coffee as a soft breeze wafted my hair and body into heavenly contentment.
One can easily spot this place – a bright, cruelly painted rainbow against the rusty off-white facade on this ancient SUV; boasted as the only one in Korea by it’s owner, a former businessman from Seoul. I can’t remember the model, but it was said to be passed down from a previous owner affiliated with some Korean newspaper and was refurbished with a built-in, wooden bench directly behind the drivers seat. Inclusive to the interior were other major appliances – a large pancake grill, microwave, fridge and espresso machine with enough room leftover to comfortably seat perhaps 6 to 8 additional passengers. There was only one thing to do; hop in the welcome wagon!
I ordered an ice americano and small talked with the now cheerful owner as he disclosed past stories of struggle, failed businesses and the like which ultimately lured him to the serene shores of Jeju Island. In return for my open ears, he continued to generously pour one cup after the other.
Likewise, customers unceasingly arrived in their lazy cars, happily interrupting to what may have looked to them like two old friends in intimate conversation. Some didn’t seem to mind that he took great care and time perfecting each order, but as you may already know, most busy 빨리 (if not rude) Koreans didn’t hesitate to ask more than once how much longer it would take. 
I couldn’t help but watch as he passionately poured perfect cups of hot chocolate (whip cream and all), swirled even lines of ketchup atop lightly crisped egg toast and my all-time favorite; labored pumps of milk foam poured over his star signature cafe lattes. Before I knew it, the wind had shifted in earnesty of the setting sun. I thought of what it would be like to leave everything and everyone behind, to start on a fresh, clean slate and without the ever-looming financial burden. Oh wait, I kind of did that already. Well sort of, anyway.
Nearly an hour later, I reluctantly stepped out of the cafe, exchanged goodbyes and promised to return another day. As of now, I’m not sure if that promise can be kept, but I know that it wouldn’t be long before someone else would appreciate the treasures within this little rainbow.
Cycling to Caffeine took about 30 minutes from my hotel in Jeju City – 5 minutes after the restaurant/hotel in the shape of a UFO on Aewol Road 애월해안도로.
[...] girl, I pedaled towards the direction of the sounds, smells and sights of the sea.The first stop: Caffeine, a truck cafe that also served up tasty, mouthwatering toast sandwiches. The barista – a man [...]