Day Zero

07.08.10-07.09.10

Getting to the airport at 5:30 in the morning isn't fun for everyone. And for me, it was a relief, since I stayed up through the night, got no sleep (what a shocker) to prepare myself with the hopes of no jet lag. Insanity, I know, but it worked. The flight from MSP to ORD was 1h 15m, a short jaunt. On that plane I sat next to a man whom was friendly and we talked. He was from Jersey and explained to me that South Korea is very nice (since he'd been there for many business trips before) and that the weather was quite mild. He said if I can handle the food, I should be just fine. I explained to him that I was familiar with the cuisine as my future-mother-in-law is Korean and she loves to feed me as much Korean food as possible. So, he wished me best of luck. Then, I watching 'The Office' on the plane without sound, it was season 6, the episode about 'The Leads'. Enjoyable, really a good way to start the day with 'The Office'. Landed safely at ORD, with plenty of time to kill before the next flight (4 hours). Took the shuttle to the other terminal, #5 International, and there I met another man heading on his way home after a business trip in Fargo. I told him where I was going and that I’ve been to Fargo before. We talked about hunting (bow and arrow) and he recommended to me to try hunting rabbits when I come back. I don’t know if I could kill Thumper, but it was interesting talking with him. Got to terminal 5, finished my cran-apple juice drink after checking in with Korean Air. Sat down and relaxed for a bit and started up another conversation with another traveler, this time a young 14-yr-old kid from the Boston area going to Cambodia to visit his ‘much older brother’ (26 yrs old, that made me feel old when he said that, as I will be that age this year) for two months. He was taking the same flight as me, but his seat was 6 rows up. We talked about video games, college, and world travels, I spent most of my downtime with him, as I was happy to have someone to keep me awake. After we got through security, again, we went to gate and discovered a nice surprise.



The rumors were true, Korean Air had a few planes with the Starcraft II logo in the sides, I was shocked and wished Phill was there to see it, he would have loved it. We boarded the 747 plane from ORD to ICN and I hoped for the best in a 13h 20m journey. On the flight, the flight attendants served three wonderful meals and were extremely polite. I watch a lot of movies: Wedding Dress (the Korean Movie), Youth in Revolt, How to Train Your Dragon, Wild Target, She’s Out of My League, and a few others that I can’t remember off-hand. I slept for roughly four hours and played some in-flight Tetris. Landed in ICN, went through customs, got my baggage and met my van driver holding a poster with my name. I never thought I would have needed that sign, but I was extremely grateful. We proceeded to leave the airport; he understood very little English and I tried to make light conversation. We went over the Incheon Long Bridge, a staggering 13.3 miles long! After a two-hour car ride, the destination was reached, my cute apartment! My co-teacher and two young women, giggling in tow, greeted me. I watched a little Korean television, surfed some channels, found what I was looking for, because I couldn’t believe the stories, a channel dedicated to Starcraft with people playing the game!


Then I got set-up in my apartment and finally got some good rest, a solid sleep. I’m so grateful to all whom helped me get here with all their love and support. Replanting my roots in another country alone isn’t easy and I’m very fortunate I have so many people behind me: old co-workers, friends, parents, family, future-in-laws, and of course my fiancée.
Thank you.