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Monday, February 14, 2011

Prelude to a Year Pt. 2: The Sentimental Journey

Boise to Seattle: It’s flight that never ceases to amaze. The whitewashed mountains jutting out from the brown hue of the treasure valley is always the dramatic contrast. Flying over Seattle I got the sensation of all those memories flooding into my head from all the times I had spent in the Emerald City. Most recently with my dad, I had begged him to go to the 49ers opening game of the 2010 season. It was sure to be a blowout showcasing the juggernaut defense and blistering offense of San Francisco. Not so, but the memory is a lasting one that I will cherish.

Seattle to L.A.: I’m not a fan of L.A. But the stories that my dad told me of growing up in Orange County went through my mind. The memories of Disneyland and clinging to my mom before the terrifying plunge of a simple Disneyland ride. I really don’t like LAX, it’s depressing and lacks the charm of the little Boise Airport. It was awkward waiting an hour to get onto the plane to Seoul. The whole gate was probably 90 percent Koreans. I sat across from a cranky looking Green Bay fan in the terminal during the wait. What on earth did have to be so cranky looking about!?!?

L.A. to Seoul: I sat in the very middle of the plane for 13 hours. Every seat was full and it was very uncomfortable. It was not a special experience to say the least. The service was great though!

Arriving at the Incheon airport wasn’t all that bad. I navigated my way through customs and baggage claim and finally met the person who would guide me to my next leg of the journey, the 4 ½ hour bus ride to Mokpo. I met a fellow ESL teacher waiting for the same bus. He was the same age, same city to work in, same circumstances of why they were going and almost the same college degree. It was a real comfort to not feel alone for at least the next 5 hours or so.

The next post will be about my first impressions and my first day at my job.

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