I have been used to travelling alone in the past, but only within the country. I am used to riding airplanes by myself without any fear of getting lost or anything. But, this time, as I traveled to South Korea, I felt a tinge of fear mixed with happiness and excitement. I felt fear because I have left my comfort zone and I am entering a zone which is unknown to me. I don't even speak Korean. All I know is anyeong haseyo and saranghae. But despite that fear, I am happy because I know that the next 10 months will be a great learning experience for me.
As I arrived at the airport, I had to say goodbye to my family. I will not be seeing them for 10 months. It is sad that I will celebrate specials days away from them: birthdays, Christmas. Every sacrifice gives one a reward.
I underwent the the regular process at the airport: luggage check-in. immigration, waiting and boarding. I chose Asiana airlines because it has the most convenient flight schedule for me. And I also like their tagline: Star Alliance. * I really loveee stars. :))))
When I boarded on the plane, I was surprised with the temperature inside.It was very hot. I was wearing winter clothes because it was still winter in Korea and I was afraid that I will freeze to death once I arrive at Korea. But Asiana Airlines does not use air-cooling system, they use heater. And I was really sweating during the whole trip. i should have known. ~haha
Once the plane was already in the sky, I cannot stop myself from taking photos of the clouds. They are so cute and fluffy! I think it has become a habit for me to request for the window seat for the reason of seeing the clouds. Clouds take me back to childhood, because I remember a cartoon show entitled Heidi. :)
The airplane meal is a balanced meal. It has choice of either fish or beef, rice, vegetables, salad, bread with butter, dessert, and several beverage options. I chose fish. The best word to describe the meal is 'healthy.' Taste-wise, it was so-so.
When I arrived at the airport, it was around 5:30 pm. A university professor, Mr. Su Jin Lee, came to fetch me up and bring me to the bus limousine where I am to travel alone. Before we parted, I asked him to take me a photo, which became my first photo in South Korea.
He also gave me a club sandwich from Paris Croissant and water because he said I might be tired and hungry from my four-hour flight. The sandwich was really good. Yum. ^^
So I rode the bus limousine from Incheon International Airport up to Jeonju City which took me four long hours of travel. I arrived at Jeonju Core Hotel around 9:30 pm and I was fetched by Ms. Doori Park from the university. She brought me to my hotel-style dormitory called Star Tower, quite expensive with a fee of 273 000 Won per month per person (~$245), 2 persons in one room.
That's my bed. It is comfortable, and the view from the glass wall is really fantastic. My room is at the 16th floor and I can see the city and the mountains from my bed. The city lights are really amazing-- my last sight for my first night in Korea. ★ ★ ★
