In the midst of packing, storing and making sure I was completely ready (which involved, visiting everyone I could, printing pictures, choosing books, etc. etc. etc.) to make the 15 hour flight to Korea, my intentions of starting a blog early enough to share the struggles of all that stuff, well, it got lost or packed or something. So, here I am, three days after arriving in Korea with an overwhelming amount of information to share. First, so as not to leave anything out right away, I'll include a summary of the things I did after finding out 4 days prior to leaving that was when I was scheduled to go.
Sold my Car.
Packed.
Well, needless to say, I definitely overpacked. At least, as of now it seems as though I did. After spending a few months here, I'll include a list of everything I believe should be packed, but I would definitely say 14 tank tops, 7 dresses, 10 cardigans, 10 t-shirts, numerous sweaters and jackets and long sleeved shirts...and pants and shorts and 10 pairs of shoes is a bit much. Sheets was a good idea and big towels. The hair straightener and dryer was pointless. I was quite proud of myself for my making my big bag (48 pounds) and litte big bag (46 pounds) meet the airline baggage requirements though. I am definitely glad I brought my laptop and, of course, my cameras. Like I said, I'll do another packing post when I figure out exactly what I should have brought and should have left at home. It's too soon to really know. However, finding enough hangers and room in this small apartment should be fun... but more about that later...
Thought about my decision... again and again...
For me, the decision to move to a completely different part of the world was easy. I would make money, save money, learn a new culture and see new things. It was so simple and logical... until it came to saying goodbye to everyone and everything. From the people I only see once a year anyway, to my pets...my children, to the people I see or talk to everyday, to the really special people who may not be around after a year. Normally, I'm not the type of person who finds it hard to say goodbye for a year, it comes naturally when my family lives all over the States. This time was a struggle. It probably shouldn't have been as hard for me, but it was, even up until the second before I was getting on the plane. I guess you never really know how much you'll miss someone until it comes time to say goodbye with no idea when you'll talk to them, or even see them again. But, an opportunity like this doesn't happen often.
Anyway....
I did, obviously, get on the airplane. My face was red and blotchy because of course I got really sad talking to mom before I was supposed to board the airplane. It was funny because some people on my flight had those little mouth and nose mask things around their necks, and after looking at me they'd put them back on. Heh. The infected American.
So, I watched Angels & Demons, My Sister's Keeper and Adventureland. Oh, and I started some movie called Rocking the Boat or something like that, but fell asleep. That's how long the plane ride was. For being 15 hours, it definitely didn't feel that long though. The food was slightly disgusting, but it was nice to get lunch and dinner.
Oh, and the Korean Airline flight attendants do totally wear the cool outfits in the commercial. I must say, it adds to the excitement of flying to another country.
Arrival.
Getting through immigration and customs was fine, easy (well, except for pushing around my two heavy bags). It was getting past customs to where I needed to get a bus ticket that made me question, "What the hell did I get myself into?" I was pushing around two 50 pound bags, searching for a place to buy a specific bus ticket and everything was in Korean. Luckily, a man who obviously noticed my confusion came up to me and showed me where to go. After that, I had about four other people help me until I finally made my way onto the bus for the 90 minute ride to City Air Terminal, where I was then put into a taxi and sent to my school. It was after meeting some of my coworkers, supervisor, and director and getting to my hotel that I realized I may not be able to contact anyone back home until the morning. Worst feeling ever, especially since I knew very well that mom was probably not sleeping because she was waiting for a phone call from me saying I made it safely. Luckily, after waking up ridiculously early, I was able to figure out a way to get a crappy internet connection real quick.
So...
In short, I love my school so far. Everyone is great and helpful. The language barrier is pretty tough, but for the most part everyone is somewhat willing to help, and my supervisor made sure I had everything I needed for my apartment, which like I was well aware, is super small. I'll continue in a new post.
"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." -Lao Tzu
