Friday, February 19, 2010

Back in the land of the 'Morning Calm'

I am so happy to back! It has been cold, but the kimchi is keeping me warm;)
It seems that this land may have not have wanted me. I had a heck of a time trying to get here. Of course the usual delays with Canada Post forced me to reschedule my flight. Turns out that getting out of Saskatoon was something everyone was doing, so I couldn't leave until the 15th. Delta airlines was my official carrier which means that my route would be through the red, white and blue. Of course with this being the case, extra security must be taken. At the airport I was selected for extra screening; which included pilfering through my carry- on and sticking my hands in my front pockets to ensure I had no substances tucked in there. Then we got tucked into a hallway to wait to board a really small plane! To my delight getting through immigration in Minneapolis was FAST!! and painless!! With only 1hour and 15minutes between flights, I was worried, but I had time to eat and stop at the washroom... unbelievable. This is where it all began to fall apart. I arrived at JFK- New York at 1040. My flight to Korea was not going to be until 12:50. I got off the plane and was wandering around the place looking for a Delta agent to ask, where the hell am I. I ask the Homeland Secruity guys where they could be, so they told me to wait at this desk. I waited and waited and waited. By 12 I was starting to sweat and I was told that maybe I had to get to terminal 3. So I went. I ran. I cried. It was cold and wet and snowy. I got to terminal 3. You are are not suppossed to be here. You are to be at terminal 1. Oh shit! An older gentlemen and I ran back to terminal 1. We were too late! The flight has gone. I cry and drop to the floor. I'm tired and probably going to puke. Thankfully my running partner was an excellent man and took pity on me. We walk back to terminal 3. We look for alternatives. Option 1, you will be on the next flight in 24hours time. NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Is there anything else? Yes a flight 12 hours later... done!! and to my surprise NO CHARGE! So what do I do now... I have to find a hotel room. That sweet gentleman helps me arrange it. There is a free shuttle.. excellent. So I wait almost 2 hours to get this shuttle. I'm freezing and can't see straight. Then a bunch of people show up waiting for the same place.. they have a cell phone.. they call and call again. We arrive at the hotel. My room is fine. I'm really cold. I call Mark. I am sick to death. I try to sleep. Not a great result. I am sick, shivering and sick. Wake up call. OK get your shit together, you can't miss this one.
Korean Air= amazing. I check in. They asked why I missed the flight, they are sympathetic. My luggage is still in NYC. I ask for an aisle seat, they upgrade me! SWEET! They also give me access to the lounge- sweet, breakfast and comfy chairs. They ensure that my luggage has been found! AMAZING! Board the plane, and turns out I have three seats to myself.. could life get any better.. not really! I sleep, eat and repeat.
Finally I arrive at Incheon. I feel relieved and happy. I am shipped out on a 4 hour bus ride to Jeonji University where orientation is. I packed too much, but so did everyone else. I am here. I am eating kimchi. I am on the same Continent as Mark. I am truly happy!

Monday, December 28, 2009

On the road again...

As most of you know I will be in the air in about a week. I'm sure most of you have also heard about the Northwest Airlines flight to Detroit that had a failed attempt of a bombing. I have been reading these stories, and all the extra measures they are putting in place. I am worried. Much to my dislike, I have to fly through the USA, on an NWA flight, to get home. I really dislike this route even when everything is nice in the world. I only have an hour and fifteen to get off the plane from Tokyo, pick up bags, and go through customs and security and whatever else they may ask... I hope the cards are in my favor:)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

FREEBIRD

Jinny, Scarlett, Rachel, Ruby and Me
I am so FINISHED!! I am thrilled to finally have a vacation. It will be nice to really have no plans. I am looking forward to Christmas. I hope that I can make some of my favorite things, and have a really nice time with Mark and friends.
My coworkers are the best! I don't think I could have made it without them. They are so kind and funny and sweet. I am glad I have friends like these for my time in Korea. See you later girls. I'll miss you

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Full Circle

ONLY 10 WORKING DAYS LEFT!!! ASHA (thats korean for I have, and very excited). I am so over this contract. This year has had its ups and downs, but for the most part it was positive. I love most of my kids, and my fellow teachers are brilliant. I am really going to miss those girls. Thankfully I will still be able to see them after the curtain falls.
I really like Korea. It has a beautiful landscape and most of the people are friendly and kind. I don't particularly like the foreigner culture because it is often saturated with alcohol, which when consumed in these vast quantities the outcome is never good. I am so lucky to have Mark, otherwise I may have caved a long time ago. I see other people struggle with loneliness, and it doesn't look like much fun.
I'm a little nervous but mostly excited to come home. It is going to be great.
See you in 33...