Arrival

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My experience so far has been interesting to say the least. And quite eventful.

The worst thing that happened was the inevitable terrorist check at the airport in both Knoxville and Japan (!?) In Knoxville I had my bag dumped and inspected buy some cross-eyed hillbilly who issued me with a tone that was intended for someone like a serial killer. I suppose it should have been expected, I hadn't thought of every little detail I'd have to confront. In Japan I was surprised to be gestured aside by the security, in the line to board the plane, and scanned head to toe as well as get my things inspected again. I was the only one they did this to in that line. Is it because of my looks? Probable.

In my hour in Japan though, I was simply impressed at the ease of my transition in the airport. Just get off the plane, ride the mile-long treadmill, and go through one security check.

Aside from that, and the pain I had to endure during the 13-hour flight to Japan, and the little misunderstanding with my baggage (I'd been checked to pick up my luggage directly in Seoul, the final destination, but I thought I'd have to claim it in each stop, so that was quite embarrassing to find out), things were ok. On the main flight I didn't get the window (*sad*) and I sat next to a 30-something Japanese guy who asked me too many questions. His English was good though. But it wasn't pleasant to converse with a fairly-attractive Asian man when I am feeling dirty and sick and always so self-conscious. The thing that gave me a lot of trouble was the bag I'd chosen to take as a carry-on, besides my laptop, which I didn't use at all. It's more like a baggy hippie bag and I'd stuffed a lot of junk in there that I didn't use.

I ended up suffering from a bout of stomach-upset and stool problems because of the stress and anxiety, so I didn't eat a lot, and I had nausea on the last flight. I'm stil a bit like that, but hopefully it will improve. I admit that unlike when I was younger, I get a bit uneasy on planes because of the shaking and bathroom inconvenience. I hope I'll be lucky enought to have a companion for future travels.

Now, having arrived in the actual place, it is a bit more problematic that I thought. First of all it's big. Really BIG. Seoul is one of the biggest and busiest capitals in the world so no wonder I feel so insignificant and lost here. I am truly, unregrettably thankful for a caring friend who is able to communicate with me. Christina, the Korean girl who had been at Maryville last year, has taken me in her home for 3 days, until I move to Yonsei, and her parents who can't speak a world of English (well, maybe only the common words like "Hi" and "water"), are unimaginably kind and hospitable. They are really open-minded and friendly for people of such a tradition-bound and patriarchal society. They live in an apartment (%95 of Koreans probably do, in the cities), which is really high-tech, so to make up for the small size. I have been awed by the sheer modernity and technology used here. All the way from the huge airport to the subway, and shopping centers.

I can only be certain that the discomfort will only last for a couple of weeks. I imagine that my experience here will get more friendly as I adjust to the change. Especially as I learn more Korean and learn how to be comfortable in my minority skin.

My friend's family is more than welcoming and we are going to eat out together in a few minutes. More to come. :)

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