4/29
Technically 4/28... I board the DL0171 MSP (Minneapolis Saint Paul) to ICN (Icheon Seoul) direct flight. I was ecstatic, as the flight had just been introduced at the beginning of the month, going directly from my hometown all the way to my soul town.... Seoul (well Incheon technically).
As a frequent flyer with Delta, I had been upgraded in the morning to an aisle seat. And then upgraded to Delta comfort PLUS (not sure if the plus is of any significance), upon boarding.
So far, the trip was flawless.
The flight was impeccably smooth, with hardly any bumps (except the expected ones over Russia, China, and North Korea. There's always bumps there). I actually received my special, dairy-free, vegetarian meals.
Which is a rarity since so often times things get skewed in the ticketing process. And I had two seats all to myself.
All that was left was to sleep.
And sleep I did not.
Two glasses of sparkling wine and one glass of red in, I began cursing my parents for our long history of fantastic alcohol tolerance. Fearing the flight attendant handling all my drinks would start to judge me, I cut it off with six hours left to fly and enjoyed green tea and a few movies.
If your bored on a plane, fear not. Here are a few recommendations:
1. The Return of Mary Poppins
Fantastic movie. Great rewind. Gonna be honest I didn't really pay attention. But it was great when I did and fantastic for background sound.
2. Ralph Breaks the Internet
Although the beginning is a bit lacking, it really picks up at (of all things) a scene containing all of the Disney princesses. I found myself grinning as Disney Pixar pokes fun at it's most popular characters across history.
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone... But in Korean
You will not regret this.
4. I Feel Pretty
Just a random choice of movies, Amy Schumacher blows it away with this halariously awkward take on real life events that leaves you feeling a little bit more beautiful inside.
I grow impatient as hours turn into minutes, and suddenly we're putting our trays and seats in the upright positions. I am nearly shaking like a happy Chihuahua as I message my arrival details to Mingyu over Kakaotalk. It had been over three months since I had last seen my mans, and I could hardly wait.
I sped walk through customs and immigration faster than any Olympic Speed Walker from China you have ever seen. I made a pitstop in the bathroom to freshen up while waiting for my luggage.
By the way, if you ever need deodorant but it isn't accessible. Paper towel + soap.
Still luggage-less (and having war traumas from the last time) I called Mingyu to spare the time. He was waiting just on the other side of the wall. It felt like the 80s in Berlin.
"Your quest is to find me." He announced.
"Mingyu. I know what you look like. I live here. I can tell Asians apart." I remind him, failing to hide the sass in my voice.
"Then I'm going to hide."
"Where?"
"In the bathroom."
"Then I can't find you."
"In girl bathroom."
".... No you can't do that."
"Then I will run from you."
...
Finally my bags came. Like twin sisters being born. I caught them, handed off my customs declarations and bursts passed the doors.
I scanned the crowd of friends and family members, looking for their counterparts. I was confused as I was failing to see my Dorito shaped boyfriend (wide shoulders, slim waistline).
Oh, my god. He's actually hiding.
I veered right, continuing to search for him. Suddenly, out comes this handsome fellow from behind an advertising board, arms spread out like Jesus in the second coming.
Words fail me and all I can manage is a pitchy squeal as I throw my arms around him, going airborne for a moment as he rocks back and catches me.
My bags, with their amazingly smoothe rolling abilities, are escaping on their own. And we have to part in order to track all three suitcases down. I can't stop smiling as we make our way to the convenient store to fill my t card. I'm ecstatic to be using the language again. But it is a bit like jumping into a cold pool with both feet first.
We take the all stop airport railroad back to Hongdae.
It was an hour of jokes, sleepless me nearly falling asleep on the boulder shoulders, and us poking each other trying to still make sure we were real. We both agreed we were upset that we can't secretly screen shot each other in real life.
We transfer from Hongdae to Sinchon, and treck the steep hill up to my apartment building. We throw my suitcases into my room, and Mingyu, who had been lugging around two fifty pound suitcases, collapses onto the floor with a big huff. Did I mention he just got over pneumonia? The boy's a fighter.
And let it be known I DID offer many times to take the heavy suitcases.
After Mingyu caught his breath, we immediately went back out in search of sustenance. We settled on 닭갈비, which has somehow become a traditional to eat my friends or myself arrive in Seoul. We ordered two servings of the spicy grilled chicken, cabbage, sweet potato, noodles, and rice cakes. It came with a side of kimchi, sweet pickled radish, macaroni salad, and sour pickled radish. And of course a bottle of Cass between us both. At the end of dinner, it was clear that I wouldn't make it much farther than my house. I was completely wiped from no sleep for nearly 24 hours. Mingyu beat me to the cash register, and we were sent home with kiddie yogurt drinks.
Mingyu walked me back to my apartment, and I gave him one of the gifts I had found for him in the US. You know those little wine glass tumblers? That's a trend yet to catch on in Korea. So I got him one that says a true statement about Mingyu... Adulting is Hard.
I kissed him goodnight, and immediately jumped into bed.
Home sweet home.
As a frequent flyer with Delta, I had been upgraded in the morning to an aisle seat. And then upgraded to Delta comfort PLUS (not sure if the plus is of any significance), upon boarding.
The flight was impeccably smooth, with hardly any bumps (except the expected ones over Russia, China, and North Korea. There's always bumps there). I actually received my special, dairy-free, vegetarian meals.
All that was left was to sleep.
And sleep I did not.
Two glasses of sparkling wine and one glass of red in, I began cursing my parents for our long history of fantastic alcohol tolerance. Fearing the flight attendant handling all my drinks would start to judge me, I cut it off with six hours left to fly and enjoyed green tea and a few movies.
If your bored on a plane, fear not. Here are a few recommendations:
1. The Return of Mary Poppins
Fantastic movie. Great rewind. Gonna be honest I didn't really pay attention. But it was great when I did and fantastic for background sound.
2. Ralph Breaks the Internet
Although the beginning is a bit lacking, it really picks up at (of all things) a scene containing all of the Disney princesses. I found myself grinning as Disney Pixar pokes fun at it's most popular characters across history.
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone... But in Korean
You will not regret this.
4. I Feel Pretty
Just a random choice of movies, Amy Schumacher blows it away with this halariously awkward take on real life events that leaves you feeling a little bit more beautiful inside.
I grow impatient as hours turn into minutes, and suddenly we're putting our trays and seats in the upright positions. I am nearly shaking like a happy Chihuahua as I message my arrival details to Mingyu over Kakaotalk. It had been over three months since I had last seen my mans, and I could hardly wait.
I sped walk through customs and immigration faster than any Olympic Speed Walker from China you have ever seen. I made a pitstop in the bathroom to freshen up while waiting for my luggage.
By the way, if you ever need deodorant but it isn't accessible. Paper towel + soap.
Still luggage-less (and having war traumas from the last time) I called Mingyu to spare the time. He was waiting just on the other side of the wall. It felt like the 80s in Berlin.
"Your quest is to find me." He announced.
"Mingyu. I know what you look like. I live here. I can tell Asians apart." I remind him, failing to hide the sass in my voice.
"Then I'm going to hide."
"Where?"
"In the bathroom."
"Then I can't find you."
"In girl bathroom."
".... No you can't do that."
"Then I will run from you."
...
Finally my bags came. Like twin sisters being born. I caught them, handed off my customs declarations and bursts passed the doors.
I scanned the crowd of friends and family members, looking for their counterparts. I was confused as I was failing to see my Dorito shaped boyfriend (wide shoulders, slim waistline).
Oh, my god. He's actually hiding.
I veered right, continuing to search for him. Suddenly, out comes this handsome fellow from behind an advertising board, arms spread out like Jesus in the second coming.
Words fail me and all I can manage is a pitchy squeal as I throw my arms around him, going airborne for a moment as he rocks back and catches me.
My bags, with their amazingly smoothe rolling abilities, are escaping on their own. And we have to part in order to track all three suitcases down. I can't stop smiling as we make our way to the convenient store to fill my t card. I'm ecstatic to be using the language again. But it is a bit like jumping into a cold pool with both feet first.
We take the all stop airport railroad back to Hongdae.
We transfer from Hongdae to Sinchon, and treck the steep hill up to my apartment building. We throw my suitcases into my room, and Mingyu, who had been lugging around two fifty pound suitcases, collapses onto the floor with a big huff. Did I mention he just got over pneumonia? The boy's a fighter.
After Mingyu caught his breath, we immediately went back out in search of sustenance. We settled on 닭갈비, which has somehow become a traditional to eat my friends or myself arrive in Seoul. We ordered two servings of the spicy grilled chicken, cabbage, sweet potato, noodles, and rice cakes. It came with a side of kimchi, sweet pickled radish, macaroni salad, and sour pickled radish. And of course a bottle of Cass between us both. At the end of dinner, it was clear that I wouldn't make it much farther than my house. I was completely wiped from no sleep for nearly 24 hours. Mingyu beat me to the cash register, and we were sent home with kiddie yogurt drinks.
Mingyu walked me back to my apartment, and I gave him one of the gifts I had found for him in the US. You know those little wine glass tumblers? That's a trend yet to catch on in Korea. So I got him one that says a true statement about Mingyu... Adulting is Hard.
I kissed him goodnight, and immediately jumped into bed.
Home sweet home.
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