The day before my birthday I got up at 6 am and had my boyfriend drive me to the airport. I then proceeded to ball my eyes out as we said goodbye. Having never been on a plane before I threw all my focus into surviving the next 15 hours. Going through TSA was made to seem like the most daunting task I would face. However, I sped right through it and went off to find my gate. The first flight was to Vancouver, Canada. I was told the plane would be a small prop plane and I instantly became worried about the sturdiness of the aircraft.
The first plane ride was shaky but once in the air, we became more steady. I had a window seat and got to look out as we rose above the clouds. I took a short nap before I arrived in Canada.
Next up was the real task as I had a 12-hour flight ahead of me. I was thankful for the inflight meals as I had not eaten before the airport. I quickly became jealous of the girl next to me as she slept for most of the trip. Unable to get comfy I was awake for most of the trip and stared at the flight map.
I arrived in Korea later than intended and my only goal after my 14-hour flight was to lie down in my bed. With Orientation the next day I went to be at 9 pm Korea time. Going to bed so early meant I woke up way before my alarm. The best part about waking up early was that I could talk to my boyfriend again. When you get thrown into a new country by yourself things can be scary. I kept my boyfriend on the phone as I got the courage to finally leave my room for the first time. Having someone on the phone to support me helped greatly.
I went to the 7-11 near my apartment to buy a snack and then headed toward the university. Naver Maps (the Google Maps of Korea) said the walk would take 26 minutes. I got to the building the orientation was but I was 2 hours early. Unable to get inside as the doors were locked I sat on the curb outside. Which was unfortunate for me in that I was only armed with a thin sweatshirt. As people began to gather out front a girl came up to me to ask if she was in the right spot. We became orientation buddies and I learned that she was from France. After the orientation, we went to one of the school’s cafeterias and had lunch together.
I miss home a great deal but I am hoping that with time and new friends, things will get easier.
Gracie