Home Sweet Home

I made it to Korea! But what is slightly more shocking is that I already love it. Unfortunately, you're going to have to deal with the brief version here, but I hope that as I get more adjusted to the time zone, I will not be as tired throughout the day.

The flight from Dulles to San Francisco was my first flight on Virgin Air, and let me say, that airline definitely has its own style. The plane looked like it wanted to be a club, and the people on my flight acted like they wanted to be in one. Also, I was entirely surrounded by bratty, shrieking children. Luckily, I had popped two chewable Dramamine and slept the whole flight. All in all, I think I'm going to avoid that airline whenever possible, but not as much as I try to avoid Delta. Southwest is definitely still firmly locked in as my favorite.

The flight to Korea was looooooooooong, but I had two amusing guys sitting in my row, and few children anywhere within ear shot, so that definitely made the whole thing better. I flew Singapore Air for that flight, and with every bit of me that would recommend against Virgin Air and Delta, I would highly recommend Singapore Air. Everything I would have expected of first class, from good food, to decently roomy leg areas, to hot towels, was there. But don't worry... I saw first class, there's is still a definite distinguishing factor (for those of you who saw Inception, just know that they actually make first class cabins that look like that). I would also recommend choosing one of the special meals; it means you get served first.

At the airport in Korea, I began the course of action that has ultimately led me to agree with the rest of the world in their thoughts that Americans are stupid. Cameron, Lisa, and I met one of our bosses, Terry, who led us and our carts of luggage onto a moving sidewalk. Unfortunately, none of us thought about how to steer the incredibly heavy carts off the sidewalk. As a result, we all fell on top of each other, somehow managing to not catch anyone underneath a cart. Terry, was, sadly, less than impressed. We couldn't stop laughing about it, though.

Today, I blew up a power strip, because I didn't have a voltage converter (although I thought I did). I really thought I was going to catch the whole building on fire. Luckily, the only damage was to the strip.

Speaking of the building, this is the view from my porch:My whole back wall is a sliding glass door. I absolutely love it. My bosses were also really sweet and left each of us some essentials. I almost cried when I saw it, but I didn't want to freak Terry out any more than the nasty cut on my hand already had (one of my old suitcases bit it on the flight over, as predicted. Its brokenness broke me too. I'm fine). Terry does not like blood.

We bought a sort of charge card today. We know for sure it can be used for public transportation, but we're thinking that if we load enough money onto it, it can be used like any normal charge card. They're really cool, though, and the best way for me to try to explain it is with this photo. Yes, that Hello Kitty charm in my hand is my card. I love it. You charge it like any other metro/subway pass card... mine just happens to look pretty freaking sweet.

Also, I've been assigned to an elementary school, and I couldn't be more thrilled... unless you count the fact that I have yet to try a Korean food I don't like... or that my bosses are impressed with my Korean... let's just leave it at this: I'm really excited to be here. :)