I finally have internet so now I can tell you about my trip over, and what has happened since then.
Mom and Dad saw me off at the airport, which was kinda special, you know? With that things started off well until I almost missed my connection flight in LA! Because I’m a doofus who was no idea how an airport works. <.< >.>
I looked at the departure screen and saw that while some international flights where taking off from my current position, my flight said “TBIT.” “Okay,” I thought. “That must be To Be Indicated…Something beginning with T.” This is probably where I need to be, if other international flights are departing from here. So I took my time to get some lunch and checked the board again 40 minutes before departure. Still no change so I asked someone.
Turns out “TBIT” does not stand for “To Be Indicated…Something beginning with T.” It stands for Tom Bradley International Terminal. There was not, unfortunately, an easy way to get there. I had to go down to baggage claim and then haul ass all the way across the airport. It took me 15 or 20 minutes of running/walking to get there. I then had to go through security again. I asked a man if I could step in front of him, and he very kindly allowed me to. The man in front of him heard and let me pass him, as well, as did the man in front of him. I must have looked cute and desperate enough because I then at the front of the line.
I ran as fast as I could (which was not very) down the concourse and heard the PA system call my name. “Don’t leave, I’m here!” I thought, finally throwing myself at the gate’s ticket counter. Thus, panting and regretting the fact I now stank I made it to the plane. Asiana Airlines, I have to say, is good on service. I guess they’re not having the same problems our airlines are.
I got a pillow and blanket, two meals (bibimbap, ho!) and a snack, along with refreshment towel. Though, I could have done with more potables. The flight attendants occasionally came through and gave you your drink in a little cup. Three or four little cups of water wasn’t going to get me through a 12 hour flight. I’m currently trying to catch up as it is hot and humid as well and I believe hydration will need some close watching.
I had a window seat so I couldn’t get up that often but it didn’t turn out too bad. Mom’s compression socks are amazing, my legs didn’t have any fatigue, and I bought a sleeping collar (looks like those medical things) so I could sleep without getting a crick in my neck. The collar also doubled as back support.
Now we have arrive in Korea little the worse for wear. I got through customs just fine, waited about 2 minutes for my bags (all arrived safely) and went out to catch my bus. Again, I almost missed it. I was supposed to call the school after I bought my bus ticket so someone could be there to meet me. However, I was given a ticket at 7:20 for the 7:20 bus. Had I felt a little less harried or just stopped to take stock of the situation, I could have looked to see when the next bus was. It would have sucked if it was an hour later but that would have given me time to call the school and try contacting my parents.
I found a pay phone when we arrived but, would you believe it, couldn’t figure out how it worked. It indicated it needed a card but I couldn’t see a dispenser for said phone cards anywhere. It didn’t look to me like it wanted a credit card, and they’re not too big on credit cards here, but I suppose I could have tried it. I walked back to customer service and made the “phone” hand signal, hoping the man would help me find and use one. Instead he just gave me the desk phone.
Having called the school but not my parents, I opened my computer to see about the internet. Couldn’t connect because you need what amounts to a social security number to access it, which I didn’t have yet. I was prepared to pay for an hour’s use but the school’s rep arrived first.
Luckily, my box of supplies was already in my room, including my cell phone! Salvation!
Now, I’ll stop here to mention that I am staying in the guest room until the teacher I am replacing leaves early next week. The guest room is kind of a shit hole (pictures to follow). It’s bigger than the rooms on New South Green at school, but those at least had stuff in them. I knew I’d be staying in a poorly furnished room but, upon seeing it, I assumed I was simply in a poorly furnished version of what I’d be moving into. I would have, perhaps, taken that better if it was 90 degrees in the room!
This is where I had a small meltdown. I’d been wake (minus some snoozes on plane and bus) for over 24 hours. I’d been traveling for about 20 of that. I wanted to go to sleep and there was no way I could do that if it was 90 degrees.
I called Mom and Dad to say I’d arrived. Dad tried to help me figure out the A/C. I started crying because I missed my family and it was hot and I wanted things to be okay and this wasn’t okay and *sob*sob*sob* I started unpacking a little and found a card Mom had snuck into my luggage. She, Dad, and Dave had each written me a note inside and it was so lovely but made me start crying again, even though I loved it.
Whilst unpacking I had the door open to get some air circulating and, I admit, in the vain hope that someone would walk down the hall at 1:00 AM and help me with the A/C. Some must have taken pity on me because two of the English teachers arrived! The one I’m replacing and one that I will be working with. They were returning from a trip to Busan. The one I’m replacing said he’d hoped to meet me but assumed I’d be sleeping and wasn’t going to knock.
He then did two great things. First, he fixed my A/C! The thing needs a remote, which the room doesn’t have (re: kinda shit hole), so he used his to turn it on for me. Then he showed me the room I’ll be inheriting.
Booyah! The room is awesome! It’s gotta be over twice as big as the guest room. It’s got a three-seat couch, a TV, and even a coffee table and bookshelves that a previous occupant bought and left behind. He also said it’s the biggest of the English teachers’ apartments. Happy!!
I called Mom and Dad right back to tell I had A/C and had seen my new room and everything was good now. The next thing I’ll be looking for is the laundry room and an iron.
