1/30/2009

Stuck in Japan



Since the flight from LA left over an hour late, we all missed our connections in Narita. There were no more flights to Seoul so I am here at Narita Excel Hotel Tokyu for the night. I had a sashimi dinner and enjoyed the smell of fresh rain on the streets. It's cool but not cold tonight.

1/19/2009

Travel back

Incheon

Got up at 2:30am and put my bags together, forgot my pillow, and headed off to catch the 3:30 airport shuttle. I arrived at about 7am at Incheon Airport after almost getting off at Gimpo airport by mistake. Oops. My flights are booked with American Airlines, but the flight to Narita is operated by Japan Airlines. I tried to check in online but was told to check in at the airport. So, I waited in line for about 30 minutes only to be told I could not check in for my flight until 9:30am. I don’t know why 2 hours makes a difference. The flight leaves at 12:25. So, I said “whatever” and bought some breakfast at a bakery, Paris Baguette, which is just down from Paris Croissant, not joking. Bagel alone was $1, $2 if you want cream cheese with it. I sat down to eat alone and mumble about how stupid Korean bakery names are but instead turned around to find a guy talking to me with a clipboard with Cambodia written on it. “Excuse me, we’re trying to-”  “No.”

Narita Airport

After arrival we had to go through security again, don’t ask me why. I forgot I couldn’t take any drinks with me so I had to chug my can of pear juice before proceeding. I walked around the airport viewing the different shops. I bought some icecream to eat and a Mitsuya cider for the plane. I felt alive again, like I was on a new adventure. I was sad knowing I would have to leave soon. So close but yet so far. I wish I were coming back to Japan to teach. Korea doesn’t feel very adventurous now that I can speak the language and have lived there 2 and a half years. Japan still excites me.

1/17/2009

Winter Camp














Winter camp was such a great experience. It was much less challenging this time with a great group of students and a little more teaching experience. I already miss my students. Here are a few pictures from the camp.