It has been more than a week already since we had our out-of-the-country trip to Seoul, Korea. I really got bored today so I've decided to make an entry for that trip.
Day 1:
We went early to NAIA since our flight was scheduled at a very early time for the next day. We were there at around 10pm of April 17, and waited for our departure which was scheduled at around 1:15 in the morning the next day.
We left NAIA at around 1 o'clock in the morning of April 18,2011. There were really a lot of KOREANS with us that morning (Go Figure.haha!). And so my dad, being the funny guy that he is, imitated the Koreans around which were literally sleeping on the benches! haha! Here he is doing his bit:
The process in the airport was quite easy: you check in, you go to the immigration and fill up some stuff, the immigration people will check your passport/visas, they will ask you questions for a bit (although the one who asked me that time was a tad crabby! he shouted at me! but hey, not a reason to spoil my vacation right? so I let that pass haha!), then you go and wait at the boarding area near the gate that was assigned to you. That's it!
The flight took about 3 hours; although it may seem like 4 hours because Korea is one hour ahead of the time in the Philippines. So we left the Philippines at 1am and arrived at Korea at around 5 in the morning (when in fact it's only 4am in the Philippines). Anyway, it was still a tiring flight; we chose Cebu Pacific as our Airline, and as expected, there were no free food, or drinks (unless you'll buy). But on the bright side, nothing can still beat the feeling of hearing that you have finally arrived at your destination! The captain announced that the temperature was 6 degrees. I asked my ate if what I heard was right and if it was really 6 degrees, and she said 16 degrees. ah okay..good..haha!! At around 5 in the morning (sorry, i forgot the exact time!haha!), this became the view from the window! (where I was seated btw!):
HELLO INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!
Upon getting off the plane, we then went to the airport train, which later took us to the main arrival area..This was very new to us because usually the arrival area would be just a walk away..this ride, btw, was very efficient for a new train comes in after every 5 minutes..
It was exactly 5:59 am when we got off the airport shuttle! I'm so glad I was able to take a picture of the time! haha!
The picture of our FLIGHT NUMBER! 5J190 Origin: Manila! =)
The immigration line was very LOOONNGGG!! But the process was quite efficient (as compared to NAIA..Will post later why!). After we passed, got our passport stamped, it was now time for: BAGGAGE CLAIM!!! This is definitely the most fun part! You know, seeing your bags haha! During our trip, it was dad and I who were assigned in carrying the baggage..haha! What a task! It was really fun anyway..."Sariling Sikap sa Ibang Bansa!" haha! Here's the picture of our struggle:
After claiming our baggage, we then felt very hungry so we looked for a place to eat, and voila! Look at what we found! Mc Donald's!! haha!
After we ate our breakfast, we've decide to look for a cab to take us to our hotel...The travel time from Incheon International Airport to Seoul was about 1.5 hours so we took off a bit earlier in case the cab will not be able to find where we'll be staying. Oh and another thing, when we landed it was announced that the temperature was a freezing 6 degrees.. I was not really convinced because of the fact that inside the airport, it was fine anyway...but once we got out: WOOOWWWW!!! It was soo freaking COLD!!! So it was really 6 DEGREES!! Check the look on my family's faces! hahaha!
The taxi ride was really about an hour and a half, and as we traveled, the sight was really nice! It was a bit gloomy when we arrived, a very unusual weather for the spring season, but the cab driver assured us that it would only be for a day. So anyway, I was really happy when I saw this electronic billboard along the expressway:
KEPCO Smart Grid! Where my mom and dad is working! wow! of course, this is only the main office, but still, they're a part of it! =)
FUNNY SIGN inside the CAB! Ohh...hahaha!! NO FORGET THEM OKAY?=)..But this is also SOOOOO CUTE!!
So finally, after an hour and a half taxi ride, we've finally arrived in our hotel. It was not a fancy traditional type of hotel. It was more of a Boutique Hotel: The Eastgate Tower Hotel. The thing that I immediately looked for: Internet!haha! There was a free internet in the lobby where you can also print out stuff, Nice huh?=)
Our room was actually quite BIG..as in..you can practically play volleyball in there!haha! It was also very cozy, and CLEAN! =)
Our Room number! =)
We did not feel any jet lag, so at around noon it actually felt as if it had been too long already!haha! Mom, ate, and I got bored to we decided to go out for a walk, and maybe do a little shopping. First stop: DOOTA!!!
But little did we know that malls are closed on MONDAYS! haha! We actually felt disappointed because we were not able to see any street market, or OPEN MALLS..and to think there were a lot of malls just around the corner! haha!! good thing, we consulted the book and got ourselves an explanation
View from the window
So the night came, and we asked dad to come with us, and go out. We did a litle bit of sightseeing (some malls were already open at this time, so we were finally HAPPY! hehe)
DOOTA mall at night! This mall opens at 10:30 am and closes at 5:00 AM! Yep, 5 IN THE MORNING!Haha! This was just behind our hotel!
We did not do any shopping on our first day, and only looked at the things which we could buy.. After strolling, we then looked for something warm to drink..and the answer: EDIYA!! =)
Awww...LOVE BEGETS LOVE...
Forrest Gump!
Wall with scribbles!! Wow, Koreans really love to SCRIBBLE THINGS!! Haha!! This wall was very adorable! =)
It was quite a long day, and we know that we still have so much to do; but this day was very fun already, that we could have practically stayed in our hotel and not get bored at all! haha!
........And that ends my FIRST DAY IN KOREA! The Land of the Morning Calm! =)... 6 more days to goo!!!!
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