The Dread of Anticipation

Don't get me wrong; I'm still excited beyond belief about moving to Korea. The trip over there is a different matter.

Thanks to the embassy screwing things up, I am now leaving for Korea on the 23rd of February. My flights have all changed as well. I'm still leaving from Chicago, but I now leave two hours earlier. In addition, I am changing airlines in San Francisco instead of Seattle, which is quite a bummer. I really like the airport in Seattle, but I am not fond of San Francisco's airport. If I recall correctly, my last experience there was an unhappy one involving lots of walking while dragging heavy luggage, a desperate search for my gate, and some rather rude airport employees.

The worst part of the change in plans is the travel time. While before I was only to have twenty-one hours of air travel, I now have twenty-three and a half hours to look forward to. I'll be getting into Busan at about 9:00 PM local time, then have about an hour of travel time getting to Gyeongju. Since I start teaching the very next day (jet lag and all), I am anticipating being one very tired, miserable girl for the first few days in Korea. I only hope my students don't suffer from any exhaustion-induced stupidity on my part.

Through this whole ordeal, I at least have the comforting knowledge that I will be working for a very kind, considerate director. In addition, I can also remind myself that this hassle is well worth the opportunity I am being offered. Finally, when I look in the mirror, the reflection of a failure will no longer taunt me. Instead I'll see someone brave enough to travel over 8,000 miles in order to pursue a dream. I can't wait to be that person.