Afternoon Challenge

I have orientation at 3:00. They sent me a map with my destination, the Global Lounge, clearly marked. So what's the problem? Take a closer look at the map: no street names, no legend to identify the other numbered buildings. And I don't know where the building where I'm staying is located. Not sure even my little compass can help me with this one... (I am traveling with a photo of my current address, however, just in case I get really lost and need taxi intervention to get home.)

My Morning Adventure

I headed out to check out the neighborhood and source some food. (No meal service here, no cooking allowed in the rooms.) I appreciate the visual menues but think I'm going to pass on some of these options. My plan is to find something I'd like, take a picture of it, and then use that to order. Today's lunch will be a wrapped sandwich and grapes in Room Sweet Room.

???!???!!!...

Seen in the housewares section where I could identify everything else. Any guesses?

Bathroom Rant

Okay, this is just a cultural difference, and one I knew about from previous trips to Korea, but the bathroom situation is driving me crazy. First, a little background. There is a small landing when you walk into Room Sweet Room. You kick off your shoes there before stepping up onto a platform floor, which is a no-shoe zone. (It's the source for winter heating. Very comfy then.) The bath is a small, fully tiled wet room. In other words, the entire room, including sink and toilet, become the shower zone. (See photo in "I've Landed" post.) This means you have to figure out a way to keep your towel, toilet paper, and other stuff dry while you shower and then keep the wet in the bathroom when you go back to the bedroom. The Korean solution is "bathroom slippers" or rubber slide-on shoes. You slip into them on the way in and kick them off before exiting. They kindly left a pair in my bathroom, size XXXL, which is a major trip invitation for me. When I showered last night, I left my towel and pajamas in the entry area to keep them dry, but that meant I had to get to them while dripping wet. I slid out of the shower shoes, but my feet were still wet. I decided to relegate my second "bath towel" to door mat duty as it was the perfect size. (This is doubtlessly a cultural affront.) Later, when I turned on the cold water to brush my teeth, I realized I forgot to divert the water supply to the shower head, which was sitting on the sink. Instant blast of water, soaking my pajama bottoms. (Thanks. I needed that.) The bathroom floor was still wet and slippery when I got up in the middle of the night and forgot about the slippers, sending me back to bed with wet feet. Sooo...the shower head is now lying on the floor, the bath mat stays in position, and I've given up on the shower shoes and am walking around barefoot on a sticky floor.

Question to Ponder

Maybe it's just my jetlag, but why is there an ice scraper in my dorm fridge?

First Round of Pictionary Coming Up

I need more hangers.

View from my Seventh-Floor Room

Such as it is...

Up Early

Slept like a rock but woke at first light--just like at home--despite wearing eye shades from the flight. I did not get enough sleep so I think it was hunger that woke me. Fortunately, I grabbed a couple things at the convenience store last night. Insufficient, but it will get me started. Must. Find. Food. For. Lunch. Today I need to unpack, attend orientation, and sign a good-behavior pledge. Add your own punchline.

Isn't This Fun?

Room has air conditioning, as promised. Just aim the remote and.....hit which button? Fun times. (It would be more amusing without jetlag.)

I've Landed

Trying to settle into my room at the university. (I'll have a lot more to say about that later.) See pix of Room Sweet Room, my wet bath, and the dinner I am currently nibbling, thanks to Delta and the 7-11 across the street. Going to turn off my phone soon and crash. Just wanted to let you know that I arrived safely. Oh and couldn't resist adding my airport arrival photo. Pink sky!

Does this Look Like I'm Sleeping?

Nah. And we're not even at the halfway point. Pass the anesthesia.

Should Have Packed a Snorkel

Look at the weather forecast for Seoul: https://www.wunderground.com/kr//seoul/zmw:00000.1.47117

Are We There Yet?....

Oh, crap. Flight tracker says another 8.5 hours to go and still wide awake. If anybody is reading in real time, please send me an e-mail!

Bored Already...

So I purchased a WiFi pass. Now I can post photos of my in-flight meals. 😄 You're welcome.

Score!

Shortly before my flight was scheduled to depart,I was treated to a Korean flash mob chorus. No photo, alas.

I'm Off!

Dressed in near jammies for a very long sit. Think almost the equivalent of two full work days. And that's just the flight to Korea. Sit. Stay. Entertainment options include my laptop and the drink cart. Wish I were there already!

Chilly Send-Off!

Crawled out of bed early to turn on the furnace! So glad I didn't shut off the gas last night!

Ready, Set...

Need to cram books and clothes and stuff for a month into my suitcase today. If time permits,I really should try for a couple practice rounds of Pictionary. Could serve me well as I take on Korea with my seven-word vocabulary.

Door Self Portrait

Cherries on Blue Jay Way. (Forgive the mosquito bites on my ankle.)

Time Flies!

Tom was here for two weeks while we swapped out Home Sweet Home for The Retreat (2.0!). Took more time than we hoped to get our new trailer set up, but we still managed to do some of our favorite things. Last Saturday I delivered Tom to the airport and returned with my cousin Christine. We had a great time, as usual. Now I'm in the big work/packing push before heading to Korea on Wednesday. Gorgeous weekend here, but my head is spinning!

How They Do Mac and Cheese in the Dairy State

Throw on some more bad stuff!

We're Off!

After fortifying ourselves with Tom's new addiction. For less than $7 total, we had iced tea and breakfast in a cup (grits, cheese, sausage, and egg). Quite the base coat for a big road trip.

Holly Has Checked into the Doggie Spa

Folks there adore her. If you don't believe me, check out the note attached to her file today! (No wonder she doesn't miss us!)