I’d love to say arriving early for my expedition helped the potential jet lag experience. Really, I’d love to say it…except it’s not true. I stayed up as long as possible, but my body dropped like a lead weight at 7:00pm. At 11:30pm, I awoke. Sleep eluded me until maybe 3:30, but I awoke at 5, preparing for my trip to the airport.
VietJet does not open their checkin counters until exactly three hours prior to departure. In order for me to time things well, I decided to catch the 6:42am Airport Shuttle. It was pouring, so I waited under an awning then, moments before, I moved to the bus stop.
Only cash or bus card was accepted, but I was prepared. The hotel had a machine that would convert my U.S. cash to the Korean “won”. I had converted $20 to won and had money to spare.
The bus driver stopped, got my bag, and pointed to the money box. He never counted it, so I just dropped the money in the box. I found my seat and planned for the 1.5 hour ride to the station.
As I entered Terminal 1 of the Incheon Airport, I felt like a pro. The massive size of the airport can be intimidating, but I credit all my success to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.
First, I looked to the display that provided each airport’s counter. VietJet controlled the E counters (I saw sections A-M, but there were more). I walked to the E counters area with ten minutes to spare. The people stretched out of the winding line, but I had checked in online already. That put me in a line with five customers before me.
At five minutes before opening the counters, each agent went to their assigned desk. Thirty seconds before opening, they all stood up in unison. Then their header’s display changed from “Open at 8:05” to the VietJet logo. I was prepared with passport, my boarding pass (on phone), and visa information. With ease, the agent tagged my bag, weighed my carryon, printed my boarding pass and sent me on my way.
Next I entered the secure area. Photos are never allowed. The line moved quickly, but I read toothpaste and makeup was prohibited in your carryon. It did not specify 3 oz was the limit—as I read it. How did I not read this before?!?
Well, the first agent checked my passport and ticket. They sent me to scanning my bag. I placed my luggage on the conveyor belt, walked through the metal detector (secondary screening), and sure enough, my bag had moved to the secondary inspection line. I mourned the loss of my toiletries. I didn’t know what else they’d take besides toothpaste.
The security official who selected my bag put his hand on top of it as he reviewed the scan. I just knew he would have to dig through my stuffed backpack to find the offending dental staple, but he tapped my bag twice and sent me on my way! Whew…my cavity defender stayed with me!
The final step paired me with a customs agent. I handed over my passport. She looked for the Korea sticker in my passport and sent me into the terminal.
The entire process took 30 minutes, so I decided to use my Priority Pass to enter Matina Lounge. I walked to gate 11 and took the elevator to the fourth floor. The robotic server sat quietly as a human server checked me in and another took me to a table.
I hadn’t eaten breakfast, so I went to town. Sadly, I had to know what was in the Korean food before I’d take it. Instead I picked good ‘ole American favorites. With an hour till boarding, I bypassed the massage chairs (full) and trusted my early morning shower (they provide them). Instead I walked the airport.
I didn’t realize I had to board an underground shuttle to get to my gate, but once I did, I read the nearby signage—“Once you board the shuttle, you cannot return.” This warning had me check and recheck my ticket. Everything pointed toward the shuttle, so I went for it.
I still had time, so I walked the terminal before descending the escalator to my gate. The plane sat nearby, so I waited for boarding to begin.
I had forgotten that I chose the best seat on the plane. I had so much legroom that I could literally lay down and not have to curl up. I loved that for my four hour flight. The only disadvantage was I could not put anything under the seat in front of me. Therefore, I put my small bag in the luggage compartment and waited for the next step.
On a side note, the women’s uniform is incredible! They wear a red shirt, red patent leather heels, plaid shorts and a matching plaid shirt. I felt awkward taking a random picture, but they were sharp!
VietJet is considered a low budget carrier. That means all food comes at a price. I preordered spaghetti, so I waited to see how it would work. VietJet sends an announcement immediately after takeoff that anyone with a preorder needed to have their boarding pass ready because food would be served. Then, they fed all the preorders (not many). After that they took the food carts around to see who would buy something.
The bland food was palatable, but I didn’t love it. I knew that my group would be coming together at 4:00, so I wanted something to tide me over.
The flight took off 25 minutes late, but we made up time in the air. It was a pleasant flight. I even discovered they wallpapered their bathroom!
WhatsApp had blown up on my flight. Roxana and Corell both had arrived and were looking for the driver. I read the message as I entered the customs line. My was it long! In addition the lack of air conditioning created a sweaty situation.
Jockeying for position challenged me. I am used to others you are before waiting patiently. Just as drivers here push ahead at every opportunity, people did too. I had to push myself into the aisle on the plane, and I had to block others from passing me in the customs line. I have nothing against anyone; I just have to learn the game!
Carousel 8 had our baggage. I knew my long wait in the queue would translate into easy baggage pickup. However, that was not the case. I checked the “Find My” app for my luggage and watched it move from .1 miles to “with you”. Sure enough, there it was.
All FlashPack travelers were given instructions for meeting their driver. As I waded through all the taxi drivers trying for my business, I finally saw my name.
When I arrived, my roommate Corell had already checked in. I knocked then went in. A sleeping bundle never moved as I brought my bags up. She was bundled well, so I didn’t see her at all.
We had orientation in thirty minutes. Should I wake her? Let her sleep? Thankfully, her alarm went off. Imagine her surprise when she pops her head out of the covers, and I am there! I definitely felt for her.
Orientation went well. Then we headed for the streets. Today we explored street food. Several group members had allergies and preferences, and our guide accommodated well. I really don’t know what I ate, but I can share photos.
In addition we encountered a few other street delights.
We saw the water tower (seems to hold people now).
We walked to the local food mart and found a couple taking their wedding photos.
We enjoyed walking the streets and watching everyone do their jobs:
This is the last old time blacksmith in the city:
Here a woman prepares our paper pancake with a rice wrap and filled with meat and mushrooms:
We explored many things and witnessed a unique event. Train alley is a row of restaurants next to train tracks. When I say next to, I mean next to. We passed as the train passed by. Everyone had to turn their chairs and sit single file, so the train could pass. Here are a few still shots:
Should you wish to experience it vicariously through my video…
On the way to the hotel Le pointed out a four story skinny home. The family was eating inside, but the home kept a consistent width as it expanded upwards!
We ended our night with a mango dessert then headed to our rooms. Biking through the fields is up tomorrow, but for tonight…sleep came quickly…
Reba Roams the World 
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