Getting to Ajou

This experience was so unpleasant for me.

I got off of the plane and waded through immigration where they took a nasty picture of me and my fingerprints. Locating my bags wasn't difficult. Finding a cart to hold them proved otherwise. But that's mainly because I walked past the huge line of them on the way to baggage claim. I was watching all these people come out with them and I was so jealous. Until I wheeled my belongings over to an opening and spotted the huge line of carts. It was fabulous.

So I went through customs, real easy peasy, just give the the slip and you're good. And that's when I had issues. I was at exit 4, my target was exit 7. I only found out the exit number after five minutes of freaking out since I didn't see any Ajou signs. Talk about scary. I thought I was stranded at the airport. I would've cried. Sat down in the middle of the airport and cried. But I practically mowed people over to rush towards exit 7. I found the Ajou signs, approached them like the awkward giraffe I am, and finally said "Hey, Ajou?" like the 3.9 GPA student I am. I'm so smart, please.

So they check me off their list and we go to buy a bus ticket. I find out then that I am taking it by myself. It's not so bad. Buses are generally the same. It helped that my destination had an English name, Hotel Castle. I think the ride was about 1:30-2 hours (which does not bode well for my return trip to the airport) for roughly $12, next to an older women who spent a lot of her time staring at me. But I stared out the window. We went over honestly the longest bridge ever,

Now. Let me talk about traffic. I honestly don't think there are speed limits. Well, according to Google they do, like 50-60 mph in most places. But it sure didn't feel like it, oh my goodness. And not to mention that lane changing is basically a religion well practiced here. So many horns blared, so many times we were almost in an accident. I never want to drive here. I'll take public transportation thanks.

Well, I clambered off the bus at the last stop and my name was said and it was good. But cold. It didn't help that my nerves were everywhere, making my trembling even more prominent. At the airport, when the sun was still out it was about 32F, which felt really good since my nerves made me sweat entirely too much (I really hate that). But it was night now and the wind was up and I was cold. The guides were like "do you have a coat" and I laughed sadly. I've been colder though and spring is (hopefully) on it's way.

After waiting for a taxi, we load my bags and my guide tells the driver where to and leaves me. Just closes the door after saying goodbye. I...wasn't expecting that. Especially when the driver asks me where to go when we're within Ajou gates. And I'm just sitting there like, dude, beats me. Thankfully there was a girl outside he asked.

After maybe 2 and half hours of driving around Korea, I made it to Ajou and stood outside the dorm building displaying my smartness by looking lost and confused. To my defense, the doors said not use them or not to use your hand so I was like "what?" Thank fully someone let me in. I wouldn't have been able to enter with all my stupid luggage anyway (I came to really resent everything I brought).

I created my punch in code, got told that yes indeed I did bring too much, and escorted to my room. To be completely honest, I don't know if this is the fifth or sixth floor...

I was left awkwardly and alone in my little password protected room (that's so cool for me okay). I hastily threw everything out of my bags to deal with tomorrow (which is now today). I went to use the bathroom and well. I ran into some problems. Do I flush toilet paper? The waste basket is telling me no, don't. But there are no signs saying otherwise, just telling me to "please flush well." Another dilemma, nothing in the bathroom to dry your hands with? Lesson learned. Every bathroom trip will be made with my little bathroom bag (best idea ever) which will also now include a washcloth to dry my hands.

After fleeing the bathroom, embarrassed yet again (starting to get used to that feeling), I went back to my room, wet hands and all, and laid on the heated floor to wither away into nothing.

Looking out of the window, I realize how large this campus is. Like, there is a building in the distance that says Ajou University and I'm like, goodness that far out there. Not to mention, hills and winding roads. I'm really in for a workout. But that's alright. It's nearing 6am right now, I have a beautiful migraine, and in an hour I will get ready to go out into Korea for the first time without luggage and less stress. I am praying that today will be much better, for me and for those who talk to me. I will be less shy (yeah right) and my appearance will be much better than yesterday.

For now, here's my room!

I get to push a button to leave my room.

I'm so messy right now, please dismiss it.

This dorm is on a hill by the way. I struggled with three suitcases. Up a hill. Like a pro.

Here's to hoping my day turns out better. And the days after this as well. I think it should. The worst is over and then I don't have to worry about it again for another 4 months (it's going to be actual Hell, I can already tell you that). 

I'm finally in Korea and you bet I'm going to make the best out of it.

Now, to figure out the food situation...