The Final Pack and Waiting for Departure

The Final Pack

Getting to LAX was easy, but packing to get here today was absolute insanity. I was prepared for my journey abroad with the exception of shipping my additional belongings.  I should have done my homework way far in advance becasue I waited until a few days before the flight to pack and I found out that this decision a bad one one the hard way. I did the research on which company was the cheapest, but I did not research the actual process of international shipping.

Everything fit into 3 pieces of luggage and a snowboard bag

In order to ship overseas you have to declare each item for customs. In order to declare your item you must fill out a form documenting each item, the material they are made from, where they were made, the weight, and how much the item cost. Holy Cow!!! Let's just say I didn't ship anything....I decided to repack everything, get rid of more stuff, and hope that it didn't cost too much to take on board the plane with me. I purged 2 full boxes and squeezed everything into 2 peices of luggage and a snowboard bag. It all worked out, but I was exhausted and I have no idea where my belongings are! Oh well....time to fly!

Waiting for Departure

My frind Kris, my Mom and Tom took me to the airport, luckily they all came because there is no way I could have checked in for the flight without  their help (way too much stuff). After everyhting was situated I spent $160 to fly with one additional bag and one overweight bag, which is not so bad (at least I didn't have to document everything for customs this way).

I went through secrurity and began waiting at the gate.  As I waited for the plane I tried to practice a few more Korean phrases. This was pretty successful. I learned, "I cannot speak Korean at all." Which is, "Hangumal joenhyeo motayao." I tried to work wireless internet at the airport , but apparently you have to have some type of wireless service (I have no idea about how to use wireless becasue I have had a desk top for the last few years). I began watching a movie that I brought with me until we boarded. The plane was 25 minutes late to board, but overall not too bad. Korea here I come!

Kris and I before departure

Me, my Mom and Tom at LAX