Seoul, South Korea

A 13 hr time difference means I have yet to experience night. Arrival in Seoul was dreary and rainy, and the tarmacs were shockingly empty compared to the chaos I was used to at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport. Because my next flight wasn't until 8 in the morning, Korean Air was kind enough to put me up at the Hyatt, free of charge, overnight. That's the way to keep customers, airlines! As I headed to the hotel voucher counter downstairs, I thanked my lucky stars that I was not stopped by Quarantine services as I furtively suppressed my productive cough (brought from the States, thank you, hospitals) for a few crucial minutes.

Atlanta --> Seoul, South Korea

Boarded my flight with relative ease, and must give kudos for Korean Air for being one of the most hospitable airlines I've used thus far. Really appreciate not having to recheck my huge bags in South Korea, despite my overnight stay. As always, I am continually mistaken for Korean during the flight. I just smile and nod, and repeat komapsumnida for "thank you" and eat their delicious, spicy Korean meals (which probably fuels their confusion). I'm rather pleased with the in-flight movie selection, which is a far cry from the 13-hour Mr. Bean marathons that I remember from my youth. I start by watching "The Messenger" because I like Ben Foster, and I suspect this movie will be similar in spirit to "The Hurt Locker."

At approximately 3pm Eastern time, the cabin crew closes all the window blinds and dims the lights, throwing us into an artificial night to better adjust for the imminent time difference. Touch the windows, though, and it is hot hot hot. We are chasing the sun all the way to Korea. Advantages: being able to catch fantastic views (such as this one of Siberia) all the way there. Disadvantage: pissing off your fellow passengers every time you open up your blinds and let in a brilliant streak of light.

Appropriately, I am watching "Up in the Air," whose ultimate moral is that life is more meaningful when shared with others. Who, really, can disagree with that?