Seoul Survivor...

I'm back. Even the perfect, golden, California sun couldn't keep me from Korea!

Before I get into the very eventful details of my trip, let me make a few shout outs.

First, to all the people who caught up on my blog in preparation for my arrival. I don't expect anyone to read my blog like it's the daily New York Times or even the bi-weekly (and totally awesome) Mark Morford column, but for those of you who check in every now and then... Thanks. It feels good to think that I'm not just writing this for my (mental) health.

Second, to my hagwon friends. None of them read this, but they really went out of their way to save my skin when I missed my flight. (More on that story later!) With all the horror stories about teachers who end up in awful schools with shady staff and teachers, I got really lucky. No joke.

Third, to my brother. Wow. This kid doesn't quit. He lent me his car. (A loud, stick shift Suburu that was unbelievably fun to drive!) He let me stay at his house three different times. He took his girlfriend and me out to dinner. And, he even picked me up from BART and waited with me at the DMV. What a guy, right? What a guy!

As for my trip... It was a blessing in so many ways. I got my Korean VISA so I can stay here through May 2009. I met my little brother's new girlfriend. I visited old debate and tennis friends. I had lunch with my dad out on the patio. I saw my mom's new store. I went shopping. I got lost in (beautiful) San Francisco. I got to drive a loud and fast sports car through the Calaveras County hills.

However, the trip wasn't all fun and games. I was suppose to return to Korea on Friday morning. That didn't happen... Here's why. Bright and early Friday morning I headed into San Francisco to pick up my Korean VISA and head to SFO. Having visited the Korean Consulate several times I was confident that I could find my way. I was wrong. Luckily, a few helpful gas station clerks pointed me in the right direction. After picking up my VISA I was ready to head to the airport. However, I clearly had not learned my lesson. Assuming I knew the way back to Highway 101 and knowing I had already lost time due to my last series of wrong-turns, I decided to forgo the Google directions I had printed the night before and hastily drove off. It only took a few minutes for me to realize my error, but it was too late. I was off the grid; off the Google map grid at least. But, once again kind gas station attendents saved the day and I soon was on my way to SFO. But, all the wrong turns had put me behind schedule. I returned the car, hauled my luggage to the international terminal, pulled out my ticket and rushed up to the counter where a nice lady informed me I was too late. Too late?!? How could that be? I was running a little behind, but my flight wasn't scheduled to take off for an hour! This nice lady informed me that actually my flight wouldn't take off for another 54 minutes to be exact. But, the check-in counter closed one hour prior to take-off. I was 6 minute late! I begged. I pleaded. I used every tool of persuasion I knew. No use. She had no sympathy and refused to let me on the plane. And so, I missed my flight! And then... My face turned a sick shade of green and I started to panic.

TANGENT: Before I continue, let me explain my fifteen second rule. As a general rule, I don't believe in panicing. It doesn't solve problems. It leads to irrational decision-making. And it makes all problems worse, or at least seem worse. But, there are some moments when I can feel panic well-up inside me. That sick combination of despair, rage, hopelessness and terror starts to flood my senses. And after having experienced a few of these moments, I've adopted a fifteen second rule. I give myself fifteen second to panic. Fifteen second to feel defeated, scared and incapable. But, after the fifteen second are spent... No more. No more complaining. No more terror. No more damsel-in-distress. And, it works. It makes me feel in control. It's a quick reminder that if I control the panic, then I can control the problem.

Now, back to the story. So, I employed my fifteen seconds rule. I didn't know how to get back to Korea. I hadn't transferred extra money from my Korean bank account to my US bank account to cover the extra costs. I didn't know how my school would react to the "convenient" mistake that gave me three extra days to spend with my family. I didn't have a rental car reserved. I didn't have a cell phone to contact my family. But, after the fifteen seconds I moved into problem-solver mode. I booked the next available (and reasonalbly priced) flight. I found a computer to transfer funds. I hunted for a rental car and a pay phone to call my family. I started the long trek back to Copperopolis. And when I ran into awful, Friday afternoon traffic I parked my car under a shady tree and took a much-needed nap until the traffic cleared.

The truth is, despite missing my flight, the extreme cost and the awful day that followed... I was so lucky to get to spend more time with family and friends. It was a blessing in disguise. It also gave me a chance to spend more time in Stockton and Pleasanton which only re-affirmed the correctness of my choice to move to Seoul. There was nothing left for me in California. I needed something to inspire and challenge me again, and I have truely found that in Seoul. When I finally arrived at the airport on Tuesday to board my new flight, I was so excited. I couldn't wait to get on the plane to Seoul. It felt like I was going home.

I finally arrived back at my Seoul apartment 25 hours after I had left California. It was a very very long trip and I was a walking zombie by the time I arrived home, but I guess that is best part of traveling. Your bed never feels softer than when you have been trying to sleep in airports and plane seats for the past day.

As for my school, I've already mentioned how fantastic my co-workers and supervisors were. But, the nicest part was some of the students. A few of them asked me how I enjoyed my trip. Others asked if we could finish the lesson early so that I could tell them about California. But, I have to mention one girl in particular, Sally.

Sally is five years old and is in a very small class of just two girls. She speaks very poor English and is often very independent and sometimes a bit moody. She has never been the affectionate type. I had missed three of Sally's classes while in the United States. When I showed up in class today Sally looked very sad. And as we began our lesson Sally, without saying a word, got up from her desk and walked over to stand beside my chair. I wasn't sure what she was doing, but I put my arm around her and she instantly climbed up on my lap and leaned her head against my shoulder. I almost didn't know how to react, so I just kept teaching and Sally followed along in my book. She was sad that I had left for so long. Later, during a break in the class when I tried to leave the room, Sally ran over and hugged me. She wouldn't let go. It was a bit unexpected, but it felt good to be missed!