The Road to 40 Day 329/365: Hello Again, Korea

We got a multiple-entry visa to Korea through 2028, and since it is one of our happy places, we are back for Vino’s term break.

The last time we flew out here, we took a redeye flight and arrived at around 7 or 8am. We thought it would be a good idea to maximize the day. However, we couldn’t check in to our hotel and had to wait for a few hours before we got a room.

This time around, we decided take a super early flight and arrive in the afternoon. I asked Vino to be cooperative when I wake him up in the morning. He wondered if he had ever woken up that early to fly out. I said he once flew out in his pajamas before changing clothes in the airport.

He wanted to do the same this time, but I said it would be better if he wore the clothes Che prepared for him.

I got up from my alarm at 4:30am and started preparing. Che got the things ready from the night before, so it was just a matter of checking what else we needed to do at the last minute.

Vino was very cooperative and woke up with no fuss. We surprisingly got a ride quickly, and off we went.

One of Vino’s wishes from Che’s “special money” was to ride in business class going to Korea, so he was very happy to see that his wish was granted.

We sat together while Che sat behind us. I feel like the food I ate while on the flight was the most I ate in a single day since my new diet, save for a couple of days when I met with friends.

I watched a movie that was an hour and a half long, but lasted me for about three hours because I kept sleeping. Vino asked why I was watching a super long movie.

The line was Vietnam-immigration long, but it was continuously moving, at least. There was no issue with immigration, and our pickup vehicle was waiting for us upon exit.

After checking into the hotel and a quick rest, we set off with Kathreen and JP and walked along the area to see some sakura blossoms. Initially, we planned on going to Namsan tower since it was also in full bloom there, but our area also had fully bloomed flowers, so we decided to stay here.

It was my first time seeing the sakura blossoms, and I appreciated it well. It wasn’t as pink as I would have imagined, but still beautiful, nonetheless. They also gave off a nice aroma as we walked the paths.

We capped off the night at a local barbecue place, as per JP’s suggestion. It was a bit of a cheat day for me, but I made sure not to overindulge on meats. I tried a new brand of beer, and we got a soju slushie, because we saw another table order it.

The beer, Hanmac, has a bit more bitter taste than most Korean beers. It’s closer to the taste profile of Pale Pilsen, but of course, you wouldn’t pick it over San Miguel in a blind taste test. The soju, though, was fun. It was a lot smoother because it was ice cold. It’s dangerous, in a way, because you could finish a bottle in no time.

After dinner, we went to the hotel, where we all parted ways. Back at the hotel, we all got ready for bed. Vino was so tired, he fell asleep on the sofa while waiting for Che to finish taking a bath.

It’s just our first day, but we already crossed off a big box on our checklist – checking out sakura blossoms. We’re looking forward to more fun days ahead of us.