Journey from Seoul to As

4 flights, 3 airplane stir-fries, 2 trains, 1 bus...

I have finally arrived in As, Norway, or at least part of me has...my bag is still in Hong Kong!

It all started when I left Tamara's in Seoul at 9:00am on Monday, March 1st, and took an hour shuttle bus to the airport. Everything was going smoothly, until I found out that there was bad weather in Beijing, and that our take-off would be delayed. After an hour delayed, we flew the 2 hours to Beijing (had airplane stir-fry #1 for lunch). I got my bag, and went to check in for my flight to Hong Kong. Since it was a connecting flight, and my final destination was London, I asked them to forward my bag to London (so I wouldn't have to pick it up during my 2 hour lay-over in Hong Kong). They agreed, and I proceeded to my gate.

Once again, the take-off was delayed (no idea for what reason). We finally took off, an hour later than expected, and I had a peaceful 3 hour flight to Hong Kong...during which the airline played Christmas music (no idea why), and I had airplane stir-fry #2 for dinner . We landed, and were dropped off in the middle of the runway. I was at the back of the plane, so had to take the second shuttle to the airport. As I was waiting for the shuttle, I realized that my connecting flight was leaving in 45 minutes! Upon arrival at the airport, I jumped off the shuttle, and started pushing my way through the swarm of passengers from the Beijing flight. As I looked up, I saw that there was a man ahead of me holding a sign with my name on it. He told me that the gate for my connecting flight was closing in 10 minutes, and that we had to run. We swerved our way through the crowds of people, going in the staff lines at security, and literally running at full speed through the airport. In between dodging people, and gasping for breath, I explained that I really needed my bag to make it on the flight. He assured me that they should be able to get it on, and that he would call down to the basement to make sure. I thanked him, and walked onto my flight.

When I got on the plane, I found out that I was in the middle aisle, squeezed between two people, on a 12 and a half hour plane ride. I also realized that my airplane tv didn't work. So here I was on a 12 and a half hour flight, stuck in my seat, no airplane movies, and consuming airplane stir-fry #3. I decided to put on my ipod, listen to some Amanda Marshall (who is for some reason my "go to" artist when I need to zone out), and try to practice meditating.

After 8 hours of sleep, 2 more hours of Amanda Marshall and a curious, hot English breakfast, I arrived in Heathrow...or at least part of me did. It seems that my bag didn't make it on the flight! I went to baggage enquiries, and had an interesting conversation with the British Airways representative:

Me: I just landed and can't find my bag
BA rep (after looking up my tracking number): It comes in tomorrow
Me (getting a little teary eyed): I won't be here tomorrow...I am leaving for Norway in 5 hours.
BA rep: Do you really need it?
Me (holding up my satchel that held my magazines and wallet): Yes...
BA rep: Are you staying in Oslo?
Me: No in As (pronounced OZ)
BA rep: Oh, so you are in OZlo...
Me: No, in OZzzz

After talking to him for 20 minutes, we agreed for them to send my bag to the Oslo airport, where Hayley and I would be flying out of on Friday on our way to Copenhagen. I thanked him, went and bought a bus ticket, and boarded a 2 hour bus to Essex...sans sac. Checked in at the Stansted airport in Essex, bought a delicious sandwich (was so good...probably because it was the only non-airplane food I had had in 2 days), and flew to Torp, Norway. Upon arrival in Norway, I bought a train ticket to As, where Hayley (my younger sister) is staying, and took a shuttle to the station.

After boarding the train, I found out that I was on the wrong train, and quickly switched at the next station. A beautiful 2 hour ride on the train, and I was at the Oslo station. I quickly transfered platforms, and followed the swarm of people onto the last train...I barely made it on, I literally had to worm my way on to the second last step...it was packed! Half an hour later, the conductor called out As, and I let out a little "yeah". I jumped off the train, and fell into Hayley's arms...