Friday began with a long sleepless night followed by the monotonous process of moving through the airport and me checking every five minutes to make sure I had my passport.

The flight to Dallas was quick and easy, due to the fact that I was asleep for all of it. After landing at the airport in Dallas and a quick stop for a bite to eat, it was then our time to board the flight to Korea.

The 14-hours seemed daunting; however, the flight went very smoothly. Not only did I have time to watch a few movies I hadn’t seen before, but the plane food wasn’t terrible either, albeit I’m not a picky eater. There was bibimbap with a chili paste tube so difficult to open I had to ask the person next to me to help; a cup of spicy ramen which I proudly finished – my spice tolerance has increased! – accompanied with a delicious cooling cup of caramel gelato; and a final meal of vegetable fried rice and some kimchi. Time ticked by, and soon enough we were landing in South Korea.

When we landed at the Incheon Airport, there was one difference I quickly noticed: how calm the airport was in contrast to the bustling roaring ones of the US.

After exchanging our US dollars for Won, the currency used in South Korea, we headed out on a bus where we met our representatives from the Asia Institute. As our bus headed to the Centermark Hotel, Rob, one of the guides, told us bits and pieces of interesting information. For example, he pointed out how most cars on the road were either black, gray, or white, due to the fact that Koreans differ greatly from Americans in that they aren’t as individualist as we are.

We decided to go out and see the festivities for Buddha’s Birthday. There was a concert with many performers in hanboks, traditional clothing, and it was very joyous. We then visited the Jogyesa Temple, where there was numerous colored lanterns decorating the ceiling. It was a great wait to end the night, and once we returned to the hotel, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.