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We actually got up at 6am so that we could scarf down one last kick-ass breakfast before going back. Jongsoo lives at home, so he may eat well, but I don't generally get much better than "Corn Frost" (Frosted Flakes) in Korea. We managed to get through the breakfast, pack, check out, and be on our way by 7am. We would have taken the free shuttle to the airport train station, but it wasn't due to arrive for 20 minutes and I didn't want to take any chances. Actually as it turns out taxis aren't that expensive in Hong Kong because I think we got to the train station for under $8cdn. We found out that we can actually check in from the train station including giving our bags and getting our seat assignment, so I asked for a seat near the front of the plane as I knew time was against me.
All smooth sailing at the airport. I picked up a bottle of rum at the duty free and we got on the plane on schedule(the first of my good luck for the day). The plane left basically on time, so I knew that in order to get to work on time everything was going to have to go right. I watched Mystic River(not bad) on the plane. Jongsoo watched the Last Samurai, but actually the plane made such good time getting to Korea that the movie was cut short. The good news for me was we landed 30 minutes earlier than expected. I got off the plane at 2:04 and started thinking I might actually make it to work on time. It technically says in my contract that I must return from a holiday the day before a workday, but it wouldn't be the first time something in the contract wasn't followed precisely to the letter (by me or them). I walked briskly through the terminal and got to the immingration line with only about 6 people in front of me. I got through there pretty quickly and went straight down to my second hurdle, getting my suitcase.
Just as I got to the baggage claim area I made a quick lap around to see my bag wasn't there, but I didn't have to wait more than three minutes for it to pop out, so I grabbed it and hauled ass over to the bus stop. I didn't get stopped at the declaration, but I had to spend a few minutes tryinhg to shame a cab driver who was trying to explain to me why it'd be better for him to drive me than taking a bus. I said it's great that you only charge $60, but I can take the bus for $8...I don't see how that's better. He kept telling me his car was "small" like that makes a difference? I ended up having to get a little rude as he kept following me. I suppose taking a taxi would have guaranteed I'd get to work on time, but I reasoned that I don't make enough to really worry about being a couple minutes late. So I zipped over to stop 7b to Ilsan and was greeted to a long line for the bus. Normally I hate a long line, but I reasoned that if the line was long then they must have been waiting for awhile. I was right as the bus pulled up after only about 3 minutes and then after I got on he only waited about 5 more minutes before setting off. I was on my way to Ilsan at 2:34pm. I got off the bus at exactly 3:35 and while I pondered whether to take another bus or hope to catch a cab a taxi happened to drop someone off right in front of me. I got in and directed him to my work and I actually walked into the door at 3:45. Good thing everything went right cause there was no way I should have actually made it. I tried to downplay the fact that I had cut it close, but it was hard while toting a suitcase and big carry on bag.
So that's a blow-by-blow account of my trip to Hong Kong. I apologize if it was too detailed, but I had such a great time that I don't want to forget anything. In Hong Kong it seems you can buy just about anything. I bought a bunch of shirts and also some knock-off cologne for ridiculously cheap...you know that feeling when you've paid so little for something you're wishing it had been a little more because then you might be able to convince your brain that it might have been real? Well anyways that's how I felt. I'd love to go back to Hong Kong again.
