Friday, October 2, 2015

Starting RTW

My journey round the world began September 29th with an evening flight from Denver to Chicago; this first leg may seem odd but it is the price one "pays" for using miles:). After spending a cool night in Ohare's terminal 1, I enjoyed a hot shower, change of clothes, and breakfast at United's Global First lounge. 

My flight to Tokyo's Narita airport left Chicago September 30th around 1230pm and arrived on time (3pm) the next day. Glad I used miles to upgrade to Global First so I could sleep most of this 13hour segment.

Spent the night (October 1st) at the Narita Hilton rather than travel the 1+ hours to Tokyo; also, the Hilton has a very nice 4-lane, 25m lap pool which I shared with 1 other American. Although my head was still a bit fuzzy, after a couple laps I fell into a rythem and ended up swimming a mile - felt great! After breakfast, I took a free hotel shuttle to NRT where I caught my 1230pm flight on Asiana Airlines to Seoul; it was a luxury to fly a 747-400 for such a short (2.5 hours) flight.

After landing at Incheon airport (ICN), it took about 15 minutes to taxi, 10 minutes to walk to immigration, and 20 minutes to get through customs. The bus to the Grand Hyatt took about 90 minutes and 16000 Won (about $14USD).

The Grand Hyatt is a bit much but I wanted a western hotel with an English computer, English speakers, and a lap pool for my first couple days in Korea; it turned out well since I had trouble with my new SIM card. Ms. Park in the business center was fluent in English and indispensable. Unfortunately, there 30m lap pool is closed and the smaller indoor pool doesn't have lanes; oh well.

Went for a nice morning stroll in the park and botanical garden near the hotel; plan to take it easy today before tomorrow's all day guided tour of the local transportation system.

Hilton lap pool above; Seoul sunset below.




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