Last day... heading back to the USA

Today we had breakfast at our hotel. We were able to pack and relax. Don's dad and brother picked us up around 12 because this was when we had to check out. They told us that they were not planning on picking us up until 2 because they thought this was when check out was...

So then we picked up Tita Remy and Pong again. It was good to see them again, we had thought last night would be the last time. Then we headed to Angeles City to get lunch. In my head I was hoping and craving for something American. When we got to Angeles City (it was about a 20 minute drive) I saw a lot of Western Style Restaurants. In my head though I was thinking...we won't be eating that.

I was wrong. We went to a restaurant called Rumpa. There were white people there! hahaa. It was American style food. And it was pretty good! I ordered a cheeseburger and fries. Don got fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Pong had barbecue and it was very good. We all tried each other's food. It was a nice change of pace.

After we ate we all got back in the car. We then drove around and went by a mall. I did not want to go in the mall....ugh I hate shopping! For some reason we didn't stop. We drove by Clark Air Base. It did not look like much. There were a few old airplanes on display. You could see the barracks where people lived. The area looked very American.

We were going to stop at a place called Nayo Ng Pilipino. It was basically people dressed up and showing the different cultures in the Philippines. We didn't do it though because it was already 2 pm and it was so hot!

So on the way back we did stop at the mall. Don looked for a case for the new Samsung. We didn't find one. Basically no one bought anything. It was so crowded and I was afraid someone would step on my injured toe. I was happy to leave the mall.

So then we made our way back to San Fernando. There was so much traffic! We dropped off Tita Remy and Pong and said our goodbyes. Then it was me, Don, Fiona, and Sean in the backseat again. Off to Manila to the airport. I don't think I have ever been more ready to be back in the US. This was a long trip. I think it felt especially long because for the last half of it we were just being driven around. It was very nice of Don's dad and his brother to take time off and drive us around everywhere. We saw things that would have been difficult to see on our own. And we were able to see family easily. I am appreciative of that. But it felt like weeks haha...I was ready to be back in my own bed and eating things without worrying.

Ahh...but the ride there was so long. The traffic in Manila is unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it in the US. It was also hard to see the poverty in the Philippines. It was very eye opening.

Once we got to the airport it was about 7 pm. Korean Airlines were not open yet so we got in a line. We were about 3rd in line and we were told they would open around 830 pm. So much waiting! The airport was crazy crowded.

We met a guy from Maryland. He talked a lot, so that passed some time in the line. Finally at 830 we were able to check in. Then we went through security and tried to find a place to eat. We had to eat right when we  entered after security because there were no restaurants at the gate. We found a crowded restaurant and got some food. I had a chicken noodle soup that was actually pretty good. Don got some pork rolls that we shared.

We went to the gate around 10 and waited because our flight was not until 1145 pm. We finally boarded...on time and left. 4 hours and we would be in South Korea. We had the tv screens again so I put on some documentary and tried to fall asleep. I don't think I slept much though. It felt like a long flight...


We arrived at the Incheon Airport in South Korea around 430 am. It was crazy to see the airport all quiet and every shop closed. But this was good because we were tired so we found some seats and laid down across them.

We slept on and off for until about 8 am, by then the airport was busy. I think the Incheon Airport was my favorite airport ever. It was so nice and clean looking. The airport looked very new and modern. We decided to walk around a bit and get some food. We found a spa area that had showers! Ah...if I would have known about this sooner, because I was feeling disgusting after traveling for so long.

I had some Subway for breakfast/lunch again. Then we boarded our flight to Chicago around 1145 am. Once again Korean Air was on time! 4 flights and every single one of them on time! That never has happened.

I loved everything about Korean Air. They were awesome. The flight back to Chicago was good, except for the fact it was about 13 hours. It felt good to get back to the US.

Philippines! Flying Day.

Woke up today around 7 to get ready for our 12:45 flight from O'Hare. it was nice having time in the morning before the flight, usually we are always flying so early.

When we got to the airport we checked in with Korean Air. Usually when we fly we take one backpack and a small roller for carry ons but they would only allow us to bring one so we had to check our rollers. This made me so nervous because I hate losing luggage. I've had my luggage lost once and ever since then I pack so I will not need to check in a bag. But there was nothing we could do.

The flight from Chicago to Seoul was about 14 hours. It was on time (last time when we flew with Delta to the Philippines every flight was delayed). The flight wasn't full and we got lucky because the 3rd seat in our section was not taken so we had a lot more room. Compared to Delta Airlines the seats on Korean Air were much more roomy. Every seat had a screen on it to watch movies and play games.

I got some wine and Silver Linings Playbook was the first movie I watched. It was pretty good. Then for lunch they served Bibimbap (Korean dish). For airplane food it was actually pretty good.

After lunch I read some and then checked out the games I could play. Then I watched Life of Pi. I tried sleeping but I don't think I slept much. The guy in front of me kept opening his window shade to look outside. I didn't understand why someone would need to look outside so much! Seriously you can't really see anything! But overall, flying with Korean Air was sooooo much better than flying with Delta.

By the time we only had about 4 hours of flying time left I was ready to be off. It happened like this last time. I got so restless and couldn't wait to get out!