The Journey that Cost a Dream

Recently I have taken some time off to go to the Philippines. I had hoped that the time would help me relax. It had been a very long time since I have been "home" during the Christmas and New Year season, so I was very excited. My travels and experiences so far was always with hope of going to the Philippines. Even though I was raised in America, I have always felt a strong connection with that place. My experience there was nothing more then amazing for me. The journey, however, was a little rough.

For several months, I had planned to go to the Philippines so that I can see my family and celebrate the Holidays in a new way. I had asked my supervisor, which I hate with a passion (a story for another day), when I will be able to take my winter vacation. She had told me that the classes with all of my schools will end December 23rd. So I bought my ticket and started to plan accordingly. My excitement grew as the months passed by and I had high anticipations for the event. A week before my flight, one of my schools informed me that the classes will end on the 22nd rather then the 23rd. I asked if that was always the case, he said yes. I was pissed once again at my supervisor because she cost me valuable time in the Philippines. It was too late for me to change my flight and my plans.

So the 23rd came around. My flight was at 8:30am on the 24th. I stayed at a friend's place the night before so that I can catch the bus from the terminal to the airport.

There I am on the bus December 23rd going towards Incheon. I had a tinkling feeling in my head that there was something wrong. I asked the bus driver if the bus was going to the airport. He told me that it was going to the town and not the airport. Since I was already on the bus, I really could do nothing about it. I thought to myself that it would probably be better off so that I can bed down in the town and catch an early bus to the airport for the next morning. Prior to that I had plans of just sleeping at the airport until it was time to check in. I thought it was a blessing in disguise. As I stepped off the bus I asked around how far away the airport was from the area. Apparently it was about an hour away from there. I started to walk around with my huge luggage and backpack towards the exit, and a man called out to me. He looked like an official; he asked me where I was going. I tell him what my plans were. He told me that it would be better if I go to the town right outside of the airport, but the only problem is that the buses stopped running to the area. The only way to get there was by taxi, which cost about 60,000 won ($55usd) and a motel in the area would cost about the same.

I could see the malicious intent in his eyes. He knew that he was getting one over me. I knew he was liar, but I really did not want to take the risk. So I take the taxi to the area right outside of the airport. We drive around looking for said motel that costs 60,000 won and we find nothing. I had to settle for a motel 80,000 won.

The next day I wake up super early. My flight was at 8:30am and the first subway towards the airport was at 6am. I was cutting it really close for check in time. Luckily the travel time was only about 10 minutes.

So I get to the airport, worried and stressed. I get to the counter to check in. I knew that my bag was overweight, but it was Christmas eve I had hopped to get off easy. I checked in and the man at the counter tells me that my bag is overweight. I tried convince him that it would be nice not to be charged for it. He didn't buy it. He told me that I would have to pay about $30 usd for my overweight. Then he proceeded to greet me a happy Christmas.

I fly through security and wait for my plane. It was a relatively boring time. I was exhausted from all the money I had to pay. I had nearly spent $200usd and I was not even in the Philippines yet. The combination of events had a very ominous feeling for the whole trip.


To be continued...


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The End


Bah-humbug! -Scrooge


-Cezar-

The Journey that Cost a Dream