June 23rd, 2013:
The Super Moon lit up our way as we got out of the house at 1:50 and managed a stop at our local Sheetz store so that I could get my coffee to keep me alert on our way to the Pitts International Airport. We did manage to get a couple hours sleep, and Kelly let Nipsy outside for a bit before we left. We made it to our car park and being the only one there at 3:40 am we did not have to wait at all.
We were able to get into the United check in line and wait as the attendants were not yet open for business. After opening for business, we got our luggage checked, got our boarding passes for San Fran and Incheon Korea, then to the security. We were chosen (figures!) for the full body scan, but found nothing on us (haaha) and we headed to our gate. Our flight went on time and after a cranberry apple juice on board we headed to San Francisco.
Yep without a doubt we knew we were in San Francisco!!
We were fortunate that our flight did not take off from another terminal so we found a Mexican restaurant in the airport, and shared a 3 breakfast taco meal and fruit cup. We were able to text Aaron and Melissa and talk with Jeremiah prior to boarding our flight (which was on time!!) to San Francisco.
And We Were Off!!
Well after 9 hours in the air (and at least 3 more to go), I remembered why we did not enjoy flying to S Korea. The plane was packed, little room to move around, difficult to sleep, and they fed us 3 meals and plenty of drinks but with little exercise it just got to be too much food.
Our dinner was chicken with an oyster sauce. Salad with balsamic vinegar, roll, butter, and brownie.
They also provided turkey sandwich and vanilla ice cream cup, and eggs, sausage, quiche, roll, and coffee.
Water, coffee, etc. As we said, way too much food for the inactivity of the 12 hours which we endured to get to see Jeong Mi and Aaron. The movies were Oz, the Wizard, some FDR movie and something called "Beautiful Creatures" which was bizarre and played on both flights.
June 24, 2013: As we entered into Korean airspace we "magically" lost 13 hours of our day and we arrived at the Incheon Airport at 2:45 in the pm. We were able to connect wirelessly and sent a text to Aaron that we arrived and we headed to immigration where we submitted our index fingers to a print scanner, picture taken, passport reviewed and stamped. Then on to baggage for our bags (both arrived safely), then customs which was a cursory glance then exchange money and head out into waiting area where Aaron was waiting for us!
We took a taxi to Aaron and Jeong Mi's where we freshened up, changed, and then walked to the subway station where we traveled a ways and got off and walked a short distance to the funeral home where the Parks rented a "funeral" room where they greeted family and friends and one could pay honor and respect to Jeong Mi's mom. A beautiful memorial area was set up with flowers, a picture of Jeong Mi's mom, incense, and fruits, vegetables, that are important to their funeral custom and ceremony. It was very moving, sad, and Aaron told us how to bow and light incense to pay our respects. We sat at short tables and visited for an hour with Jeong Mi's dad, sister Limmy, and brother and we ate and drank some refreshments that were provided to those that came and stayed.
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Flowers that were given in memory of Jeong Mi's mom placed in the hallway as we entered the waiting room.
Banners were also custom and Limmy's University provided one in her mother's memory.
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As is the custom in Korea, the mourning period is three days. It includes time of waiting, and greeting, and sharing memories with loved ones. It includes rituals and time with the one who passed on in their own customs and traditions. Their funeral preparation begins as soon as the Korean member passes. Jeong Mi, Jeong Mi's sister, and Aaron traveled in ambulance to the "funeral home" during the night that she passed. Jeong Mi's dad and brother traveled from car to the funeral home. They had rented a "room" which included a memorial "altar" and small tables for guests to wait and visit with family. We have done a number of internet searches on how a Korean funeral is conducted and I encourage all readers of this blog to do the same. We immediately took off our shoes when entering the room and we bowed and greeted family members. As Aaron instructed us we bowed to the altar and the picture of Jeong Mi's mom and lit incense. It was all very sad and painful for us as she was too young to pass on with such a painful cancer. The family has spent the 2 days at the "funeral home" visiting and eating and sleeping there during the night. The family participated in other customs which involved washing of the body (only immediate family) and other closing ceremonies.
That first evening of our arrival, Aaron, Kelly, and I went to Liquor Burger and we got to see their new bar! It is wonderful and we are so proud of the two of them and all they have put into the bar to make it successful and useful to other "westerners" in the area. We went to our favorite barbecue where Aaron ordered for us and grilled our meat for us at table.
We then went back to their apt where Kelly and I are staying during our time here.
June 25th, 2013: We were up and dressed and out the door to return to the funeral home by 6:50 am. We then followed a procession to the parking lot where the Parks had us all get into a passenger bus to travel to the Parks home for a final goodbye.. then to the crematorium and public memorial cemetery where it was a very moving, sad, unbelievable experience that Kelly and I feel we cannot put into words or share. We just cannot say how much the Parks included us in everything and ALWAYS saw to our comfort and ease first. A very gracious family even during their grief. We spent the morning participating in the burial process/ceremony/custom and after we went to a new shopping mall with Aaron and Wong, Jeong Mi's best friend.
We enjoyed a black bean noodle dish and I was able to use a "fork" as I am not comfortable with chopsticks!
We walked around the new mall and then back to the apt where we were able to get a much needed nap. In the evening we walked back to LB, played some darts, visited with friends, participated in a singing room, and enjoyed some chicken with Aaron.
Jeong Mi stayed and visited with her family following the three days of funeral for her mom.
June 26, 2013: AARON'S 30TH BIRTHDAY AND JEONG MI AND AARON'S 2ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Kelly and I got up and navigated our way to our favorite McDonalds where we were able to order a breakfast meal. It took us two Koreans and a 40 min walk but we made it!!
Leaving the building we located my favorite eye place and realized that we went the long way around the block!! HaHaHa.. welcome to navigating in a large foreign city! Well we were proud of ourselves anyway!
Now time to get ready to meet the birthday boy and anniversary couple!
Later!!
Lotte Mart. It is a many story grocery/department/service/parking garage with escalators coming and going, and it continues to be so confusing to us.. some day we will conquer the floor map! We purchased some bananas (over $5.00 for 6) a tub of cherry tomatoes and some cleaning products.
