“Ladies and Gentleman, please straighten the back of your seats and fasten your seatbelts. We are preparing for landing. Local date is January 28th. Current local time is 8:00am. Ground tempurature is at -4.4 °C …”

I shivered as I heard the announcement.

“-4.4 °C?? How is that even humane???” I thought to myself.

Growing up in LA I was spoiled by warm sunny weather all year around, so this vicious winter weather I’m going to encounter is definitely going to be a challenge. I would be now living in a city where on average winters are always pretty much below 0. Sighing I adjusted my seat and checked my seatbelt to prepare for landing …

As the plane descended down to my new home - Seoul, I looked out the window and watched as the tiny structures enlarged. I can’t help but think that the city looks so unfamiliar. I don’t know any place here, don’t know anyone here .. I’m pretty much all by myself at this foreign country ... I I could feel a slight knot in my stomach forming from the anxiety I’m giving myself. Shaking my head to stop myself from feeling extremely homesick again …

“Heck I’m here! Might as well it up and make the best of it!” I reminded myself.

The landing was smooth, and the plane glided to a stop where we were allowed up from our seats to grab our carry ons from the overhead cabins. I pulled out the pre prepared cellphone my company provided and switched it on waiting for the signal sign to show reception. Immediately the screen blinked with a new message. Sliding the home screen to unlock I saw a message that read: “Please exit to gate A and the car will be waiting for you Ms. Lee.”

It didn’t take long for my 3 large suitcases to come out. After placing them on the trolley with the help of a nice gentleman standing by, I pushed along the cart towards Gate A. As I approached I saw a man in a black suit holding up a sign with my name on it. I walked over and smiled: “Hi. I’m Leah.”

He bowed his head and responded: “Please follow me Ms. Lee. and let me help you with your trolley.”

“Thank you...” I directed my cart with all my belongings over to him, “& How may I refer to you Mr …”

“Kong.”

“Thank you. Mr. Kong”

I followed closely behind Mr. Kong out the building towards the parking lot I can immediately feel the cold air piercing through my lungs .. This is definitely something I will need to get use to ...

The traffic was not too bad but the drive still took almost one and half hour.After a long ride we finally arrived in front of an