December 23- An Unbelievable Experience- Seoul to Amsterdam
What an incredible trip I was about to have! To me, this trip would exceed the qualities and adventures many people have in their entire lives. Sitting at the Incheon International Airport, I was about to embark on an adventure many have taken, but few will experience like I will. This was my second European travel in that year. In Spring of 2011, I traveled to France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium with my University. This trip would be just a busy but would be completely different. This trip was unique to me in that I will meet good friends, stay with local families, and truly live the culture of the places I go. Staying connected with friends is important to me and has allowed me to learn about others and myself. I had an eleven-hour flight ahead of me and my adrenaline was full speed. However, in the airport, I had a peculiar sense. I was leaving Korea for three weeks and I was already missing the country. I guess it shows part of my heart truly is in Korea.
Incheon Airport Ice Skating Area
In the KLM flight, I was served quite well by a beautiful Korean flight attendant. I know she must have been tired but her smile never ceased. She continuously walked up and down the aisle. Consequently, she was my flight attendant for the return journey to Korea. During the flight, I learned Koreans love wine, especially the cheap airplane wine. The man next to me must have drunk ten of the small bottles. I could smell it from his scowling breath.
The dark winter skies of Russia quickly came into view as we flew the night (or daytime), causing many people to go “nighty night”. It was still day in Korea so how could so many people start sleeping and snoring?
Did I sleep? If I could sleep in an upright crammed chair then yes, but I can’t sleep in that position so I enjoyed watching movies and television to pass my time. The plane ride could be considered forgettable but as I previously posted, that can sometimes be a good thing. I had many hours to go before I arrived to Amsterdam but I was excited for what would lie ahead.
December 23- Welcome back to Western culture- Amsterdam to Eindhoven
I arrived in Amsterdam around 6:30 in the afternoon. It was dark outside but inside my body I was fully awake and excited to start my adventure. With the best and quickest customs ever, I rapidly walked into the luggage area. There, behind a glass wall, I could see my friends John and Gerard. John was wearing his “Oklahoma” hoodie he bought with me at Wal-Mart. John and I have had a great friendship after his stay at my University in 2010. Since, we have seen each other three times. His friend Gerard and I met while Gerard stayed with me for a week when he came to visit John. We have all kept in contact since. In the airport, I had to communicate with them through a phone near the glass wall. I felt as I was in prison. After some time, I retrieved my luggage and after a big hug, we were off.
If you ever want to travel Europe by train, the best option is a Eurail Pass. I had one, which saved time and money. I used my ticket numerous times making it one of the best ways to travel. Leaving the airport, I finally took a breath on the quiet train heading for Eindhoven in the southern part of the country. On the train, I was able to talk about South Korea and how coming to Europe would be a counter-culture experience. I did not realize how living in Korea changed how I greeted or applied several customs.
Gerard and John
I arrived in Eindhoven and was greeted by John’s father and sister. I quickly noticed the fresh air, the clean streets, and how everything seemed quiet but still alive. In the town of Veldhoven, near Eindhoven, we arrived at John’s home. It was such a lovely, clean, and spacious home. I entered the home and paused on whether or not I take my shoes off. I didn’t know what to do since in Korea you take your shoes off in most restaurants and in all homes. I also bowed at John’s mother as she came to greet me with three kisses. Within one minute, I experienced culture changes on entering a home and greetings. I explained my situation, which was a laugh.
For the night, the whole family and I gathered around in the living room for drinks while I ate a typical Dutch meal, rice and chicken. Yes, that last part was sarcasm since I was expecting not to eat rice for a while. It was still delicious, as was all the food I had there. I was tired, so going to bed wasn’t a problem. I slept in a spacious upstairs room with a mattress that was remarkable. Sleeping on hard Korean beds gave me such an appreciation for that bed. I fell asleep quickly, but jet lag is a real and horrible thing.
December 24- A Short German Christmas Eve Experience-. Eindhoven to Dusseldorf
“Real Cheese! Real Butter! Real Bread!” Those were my words the next morning for breakfast. You would have thought it was my first time to eat. I pigged out and I did not regret one moment. John’s mother fed me so well I was like a cow needing to be fattened with simple delicacies.
That day, my itinerary was Dusseldorf. The city near the border of Germany and the Netherlands has truly come a dynamic international city. I came to this German city to visit more university friends, Anja and Hermann. We started a friendship only a year ago but we connected well. They went on my famous Oklahoma City tours and Anjadid a Tulsa Tour. John had to work this day so it was perfect to spend Christmas Eve with more amazing friends.
Hermann and Anja
Getting off the train in Dusseldorf, I could see a lost girl searching. It was Anja. I quickly yelled her name and shared hugs. Eventually, at what would be my meeting point throughout the week, we found her boyfriend Hermann at McDonald’s in the station. McDonald’s as well as Subway, Burger King, Starbucks, and many other American influences can be found throughout Europe (and the world). McDonald’s is my favorite in they truly are different in every country while still having the usual Big Mac, McChickens, and other favorites. Another things about McDonald’s are the free restrooms. While in many European cities, you must pay to use the restroom, McDonald’s are the best option to use the toilet. I also am not a fan of paying for water either. Why is water in Europe cheaper than beer?
In Dusseldorf, the streets were becoming empty as people closed shop to go home for the holiday. We did find a restaurant serving German favorites. I chose a pig with potatoes and sauerkraut. When I say a pig, the ham was half my plat. I was in pork heaven! It was so good and of course I ate most of it. After dinner, we all explored the streets of Dusseldorf and saw the buildings of old and modern. It was such a nice experience except for the wind and sudden chills.
My Ham
It was Christmas Eve, which meant gifts. Anja gave me a coffee mug with homemade cookies and she gave Hermann an iPod touch. Apparently they weren’t exchanging gifts so it was a surprise. I gave them simple gifts of Korean chopsticks. Having only a carry on luggage, I had to limit what I brought.
Hermann, Anja, and I in Dusseldorf, Germany
Later, I said goodbye and told them I would return a week later. I traveled back to Eindhoven and John’s home. This meant more food; I was always ready to accept. I took an early rest and woke up at well, 2:00 am. Jet lag is a killer, and I will always believe this.
December 25- A Dutch Christmas- Veldhoven
Merry Christmas! This was the first Christmas of two days of Christmas’s celebrated in Holland. However, the big festive time is during Sinterklass Day on December 5th. This meant Christmas day is less celebrated but still a special day. I enjoyed the day resting and getting caught up on sleep. Breakfast was served around 11:00 am. That’s my type of holiday! As a gift, the family gave me a book titled “Don’t Blink”. It was quickly read on the remainder of the trip. Staying with the family was a gift enough but I was very much appreciative.
Christmas main course
I was able to Skype with my family at home as they celebrated Christmas. It was nice to see everyone as I was so far away. For dinner, John’s sister Samantha prepared an amazing four-course meal of delicious foods and deserts. In my mind, I was at a 5 star hotel. After the meal, the entertainment started.
John's amazing home
John and his family for Christmas Dinner
We drove to a house in another neighborhood for a local Christmas light show. It wasn’t extravagant but a show a man put together with music and lights on his home. It was still fun and brought back many memories of lights from home. The biggest disappointment for the night came when we drove to a street known for its lights. However, there were only a few strands of lights. I was thinking “Oh, um… nice lights?”
A favorite part of my day was visiting John’s grandmother. She was a wonderful Dutch lady that has been going through a tough time in her life. It was a year ago when she lost her husband. I was happy to come visit her and brighten up her day a bit. She offered many drinks and cookies. I ate even though my stomach was full. I couldn’t resist cookies and paprika chips. She spoke little English but could understand what I was saying and I could understand some of her Dutch. What I couldn’t understand was her talking Santa Claus which spoke some gibberish in English. It became a laugh we all shared as I tried to decipher the secret Santa code. After the night, I was told she really enjoyed seeing me and later thought of many things to tell me. I hope I can see her again so she can tell me what she had to say.
Santa Claus for the day
I had a superb Christmas. Even though I was away from my family, it was nice to have a family take care of me and accept me as one of their own. I will always remember my first Christmas away from home and the people who made it memorable.
Tags: Amsterdam, Christmas, Customs, Dusseldorf, Eindhoven, Europe, Germany, incheon international airport, KLM, Korea, Seoul, Sinterklass, The Netherlands, Veldhoven
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