Setting Off with a Heart Full of Excitement
With a long, month-long journey ahead starting in Jakarta, Indonesia, and stretching all the way to Bali, the air in the house was thick with a strange mixture of tension and excitement. While packing my bags, my mind was busy with thoughts of the unfamiliar landscapes and people I would soon encounter. I wanted to give small but special gifts to the people I would cross paths with on this trip. After careful consideration, I packed several sheet masks with neat Korean lettering deep into my backpack. From pine soothing masks to birch moisturizing gel masks, I hoped these small gifts filled with Korea's pure freshness would bring pleasant smiles to those I met along the way. Once everything was neatly packed, the reality of my departure finally began to sink in.
The next morning, the time for departure finally arrived. I walked out to the street-side bus stop under the blazing sunshine. Standing at the airport bus stop for route 6013 below the Gwangjin-gu Council sign, I let out a light breath as I watched the cars speed along the road. Gazer-gazing at the bus route map and information board on the pillar, I silently cheered to myself, "It's finally starting, let's go!" Although the midday heat shimmered off the asphalt, my heart waiting for the bus to the airport felt as refreshing as a cool breeze.
My First Time at Terminal 2 and a Special Feast at the Lounge
The bus glided smoothly down the highway and dropped me off at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. Since I had mostly flown with Asiana Airlines in the past, I was only familiar with Terminal 1, making this my very first time stepping into Terminal 2. It was an unfamiliar landscape to me, brought about by the change in main terminals after Asiana Airlines merged with Korean Air. Unlike my expectations, the spacious hall, where gentle sunlight streamed through the high, sweeping curved ceiling, was remarkably quiet and unhurried. Walking through the airport lobby, where a structured serenity hung instead of chaotic bustling, I felt the deep thrill of finally becoming a traveler.
After quickly clearing security and immigration, I headed into the airport lounge. Inside, there was a unique space called the "Ramen Library." An entire wall was decorated like bookshelves, but instead of books, dozens of colorful instant noodle packets were neatly displayed, making it a treat for the eyes. Looking at the shelves packed with ramen that you would normally only see at a convenience store filled me with childlike curiosity and excitement. Even the moment of deciding which flavor to choose was a small joy.
I decided to cook the ramen myself at the cooking station, just like the ones at Han River convenience stores. After putting the noodles and soup powder into the dedicated container and pressing the button, the machine poured the exact amount of hot water and began a pleasant bubbling sound according to the timer. Cooking ramen this way was another first-time experience in my life. I topped the freshly cooked, spicy, and savory ramen with plenty of chopped green onions. Then, I piled my plate high with grilled shrimp, pasta, and fried dishes from the lounge buffet before taking a seat. The combination of ramen and buffet dishes, paired with a glass of cool tangerine juice, was grander than any menu at a fine restaurant.
Even after filling up on the hearty ramen and dishes, my culinary journey didn't end. I moved on to dessert, treating myself to two soft muffins, a fluffy red velvet cake, a mini cake topped with light whipped cream, a cup of colorful fruits, and a carton of milk. Waiting for my boarding time amid the sweetness that coated my mouth felt like a gifted moment of leisure.
A Dining Table Above the Clouds, Serenity at Cruising Altitude
Once boarding was complete, the aircraft taxied smoothly down the runway and soared into the sky. With the roar of the massive engines, the ground below faded into the distance, and the plane soon reached a stable cruising altitude. Out the window, the brilliant blue sky, puffy white clouds, and the distant, sprawling lines of the fields below came into view. Whenever an airplane reaches its optimal cruising altitude, my mind finally relaxes into the journey. My body and mind, once stiff with tension, became free, as if sitting atop the soft clouds.
Usually, my stomach feels unsettled when flying, so I often skip in-flight meals. However, on this flight, I was served an unforgettable, top-tier meal. Perhaps because Asiana Airlines merged with Korean Air, the in-flight menu seemed newly revamped, and dishes that exceeded my expectations came out one after another. When I took my first bite of the spicy-sour som tum served first, I was filled with surprise at the fresh yet rich, savory aroma, thinking, 'Wait, what is this rich, savory taste?' I could already tell things were extraordinary from the salad with ricotta cheese and olive oil dressing. The main dish, featuring plump scallops and penne pasta, was so wonderful it practically demanded to be photographed. Even though I had already eaten plenty at the lounge, it was such a perfect meal that I cleared the plate completely.
Tropical Air, Welcoming the Night in Jakarta
After a pleasant meal and some rest, the plane smoothly touched down at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. As I stepped onto the passenger bridge connecting the aircraft to the terminal, an almost excessively cool blast of air conditioning enveloped my body. This perfect level of refreshment, combined with the cool air, instantly woke up my body, which had been tired from the long flight. Jakarta's first greeting was much crisper than I had anticipated.
The immigration process was much simpler than I had imagined. Walking straight along the corridor and passing through the e-gates, all I had to do was scan the QR code of the arrival card I had filled out online beforehand, and I breezed right through. Since I traveled light on this trip with just a single backpack, there was no need to wait at baggage claim, and I could just walk straight out.
Walking out of the arrivals hall and turning left, a friendly staff member was waiting to help passengers use Gojek and Grab. Guided by the staff, I called a ride on the app and completed the payment, and the car that would take me to my destination arrived in no time. Through the car window slicing through the night roads, Jakarta's darkness and lights flashed past.
After driving through the city center, the car finally arrived at the entrance of the hotel I had booked. I got out of the car and stepped into the grand lobby. The atmosphere created by the soaring arched ceiling and warm lighting was captivating. A wave of relief washed over me now that I had safely arrived at my accommodation after the long journey.
By the time I checked in and entered my room, it was already past 11:00 PM. Feeling a bit hungry at this late hour, I ordered sate for delivery. When I opened the paper packaging that arrived shortly after, the charcoal-grilled skewers and chewy lontong gave off a rich, savory aroma. The moment I took a bite, I couldn't help but marvel, 'As expected of the land of sate.' I ended up happily overeating as I devoured the delicious skewers.
"Whenever an airplane reaches its cruising altitude, my mind finally relaxes into the journey."
As I lay comfortably in bed after a full meal, I could hear the first night in Jakarta growing deeper. The small gifts I had prepared, the delicious first experience at the lounge, the wonderful meal tasted above the clouds, and the late-night sate enjoyed in the heart of the city. The pieces of this perfect day were signaling a wonderful start to my month-long journey ahead in Indonesia.