First of all, I had never even thought about going to Guam ever in life; not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't know anything about it. Now that I know, I plan to make that trip at least one more time. This adorable island reminded me a lot of Jamaica with its friendly people, warm weather, and relaxing atmosphere. The tranquility was a welcome change from the noise and congestion of Seoul. Lately, the sounds of the city have interrupted much needed sleep and the traffic, both vehicle and pedestrian, has caused a significant amount of angst and irritation.
My trip started with a leisurely train ride to the Incheon airport, which much like the Blue Line in Chicago, takes you right beneath this massive, international hub, but unlike the Blue Line, is clean and safe. Upon checking in for my flight, the sweet and accommodating clerk at the Korean Air counter asked me if I wouldn't mind sitting in business class...uh duh, of course I don't mind getting bumped up from coach for free!
What a way to start my trip! First of all, I'm pretty sure I've never been on a plane that had an upstairs and, if it did, I definitely wasn't privileged enough to sit in the upstairs area. It is an understatement to say that it was truly a treat to experience this kind of luxury. Business class on Korean Air consists of seats that recline all the way flat to a bed for maximum comfort during the flight, wine, dinner, ice cream, and more. To make things even better, I was seated in an exit row, so I had even more leg room and the seat next to me was empty. The only down side to the flight was a gentleman behind me who decided to take his shoes off; needless to say, I smelled the issue before I saw it.
I arrived at the hotel in the wee hours of the morning and settled in. What the hotel lacked in room aesthetics, it more than made up for in service and scenery. After sleeping for a few hours, I went downstairs to grab a bite to eat before heading to the Korean consulate. My complimentary breakfast was served in the hotel's only bar and grille, which was ideally located on the beach with a spectacular view of the private island just off shore, para-sailing, jet-skiing, and the evening crab races on the sand. Okay, so the crab races weren't exactly planned entertainment, but for me it's the little things that make a difference; and if Mother Nature saw fit to wake the little crabbies around dinner time so I had something to watch while I ate alone so I didn't feel so alone, then I took notice and was grateful.
Day two was much the same as day one in that there was sun, swimming, drinking and eating, but there was also the knowledge that this was my last day there. After spending the morning and early afternoon doing what I wanted to do, I made my way back to the consulate to pick up my passport with its shiny, new visa plastered inside. I was in and out and back at the bar for a late lunch (and margaritas) in no time. Apparently, margarita number two was slightly more potent than number one and I soon found myself asleep in my room (clearly I'm getting old and can't hold my liquor like I used to). I slept through dinner and spent the rest of the evening catching a few more episodes of SVU and CSI (totally appreciative of the opportunity to watch American television and not have to suffer through cheesy Korean commercials), checked out, and went back to the airport. 
As I ended my Seoul-less days in paradise, I thought to myself, as cliche as it sounds, "home really is where the heart is and Seoul has really become home; and while I enjoyed my little vacation/business trip, it'll be nice to get back to my husband and my friends." Anyone can take issue with some of the not so great things about where they live, but there is definitely something in finding enough good there to miss it when you're gone. What's more, is the fact that the people here are what I missed most. Hopefully, the next time I go on such a wonderful adventure, I'll be able to take my heart(s) with me.
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