wadashino@Incheon

Korean airport is a nice one. Although its style kinda copied the Chek Lap Lok's one, the hospitality of its staff suffice to challenge ours. People here would show you the way when you get lost. If they fail to make their directions clear, they would ask you to follow them. I have been to a cafeteria where I should buy a ticket before going to the food counter for pickup, but for a foreigner like me who doesn't speak any Korean, it is too hard to follow the rules. However, the lady at the food counter, strangely having plenty of time, went to the cashier and got the ticket for me. Right now, sitting in the brand-new, sleek internet lounge of the second floor, listening to the Korean announcements that I will not hear for the near future, I am calm with relief that I finally made it to give my present to the sassy girl. She has always dreamt of working for an airline. Today, I got to the airport early and watched her busy checking in customer's bag at the Asiana airline Diamond member counter. I became one to see her pull back her fallen hair from time to time, and I became one to witness her dream come true. I approached her at a less busy time, dropped a pack of chewing gum that she liked and got the reply within my expectation:``I'm sorry I have to work. Bye bye.'' She stood up a little bit, peeped at her manager, looked down then smiled. It is natural because I was interrupting their job so I walked off swiftly and explained to another staff who had tried to stop me going into the first class counter she was sitting at. I said: '' I was only asking for information.'' Maybe she doesn't believe me because I waved her intervention off when I passed the gate. An hour later, after checking in my own bag, I saw her having enough time to come to me for a fairwell chat. I gave her the present - two packs of Hong Kong snacks I bought from Keewah including wife's cake - because her mom cooked me a very nice meal for me. I also hid some pictures inside the box I took of the kids she liked from the orphanage. Of course, the picture of ourselves after the nice meal we had together. Again, she appeared odd and looked over her shoulders to her colleagues when she talked with me. I felt that the one minute talk kind of cleared the miscommunications I regretfully had with her. With her saying ''I will send you email.'' at least, I thought I managed to say farewell to every friend I treasure before I hop on the flight. My hope didn't end in vain.