Ahn nyung ha se yo! Good Morning (or is it afternoon there now) - Hello!
I am supposed to be in bed despite the fact that it is 12 noon in Alabama and it is nearly 2am here (the next day)! I just finished an hour workout in the gym and my body refuses to believe it's time for bed. There is a 14 hour time difference.
Our group of 20+ enjoyed Prestige Class (Business Class) on Korean Airlines - flat beds and gracious service from a generous number of flight attendants. The Korean people are so lovely, genuinely hospitable, and gracious. I was drinking two water bottles an hour and it did not matter how many requested from one of the many flight attendants, a beautiful smile greeted me each time with a respectful bow.
After viewing the various movies of our choice, lunch, dinner, and two long naps on our flat beds in Prestige Class, we all felt fairly rested upon arrival. Many exchanged money in the airport and we feel quite rich with the large bills that fatten our wallets. 10,000 bills, 5,000 bills, and 1,000 bills in great denominations....and yet it all totals a mere $200 USD. Current exchange is roughly $1.00 USD = 1100 won.
The Hyundai team in Seoul greeted us and is caring for virtually every need while we experience their country over the next five days. An hour transfer from the airport to the beautiful Grand Hyatt in the heart of South Korea's capital city gave us views of many mountains and the Han River, the largest river in South Korea. Mountains cover 70% of the land mass, making Korea one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The Grand Hyatt is set on the historic Mount Namsan amid 18 acres of waterfalls and landscaped gardens and offers a dramatic backdrop to this busy metropolitan city.
Tonight, several of us were fitted for custom made suits from a tailor that has worked with many of the Alabama delegation from previous trips. I'm thrilled to meet Benjamin, the owner and have him as a contact in Korea. He keeps our measurements on file and at any time we can email him a design or picture of any suit or outfit desired and he will custom make from some of the finest fabrics at a fraction of the cost of a tailored suit.
We have an early start in a few hours and a very exciting day planned to meet the Hyundai executives at the Hyundai Headquarters in Seoul. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming days!
Nae-il man-nayo (See you tomorrow)
