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Writer's pictureDarrian Douglas

Day 1 in South Korea: From Spicy Snacks to Luxurious Vans

Updated: Nov 6, 2023

Day 1 in South Korea has been as relaxed as life on the road can get. The journey began with a flight from Newark to Detroit, where finding a healthy meal under $50 seemed like an impossible task. Thankfully, a kind coffee shop employee charged me for a $5 cookie instead of a $10 cheese plate that was hardly worth the price. Such is life on the road.


The flight itself was uneventful, save for some light turbulence and a slightly grumpy aisle neighbor. But the real adventure started when we landed in Seoul. After navigating a seemingly endless customs line, we were greeted by our tour manager, Youki. Standing at 5'2" with a warm smile, Youki ushered us into a luxurious tour van complete with leather seats. The best part? There was enough room for each of the four band members, Youki, and the driver to have their own row—a luxury we all appreciated after being cramped on an Airbus.


Our next stop was Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, a four-hour drive from Seoul. The journey was filled with conversations, social media scrolling, and some much-needed rest. Halfway through, we stopped at a rest area that made American rest stops look like an afterthought. It was clean, well-lit, and featured an array of inviting restaurants. And yes, it had charging stations for electric cars—a stark reminder of how far behind America is in modernization.


For a quick snack, I opted for some chicken from one of the stalls. To my surprise, it was incredibly spicy. I shared the fiery bites with the band before we resumed our journey. A few hours later, we arrived at our hotel—spacious, quiet, and welcoming. My bandmate Mathis and I were famished, so we ventured out to find the only place still open in the neighborhood. The food was unique, with flavors unlike anything I've ever tasted. It was a mix of strange yet oddly delicious.


After a quick catch-up call with Shedia, I turned in for the night. I plan to document each day of this tour, so stay tuned for more stories and characters that are bound to make an appearance.


Until next time,


Darrian




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