Hey, those aren't clouds, they're mountain peaks!

I’m composing this post on the plane over Alaska. I’ve wanted to go to Alaska since I was a teenager; this is the closest I’ve ever been. So far, I’m seriously impressed with Korean Air. Check-in was ridiculously easy; boarding was well-run with an effective system of having everyone line up in different lanes, then opening the gates when it’s that line’s turn (so the folks in row 9 who just HAVE to jump up when rows 44 and higher are called have somewhere to go); they actually had a vegetarian meal for me; there’s bottled water waiting for you on your seat when you arrive and free wine with meals; and there seems to be more leg room than I’ve seen in a long time. Taking the last row seems to have been a good idea—I can cram stuff not only under the seat in front, but also behind and in the generous gap between seat and window (also a nice place to stretch my legs in front of me). The plane is made by Boeing…either the Koreans specify more comfort, or I just haven’t been on a plane this new with any American carriers.

I had a nice view of Seattle and Hurricane Ridge on the way out, and have seen a bit of Vancouver Island and southern Alaska, though they are pretty overcast so it’s mostly intermittent peeks.

I’m already getting used to hearing Korean, and am surprised to find that I understand “thank you”. Only about 4,999 words to go, and I’ll have a working vocabulary. The lead-up to this was so many months, with so much beforehand, it didn’t feel like it was actually going to happen. Being on the plane feels almost ho-hum. Every now and then, the thought of an entire year gives me a jolt, but mostly I’m continuing with the “whatever” theme that has characterized my life for the last few months. What’s uncharacteristic (and probably telling about my state of existence lately) is that so far, being cooped up on a plane hasn’t really bothered me. I’ve still got 8 ½ hours to get stir-crazy, but I’ve also got numerous blogs to write, a movie to watch, the complete Mary Tyler Moore Season 1 to throw in the laptop, and 2 Korea guides to read through, not to mention a book of sudokus, a poorly packed backpack that could use some attention, and a hankering for a nap. It’s 8:44 am in Seoul, according to my seat screen. Inconceivable. This will be the farthest from home I’ve ever been. Interesting.