I have officially been in Chicago for a day now. My apartment is unfurnished but YES, I have my internet and laptop all set up. Compared to Melbourne, Chicago is HUGE! I’m living in a pretty convenient place though. There’s a McDonalds in the building, although I am not entirely sure that that is a good thing at all. There’s also a few other restaurants and a supermarket. I have read some bad stuff about this place though… so we’ll see. I’m staying in a studio apartment but compared to my studio in Unilodge in Melbourne, this apartment is like a mansion.
Anyway I wanted to talk a little bit about the Icheon International Airport. I took Korean Airlines so my transit stop was in Incheon. This airport is ranked number 1 this year, ahead of Changi (Singapore) and Hong Kong. This airport is in fact very pleasant and convenient. The security check for transitors is simple, just scanning hand carry items, and additional manual bag checking for those travelling to US. I personally didn’t have to take off my shoes but I saw some people did have to. The airport features a host of shopping outlets, food courts, lounges, free internet, and even some R&R activities (for a fee of course). The airport is busy but not over crowded and is in fact very quiet, and fairly clean. Toilet cubicles are a little small though, I would prefer is you were able to drag some bags into the stalls. There’s also Korean culture center where passengers waiting for flights can participate in some traditional Korean activities like fan painting for free and you get to keep the fan.
Side note – I was amazed how easily I got into the US. Immigration was a breeze, they didn’t detain me or anything just needed my I-20.
