The decision to leave my old life behind was starting to weigh on me as I walked through the airport. It's been almost six months since my mother died and, in that time, I've made some impulsive decisions. I bought a one-way ticket to a foreign country, sold all my things, and bought an apartment in a place I've never been to.

The bag I was carrying felt heavier with every step. What am I doing here? I looked around the airport and sighed. My flight was delayed, according to the airport workers here, so now I had some time to really think about my decision. 

Finding an empty seat, I sat alone with headphones in. I listened to a beginner's guide to Korean on my phone, the same guide I had on repeat. I bought some books and read them the last couple months while I was getting things in order, but they didn't seem to help as much as I thought they would. My fallback plan was to just use a translation app when I needed it, but I was determined to learn something.

I've never been to another country before and now I was moving to a whole new world. The thought made my stomach flip with anticipation and nervousness. Everything is going to be different. But I decided when I got the news of my mother's death, I wouldn't let her words haunt me anymore. I'm going to do something with my life.

"Flight 280, now boarding," I heard faintly over my headphones. This is it; I tell myself.  Time to start over.

---

Once I grabbed my one suitcase from baggage claims, I made my way outside to hail a taxi. It was cold outside, and my jacket was no match for the wind. I shivered as I waved down a car. 

A taxi stopped in front of me and the driver opened the trunk for my suitcase. He got out of the car helped me get my belongings inside. "Thank you," I said lowering my head a bit. He smiled back at me and nodded. He probably didn't speak English. I made a mental note to start using the few phrases I did know. 

As we drove through the streets, I admired the city of Seoul. Of course, I did my research before coming, but it didn't prepare me for its beauty. It felt like a completely different world. My mind and body still weren't fully processing where I was at. I wondered when the realization would hit me.

I've always wanted to travel outside of the U.S., but there was a lot of things that prevented me from doing that. Mostly money, but also my own self-doubt. There was only so much I could blame on a dead person. Now that I was truly on my own, I wanted to be the person I've always wanted to be, despite where I came from.

I am strong. I am capable. I am going to succeed.

I kept repeating my mantra in my head as we drove through the city. Whatever was waiting for me, I was ready.

---

Despite all the plans I had in place, nothing seemed to work in my favor. I arrived at the apartment complex where I bought a flat only to find out I wasn't able to move in for another two weeks. This was just my luck.

After talking with the manager there, we exchanged contact information. He apologized for the misunderstanding, to which I said, "No worries!" But I was indeed very worried. The only option I had was to find a hotel and hope they would let me stay for the next two weeks.

I sat in the lobby of the apartment complex on my phone looking for the closet hotel. I found one nearby that looked fancy. Deciding it was best to speak to them in person, I went back outside to find another taxi. 

Once I arrived at the hotel, I went in and let them know my situation. Luckily for me, the receptionist spoke a little English. She let me know that they only had the top penthouses still left to rent. With this new acquired money, I figured I could afford it. "I'll take it." I say to the receptionist with a smile.

She nods and gives me a smile before typing something on the computer. Once she was done, I was handed a key card. "Gamsahapnida," I give her a bow before turning and walking to the elevator. I hope I said that correctly, I think to myself as the elevator door opens.

Once I was in the penthouse, I went to the windows and looked out onto the beautiful city, leaving my bags by the couch. It was late evening at this time and the city glowed. This is my new home, I thought to myself. Crazy. This is crazy, why am I here? Slowly my thoughts started to spiral. My heart started to race with all the excitement. Shaking my head to shake off this awful feeling, I turned around to admire my new living quarters.

The room was quite nice, and it smelled freshly cleaned. It was simple, yet extravagant. The chandelier in the living room area was the only central light for the room. Looking around I admired the decor and simplicity of the room. Looking over to the double doors at the other side of the room, I made my way over to them.

With my hands on the handles, I pulled the doors open and saw the bedroom area. It was dark inside, and the bed was the only thing in the room. It was perfectly made with a little origami swan sitting on the bed. Walking over to it, I picked it up and admired it. I noticed a note on the bed and quickly pulled up phone out to translate it.

Welcome!

It said on one side and on the other:

For room service call the kitchen - 03

For more towels and toiletries, call the front desk - 97

If you need immediate assistance, please call emergency services - 119

"Hmm," I let out a hum of interest. At least they have their bases covered, I thought to myself.

With a sigh, I turned back around and headed towards the living room where my suitcase was. I pulled out the toothbrush and went to the bathroom to clean up before bed.

Afterwords, I was too tired to even change. I fell onto the king-sized bed and quickly fell asleep.