Asian On Air 2013: Flying experience with Korean Air.

I never actually plan to visit Korea anytime this year, not that I don’t want to visit it but I don’t think am capable financially. Till I heard about the Asian on Air 2013 blogging contest, I did the best I could and let it all in the hands of God. Little that I know, I won. Yes, my writing won me and Anne from Penmerah.com an all paid trip to Korea with Korean Air and Korean Tourism Organization. Imagine my excitement. 

I was so contented with all the blessing am getting that I was so excited when I check in at KLIA the night I departed for Incheon, Korea with Korean Air. Checking in was really smooth and I felt very welcomed. Since it was a night flight and I was really tired from the travelling I did a week before, I pretty much watched movies and sleep. But one thing I have to applaud the cabin crew, I was hungry after we took off and they don't have anything to give because it was a night flight but they stills served me croissants for me to eat- I was so touched! 

Flight was really comfortable considering I took the two-seaters row and the legroom was alright for a plus size guy like me. It was a beautiful- turbulence-free flight from Kuala Lumpur to Incheon, Korea. I was trying to use my Sony Nex 5T to capture some starts but my buttery fingers doesn't help at all, but I still think it's fascinating view.

Soon, it was time for breakfast. The cabin crew woke us up at about 5am, more or less about 1hour away from landing. Since by that time I was already a non-meat eater, and ordered for the seafood-only meal. It was really good breakfast of steamed egg, fish and mushrooms as well asparagus! 

Then, it happened. I saw my first sunset in Korea. We were descending down into Incheon, Korea. I was so happy that I literally became speechles- "I am in Korea, KOREA!". How could that even happened? 

One smooth landing and I was in Korea! Honestly, I cried a little when they did the welcoming announcement. Me, they guy who my relatives thought is a complete failure for failing university, made it to Korea with my own writing. I am blessed for all the things that is happening in my life. 

I had to have these drinks- the Uhu Banaa drink that everyone who have been to Korea said it's a must drink drink in Korea. And then I found my favourite drink, the Vitamin water- which happened to say that I am Baby Face- Yes, thank you/Kamsahamida! :P

I am seriously grateful for the experiences am getting. It has been really amazing. My time in Korea was fantastic despite some minor setbacks. Setbacks are there to tick up, tell you that's gonna alright and it shall pass hah?  :)

Without me realizing, it was already the time to fly home. It was really sad but it was a great Asian On Air 2013 trip, am glad I wrote this post and eventually won! 

And don't forget to do your text refund whenever you purchase good's from a tax-refundable mall! It's not that hard and you will get a pretty alright amount of refund. :)

Then it was time to board- "Calling for passenger Korean Air KE 671 to Kuala Lumpur, you are welcome to board at Gate 23". I was bidding goodbye to all things Korean at Incheon Airport; the air, the atmosphere, the friendly people and the beautiful country. 

I love how spacious KE 671 Korean Flight are, I don't feel cramped at all throughout the 7 hours flight! What I love most is how huge Korean Air's IFE system is in their flight. I felt like I have my own private space watching movie while eating my Seafood Meal dinner! :D

It was another great flight home, just this time because it's an evening flight. They kept going around giving food and more food to all passengers. They have snacks, onigiri, I got a really awesome salmon sandwich and best of all Ice-cream! "I'm gonna miss flying Korean Air" I told myself. Next time if you wanna fly to Korea, take Korean Air- indulge in Korean's hospitality and culture. ;)

I had a great time. We all had a great time. It was a great Korean Air flights. 

Asian On Air 2013 is brought to you exclusively by Korean Air and Korean Tourism Organization- Korea Be Inspired! Photos in this post were captured with Sony NEX 5T- your traveling camera! 

I must fly on ATR flight this year!

As you all know, am very VERY scared at flying. I still wonder  how I survived more than 10 flights last year. Ermmm.... God has certainly blessed me with courage. Ameen! 

Well, I didn't toughen up just like that ya know. I have been taking Antarax and Novomin (medicines for travel sickness and anxiety)  to help me fly! LOL

But yeah, am sure am not the only one facing this problem. *nothing to be shy about it*

So yeah, mission this year is to fly on at least one ATR aircraft or a Fokker; both are small passenger-carriage. In which in a case of turbulence, it will be one-hell-of-a-ride. That what I was told. :P

source

If turbulence while flying on a Boeing 737-400 is already hell in my book, I can only pray that my-soon-to-be ride on these smaller aircrafts won't be that bad! 

No, am not studying Aviation nor have interest in aviation. My helplessness has caused me to study all things aviation, just to soothe my terrible flying anxiety. Call me obsessed or whatever but at least am prepared for the worst. LOL

I have countless missions this year, travel missions! But yeah, completing my ride on smaller aircraft is gonna be challenging for me I guess. :)

But reading about airlines crashes hours before your flight is a big NO NO. =="

So, what is your travel mission this year?

Till then, keep on traveling peeps! :D

Indonesia: Fly with KLM to Jakarta.

So, here is the beginning of my adventure in Indonesia. Where I traveled the Land of Java for 8 days from Jakarta to Jogjakarta and then to Bandung before flying home. Well,  this time around, I didn't go backpacking alone, I have my "sister" tagging along. Wait till you hear the story how we got separated in Jogjakarta for few hours with no means of communication, I almost wanted to call the embassy! 

When we wanted to book our tickets to Indonesia, we were considering taking AirAsia but after researching, we discovered that it was cheaper to fly with KLM for the dates we selected. And this being the first time for me to actually travel on KLM, I jumped on the opportunity! I only paid RM 445 ( USD 145) for return tickets on a international full-service flight! 

The flight was a transit flight for the Amsterdam-Jakarta route, serving 1 flight a day for Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route. The departure time was 4.20pm and we arrived slightly earlier then 5.20pm (Indonesian time). It was something exciting for me as it was my very first full-service (not low cost airline) flight.

Here comes the Big Blue Bird! I was super excited while waiting for boarding! 

Boarding was fast and easy. We actually book for seats behind the galley for the extra legroom but when we checked in we were given different seats.  No harm done, we were happy with those seats as we were seated at double seats. 

Legroom was fine for a plus-size guy like me. And we were seated at the wing area, which has one of the nicest view from the airplane! Plus, I enjoyed the IFE on this flight as they had some American dramas that I've been wanting to watch! Seat configuration on this flight was 3-4-3 and mind you, I have never flown on a big airplane before! So,this is relatively new experience for me.  

Food were served 30 minutes after take-off. And no worries, food on KLM flight to and for Jakarta is Halal, eat your heart out! I was served some Vermicelli Thai Salad for appetizer, Nyonya Curry Chicken with Rice and some Cream Pudding for dessert. All food served was by Christang and KLM partnership. 

The food were delicious and having to eat it at 29,000ft was just amazing! Cheers to the journey and adventure with my Orange Juice! Two thumbs up KLM!

We landed safely though I was surprised that it was raining heavily and 6pm in Jakarta looks like 8pm in Malaysia. Immigration was breeze in Bandara Soekarno Hatta Airport and within minutes we were already running for our bags and Damri bus for our next adventure! 

More stories on Backpacking in Indonesia soon! Till then...keep on traveling peeps!