Wednesday (1/5) - Incheon Airport (Seoul):

Heaven exists on Earth and it’s called Incheon Airport just outside Seoul, South Korea – or at least it seems that way after spending the last year and a half in Mongolia. During our 6-hour layover we were like kids in a really large, and really expensive, candy store.

I definitely crammed in some America time, eating no less than two foot-long spicy Italian Subway sandwiches followed by a couple of coffee delights from Starbucks and topped off with a honey fritter from Dunkin Donuts. Ashlee followed close behind me, although she prefers chai lattes to cappuccino and went for Burger King instead of round #2 at Subway.

Other highlights from our layover include a craft-making session at one of the Korean culture centers, an impromptu photo session with a green robot (I think it was the mascot for Samsung), watching some sort of parade, and a dinner conversation with our new friend, “Hong Kong/Hawaii.”

Now, unbelievably fully, we are just a 6-hour flight from Bangkok!

PS – If you have yet to enjoy the delight that is flying Korean Air, let me sell you on it. Their planes are super nice, the staff is incredibly friendly, the on-board entertainment is top-notch, and – if you choose correctly – the food can be real tasty. While my two subs did prevent me from enjoying a proper meal, I did get seconds on the delicious “red carpet cheesecake” ice cream. Also, Ashlee found our pilot adorable when he told everyone on the plan to relax and have a “present fright.”

Goodbye, freezing and smoke-filled Ulaanbaatar!

Hello, Subway!

Venti latte? Sure!