Globetrotting it up

I was, and still kind of am, so surprised with myself that I actually backpacked Europe last summer. Now this summer I find myself traveling to East Asia?? Life really is working out well :)
I am writing this from a hotel desk in Seoul, South Korea. It is close to midnight, and I am definitely already adjusted to the time change. Not sleeping this past week really has paid off. But before I enter a coma that is sure to overtake me as soon as my head hits the pillow, I (of course) must write. Hardly anything (relative to the whole excursion) has happened yet, but I am already gushing with stories. Starting from the beginning, here's a simplified play-by-play of my adventure so far:
The night before departure, I finally gave into sleep at 3:30 AM. The plan: wake up at 4:30 to get all ready, packed, and fully prepared without rushing and stressing. The reality: wake up almost an hour later, run around in full blown panic mode, stuff whatever is within reach into my backpack, forget some essentials, and haul it to the airport. Thank you, family, for patiently dealing with my unreasonably distressed manner. Since I stressed so much, life yet again put me in check when I arrived at the airport...second out of ten people total. Maybe next time I'm late I'll remember that it does always work out okay. Maybe.
My adrenaline-infusing shakes were still ripe when I tried to check in. Tried, because after several attempts the screen still confidently announced the nonexistence of any flight itinerary under any of my names. Yet again, stress takes over and my reaction is "I'm not going to Korea today. Well, at least I'll have time to figure out the move, hang out with people, I can still return my backpack..." Hey, at least I was mostly positive! After a very tired and short-fused check in attendant (I apologize for not knowing their real title) finally figured out how to check me in--only after expressing annoyance for my large amount of name variations, like it's never been an annoyance to ME--I'm all set for the flight.
Now to skip ahead. The first flight to LAX was short and uneventful. I sat next to Linda, our group leader. She is the epitome of a sweetheart, with sarcasm and teasing that matches my own. Seeing as we wanted to get to know each other, sleep was still not a part of our agendas. A few girls ended up joining this program late, so their flights were different and we all met up before our Asiana Airlines departure. By the way, that airline is one of the top three best in the world. It's whatever. So anyway, one girl just cannot be reached or found. Having to board, and all praying she's somehow already on the plane, a girl quickly points at me and says "You're in the group!!!" Thank you, facebook for easing all of our identification processes. Alright. Everyone's accounted for, let's get this 12 hour party started. Seeing as most of us hadn't slept and were at the point of delirium, we all got comfortable with each other quickly. Linda and I attempted to watch a movie that we thought was moreso a documentary about cave explorations, but instead centered around lots of flooding, dying, and yelling. I opted for sleep instead of finishing the depressing film, and Linda tried to switch gears by putting on the Smurfs. Within the first 30 seconds of what should be a light and elementary show, their town is flooded when a dam breaks. What an upsetting commonality.
I am so thankful I'm able to sleep relatively easily on planes. I was in the middle, but still managed to pass out for a few hours. Just enough to reboot and regain excitement. Now this airline...talk about service. Warm hand towel? Slippers? Huge, soft blanket? FREE, BOTTLED wine? Authentic and delicious Korean cuisine? Yeah, okay! All served by beautiful, sweet, perfectly bunned up young Korean ladies. My group and I could not get enough. And we weren't even in Korea yet.
Skipping ahead again, all groups connected outside customs in the Incheon airport (voted world's best airport since 2005), we were swiftly herded to a couple buses to go to....nobody knew. Perfectly tying in with this trip's theme: Expect the Unexpected. AKA: Go with the flow because we hardly know anything. We were treated to even more incredibly delicious Korean food, then dropped off at our hotel for the few days of touring. Unpacked, settled, and cleaned up, my exhaustion should not be allowing anything beyond slumber. I guess I'm just a little excited. So far, I've gotten to know a good amount of ASU's 33 member group. I LOVE IT. It's been all laughter and relaxation amongst them, and I am without a doubt that we are going to have an absolute blast together. Beginning bright and early tomorrow morning!! We actually received a somewhat detailed itinerary of our touring days. It seems like we'll even have a "free day" to explore wherever we want. Between the daily tours and nightly outings, there is going to be more adventure than I may know how to handle. So. Excited.
I am thankful for all the positive thoughts and prayers for my safety, and I promise to write more the minute I can. HERE WE GO.