This photo changed my life the day I got the phone call from NYC that it had swept an online vote and won me a whirlwind trip to South Korea, courtesy of Travel & Leisure Magazine, Korean Air, and Lotte Hotels. I didn't even know people really won those contests, I had always doubted the grand prizes. All of a sudden, I needed a passport, and I needed to buy some travel and etiquette guides all about Korea.

I'm going to take some time on the blog in the next several posts to relive my incredible trip to the country I knew so little about, but now carry in my heart. My first post will be a simple visit to the airport, and the longest flight I've ever taken.