My Journey to Germany: A Freemover's Experience
Hello!
Today, I want to share my experience of the freemover departure process.
It might be a bit of a rant, but let's get started!
D-Day: March 25, 2025
I was packing until the early hours of the day, weighing my luggage repeatedly.
Finally, the day of departure has arrived!
After all the struggles, I am really going to Germany.
Since my hometown is in Gyeongsan, I traveled from Dongdaegu to Seoul Station and then to Incheon Airport.
My luggage included a 28-inch suitcase, a 24-inch suitcase, a 20-inch suitcase, and a large crossbody bag.
It felt like I was carrying 100kg!
Lufthansa offers a student discount that includes 23kg for checked baggage and 8kg for carry-on.
My dad took a day off work to accompany me to Incheon, and my mom also drove me to the train station.
Thank you, Dad and Mom!
After taking the train and switching at Seoul Station, I took the express train to the airport.
Originally, Lufthansa allowed checked baggage at Seoul Station, but that service was suspended shortly before my departure.
So I had to drag my 100kg luggage again.
I arrived at the airport just after 10 AM, with my flight scheduled for 12:55.
Due to a self-check-in issue with the app, I was a bit rushed.
To my surprise, the flight was delayed by an hour!
While waiting in line for check-in, I was relieved to see a friend from another school who was also departing that day.
We checked in and met each other's dads before heading to the gate.
Despite having eaten a lot on the train, I couldn't resist the opportunity for authentic Korean food before the flight.
I had aimed for a comfortable seat but ended up in the back of the plane.
When checking in, I jokingly asked if the seat next to me was taken, but it was full.
Then I was offered a flight to Munich instead.
I declined, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change.
After having a meal and saying goodbye to my dad, there were no tearful farewells for my family.
I picked up some items at duty-free and grabbed a coffee before realizing it was time to board.
I hoped the flight would take good care of me.
My friend was seated in the front, while I was in the back.
After 14 hours, I would see them again.
Upon arrival, I bought an eSIM for five days, feeling anxious about roaming charges.
I always double-check with friends about this, but today I was on my own.
I believed in myself, but it was tough.
The flight was predominantly filled with Europeans, and I sat on the left side in a 3-4-3 configuration.
I wondered if the travelers enjoyed their time in Korea.
Fortunately, the flight took off without further delays.
I ordered cola instead of alcohol and enjoyed my meal, which was a pleasant surprise.
The bread was not great, though.
As I played games and watched movies during the flight, snack time arrived.
A kind German woman next to me offered me chocolate, which touched me deeply.
I felt overwhelmed with gratitude and wanted to share something in return.
I kept eating and sleeping until I opened a bottle of Evian water, amazed by the attached cap design.
I saw bibimbap being served, and it seemed like the Germans around me were enjoying it too.
I wondered if the locals knew how beautiful their town looked from above.
After 14 hours of sitting and eating, I needed to stretch and enjoy the night view.
Then, I encountered some incidents with the people sitting next to me, leading to an awkward situation.
Despite feeling embarrassed, I managed to keep my composure.
When the train arrived at the Frankfurt main station, I was already feeling the weight of my luggage.
I was determined to make it to my destination despite all the challenges.
Finally, I arrived in Germany around 7:40 PM, ready to face the next adventure.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gfallinn/224139356071
No comments yet.
