The Incheon International airport in Seoul is stunning. Modern, high-tech, light and airy, with beautiful artwork and places to relax during my layover. It’s almost too perfect and a little creepy. Each bathroom has a person assigned to clean it throughout the day. Her name and picture are posted on the bathroom wall. As soon as someone leaves a stall, she’s there cleaning. Then she is sanitizing the sinks, cleaning the counters or washing the floor. Very clean! As I was sitting in the airport and saw a worker pick up a little piece of paper from the floor. This place is spotless. I walk to another section of the airport to rest. I started noticing police officers. Usually, 6 to 8 at a time, walking in pairs. They were in full gear; black uniform, hat, boots, bullet-proof vest complete with pistol, handcuffs, and other needed paraphernalia. I sat there for 15 or so minutes and three sets of police officers passed me. When a pair of officers came around in full gear and carrying semi-automatic weapons, I decided it was time to move somewhere else in the airport. I’m sure their presence keeps crime to a minimum.
It’s getting time to board and I’m at the departure gate. All of a sudden seven flight attendants arrive. All in a line and stop abruptly. Oh my goodness, they are cute as a button. White skirts, pale blue blouses, and white scarves tied with two points, one facing down and one facing up just on the side of their neck. Each woman has her hair pulled back to perfection and of course, they are all size 00. In fact, on the plane, two of them can pass each other in the aisle. Then comes the senior attendant, she has a blazer on. She takes aside one of the young ladies and starts yelling at her, in a very controlled, low voice. I didn’t have to know the language to know what was going on. The young attendant quickly pulls her skirt down a little and tucks in her blouse a bit more. It was a brief confrontation but seemed harsh. Oh no, two just showed up late — I’d hate to be in their shoes.
