And just like that it was over. The vacation I mean. Now I’m in the purgatory that is Incheon airport killing the long hours before my flight at 9:55 p.m.

But I’m killing those hours in style. For the first time ever I’ve booked myself a room at a transit hotel.

Had a Taco Bell lunch and I reckon I’ll kill some time with a nice nap before my 8:30 check-out time.

My last night in Seoul was reminiscent of many nights I’ve enjoyed over the years. As is my custom I started out at Shenanigans where I was joined by my nephew Justin and my friend Becky. We sat at the window and enjoyed the people watching on the street below while quaffing our brews. Later on Justin and I wandered over to Scrooge Pub so I could say a final goodbye to the owner there, a sexy Korean lass.

Had a little incident there though. Some guy (sounded Aussie) a couple of chairs down the bar from me told me not to smoke in the bar. I gave my standard response of “I’m not smoking, I’m vaping”. He said “I don’t care, it smells like shit, take it outside”. So, I’d been drinking but I managed to maintain my self control and simply responded “You don’t tell me what to do, if the owner wants me to go outside she can tell me”. He got the owner’s attention and she told him “e-cigarette is okay here”. So that was that. But I really hate assholes like that. If he had been polite about it bothering him I likely would have moved to the other side of the bar. But fuck him.

After Scrooge, we went to another bar (JJ’s) where I said some more goodbyes. And then I ended the night at the oldest bar in Itaewon, the Grand Ole Opry. The bar has been featured here at LTG several times over the years, including the story about my first visit in April 2005. It was funny re-reading that post just now, especially the comments from ex-wife #3 and one from my now deceased father.

In another example of the bar’s timelessness, last night’s waitress was the same woman who was working there when I first visited all those years ago. Back then there were lots of folks (including Koreans) who would be out on the dance floor doing some good ol’ country dancing. I was drunk and had the urge to get my two steppin’ on so I asked the waitress if she’d dance with me in exchange for a drink. She responded ok, but just one dance. And so we did and it was fun (at least for me). Afterwards I mentioned all the good times I had over the years and she surprised me with “yeah, but you were always bringing other girls to dance with”. Well, damn.

Anyway, stumbled back to the hotel shortly thereafter, slept late (for me), did a McDonald’s breakfast, read Kevin’s post about our lunch, then packed up and caught the Airport Limo out to Incheon. And here I sit reminiscing over the life I’m finally putting behind me.

It’s been quite a ride, wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

The life ahead of me includes my two loving dogs. And I’ll be home in time to make tomorrow’s Hash. I’m ready.

Our paths may never cross again
Maybe my heart will never mend
But I’m glad for all the good times
Cause you’ve brought me so much sunshine
And love was the best it’s ever been

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world
Wouldn’t have missed loving you girl
You’ve made my whole life worth while, with your smile
I wouldn’t trade one memory
Cause you mean too much to me
Even though I lost you girl
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world

They say that all good things must end
Loves comes and goes just like the wind
You’ve got your dreams to follow
But if I had the chance tomorrow
You know I’d do it all again

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world
Wouldn’t have missed loving you girl
You’ve made my whole life worth while, with your smile
I wouldn’t trade one memory
Cause you mean too much to me
Even though I lost you girl
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world

Oh I wouldn’t trade one memory
Cause you mean too much to me
Even though I lost you girl
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world

I wouldn’t have missed it for the world
Wouldn’t have missed loving you girl
You’ve made my whole life worth while, with your smile
I wouldn’t trade one memory
Cause you mean too much to me
Even though I lost you girl
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world