The Beginning of the Journey

From Incheon Airport to Sydney, a First Day Filled with Excitement

By Dream Max

Starting my Australia travel series has been on my list for a long time.
Just hearing the word “travel” makes the heart race, and the moment you begin a journey, everything feels new and vibrant.

On September 5, 2023, I headed to Incheon International Airport.
From the moment I held my ticket to Sydney, Australia, the trip had already begun.

This Sydney trip was originally a 20th-anniversary award from my company.
But due to the pandemic, all travel plans were postponed for nearly four years.
That long wait made this journey even more meaningful.

Departures at Incheon Airport: A Gateway to a New World

The “Departures” sign at Incheon Airport always feels like a magical doorway.
Traveling isn’t only about seeing new landscapes—it’s also a journey to rediscover yourself.
Walking toward the gate reminded me that every trip begins with an inner shift.

Flight to Sydney: Asiana Airlines OZ601

My flight for the night was Asiana Airlines OZ601, departing at 20:00.

Whenever I think of Sydney, three images come to mind:

• Kangaroos
• The Sydney Opera House
• The animated film Finding Nemo

I couldn’t help imagining these scenes coming to life as I walked toward the gate.
That moment of anticipation might have been the true beginning of this journey.

Exchanging Money: Australian Dollars That Look Like Art

Before boarding, I exchanged my cash for Australian Dollars (AUD).
To my surprise, the bills looked like small pieces of artwork—
plastic texture, vivid colors, and even a transparent window in the middle.

I didn’t exchange much, but I made sure to take a photo as a souvenir.

That Special Feeling When Boarding the Plane

Then came the boarding call.

Stepping onto an aircraft always gives me a strange mix of emotions—
as if I’ve become a celebrity for a moment
or an explorer about to enter a completely different world.

After taking my seat, the plane took off smoothly,
and the real adventure began.

The Joy of In-Flight Meals (and a Beer in the Sky)

One of the simple pleasures of long-haul flights is the in-flight meal.
The meal tray neatly arranged on a tiny table always brings two thoughts:

• “It feels like a free meal.”
• “And it’s delicious.”

Of course, it’s not really free—but it certainly feels that way.

And of course, I had a beer.
There is something special about drinking a cold beer while flying above the clouds.
You might even call it:

the drink of the sky.

Window Views: Clouds, Blue Sky, and the Vast Australian Land

A highlight of long-distance flights is always the view outside the window.
Once the plane broke through the clouds, a wide blue sky opened endlessly above us.

As the aircraft descended toward Australia,
the vast expanse of land came into view—
mountain ranges stretching endlessly,
red earth glowing in the sunlight.

It was at that moment I thought:

“Australia really is enormous.”

Arriving in Sydney: A New World After Four Years

After an 11-hour flight, I finally landed at Sydney Airport.
Compared to Incheon Airport, Sydney’s terminals felt simpler and more modest,
but when I saw the large “SYD” sign outside, my heart instantly felt full.

“I’m really here.
I finally made it to Australia.”

Four years of waiting had turned into a real moment at last.

The Beginning of This Journey — And What Comes Next

This first episode of my Australia Travel Series covers the journey from Incheon to Sydney.
The anticipation before departure and the emotions at arrival are often the most beautiful parts of any trip.

From the next post onward, the real Sydney adventure begins—
the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Blue Mountains, kangaroos, koalas, and more.

I hope you’ll continue this journey with me.

For Your Dream Life
by Dream Max