The Arrival

After arriving, on schedule, at the San Francisco International Airport I was directed to the ground transportation area where I was to connect with a bus that would drive me along the coast.

The glossy black tour bus had large tinted windows which allowed me to observe that more then half of it's occupancy had already been filled by the time I had collected all of my luggage from the baggage claim area. Slowly walking, with what felt like a disturbed equilibrium due to the bulk of luggage wrapped around me, I secured a spot at the very end of the large line. Gradually moving forward, I reached the front of the line where the bus driver requested my ticket, this is the point were the letter of permission was required, as well as permission to travel independently as a minor. After approving the authenticity of both my ticket and letter of permission the driver instructed me to leave larger luggage on the curbside, to be stored under the bus. I slowly climbed the steep set of stairs hoping that all windows seats had not already been occupied. Fortunately, I found a comfortable window seat in the rear of the bus that faced west, knowing that soon I would have an amazing view of the oceanfront.

The ride was beautiful and just as I had gathered I was able to view, for the first time, the oceanfront for a majority of the ride. This was also the first time seeing palm trees up close. I had see them before in movies but never had the privilege of experiencing one in person until then.

The bus driver announced my final connection stopping at a small intersection. I grabbed the luggage I had carried on board and headed for the open bus door. I stepped out onto the pavement truly experiencing, for the first time, the intensity of the California sun. I scanned the intersection halting at the site of a tall man with black sunglasses leaning against a white van. He adjusted his position from the support of the van standing up straight and heading towards the glossy black tour bus. He then announced his association with the school explaining that he would be transporting all students on board the bus to the school. I stepped forward and shook his hand expressing my pleasure to meet him. He then leaned down scooping up the remainder of my luggage, that laid on the curbside, in one quick motion signaling me to follow his lead, with the jerk of his head, back towards the white van.