After arriving in LAX, it took only an hour or so to get through customs. Customs consisted of waiting in a long line to get my passport checked and then finding my bags and bringing them to get checked. No one else's bags got checked but mine because I said I had an apple and it is not allowed to bring in Fruits and Veggies into other countries. All I had to do was send all my bad through a scanner and give them my apple and I was good to go!
I was expecting American customs to be more harsh from what others were saying, but it was not invasive and rather simple. I had to then drop my bags at the connecting baggage and proceed out.
Colin and I had to get our boarding passes for the next flight so we figured we would just get it now. Colin had a little trouble getting his boarding pass due to some confusion with the airline, his ticket was under another students name but we got it all figured out.
Then his dancer friend came to get him and I left to hang out in Santa Monica. I just took a free shuttle to the bus stop and then public bus for $1 to the pier and promenade. I walked to the beach, walked the pier, and looked at the stores at the promenade. It was kind of nice to have some time alone and I just walked where I wanted to go. I got free internet at the food court so I sat there for a bit checking my email and tried 7 different flavors of frozen yogurt in the promenade. By this time it was about time to head back to the bus stop. Again the fair was only $1 and then hopped on the free shuttle to the airport.
I found some of the students were sitting at the gate and we all hung out until boarding at 11PM. Once we all boarded, I guess the plane was having some safety issues and we had to have 3 mechanics come to try and fix it, however, the plane was telling them that it was unsafe to fly. I guess I should be grateful that we didn't take it and something unfortunate happened, but this meant we were delayed an hour and a half and we had to get off and board another plane. We got off around 12:45AM and took off finally just after 1 AM.
I slept on most of this plane which was nice, but I was really ready to be home. This pilot performed the best landing I have ever experienced. He graced the bottom of the ground, never touching it on the landing. I never felt the plane hit the ground and couldn't tell we were even on the ground, thats how softly he landed.
We got to the gate around 7:20AM which put everyone who had a connection a little delayed.
All the Indy connections were made because Dr. Avila got them to hold the flight for them to run through the airport, however, Colin missed his so I waited with him to reschedule his flight. Once he got it straightened out, I went down to baggage check to find my family. Right as I came down the elevator, Brando and Lauren ran to me. I saw my mom and dad with both of my suitcases already off the belt, making their way to me. I got a bit teary eyed seeing them running toward me. My mom was crying and I gave her and my dad huge hugs!! It felt so good to be back home!
We went right out to eat at LaPetite---mmm American food!!! It was very weird to be in a car though and be driven on the other side of the car. I think that will be the biggest adjustment for starters, going back to the right side of the road and the left side of the car. (When I drove the first time the next day, I pulled out on the left side of the street and also put the windshield wipers on and not the turn signal---oops!)
I had a lot to unpack and show when I got home. I went and surprised Kylie at her soccer game, but I think the jetl-ag was setting in because I kept falling asleep at the game and it was only 5PM.
The best feeling though was seeing everyone in my family and getting into my own bed!!! It feels great to be back and I can't wait to share all my adventures!!
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