Seattle to Miami, Lift off!!!

 

Figure 1. The Cascade
The day has finally arrived! Our journey begins with a mid-morning meeting at the SeaTac American Airlines baggage check counter. After getting all of our baggage checked, we all tiredly but excitedly made our way through security and to the gate. Luckily no one was held up for too long, and there were no major airport mishaps! We had plenty of time at the gate to socialize, find food, and talk about what we're most looking forward to. 

Figure 2. Somewhere over the Midwest 

Our only mid-flight mishap was that our group of bio majors forgot that pressure changes in airplanes, and had a bit of a water bottle explosion impacting an entire row. Luckily, no one was too soaked.

After a long flight we arrived at Miami International Airport around 10pm, where the real fun began. We scrounged a meal from the few restaurants left open in the confusingly-arranged terminal (most of us stopped at Wendy's) before leading down to baggage claim.

Figure 3. Students enjoy 5 star Wendy's
on Miami Airport floor

Unbeknownst to us, we all checked our luggage fully to Nassau, so there was a moment of panic for all of us when none of the baggage showed up on the carousel. It put those of us who forgot to put toiletries in our carry-ons in a tricky position, but everyone managed.

After sorting out the baggage situation, we headed to the next ordeal: waiting for the shuttle to take us to the hotel. While we were assured the shuttle ran every 15 minutes, we somehow managed to wait upwards of 45 minutes for the driver to finally show up- and wag his finger at us as he passed by without stopping. After some mumbling and grumbling, everyone heroically waited for another 30 minutes for the shuttle to come again and eventually pick us up. Nobody was more stressed then our fearless leader Mike the ecology god as seen in Figure 4. 

Figure 4. Mike patiently waiting for the 2nd shuttle


We finally made it to our hotel around 11:30 pm and got checked in with no problems. We had to be up and ready to leave the hotel in the morning by 5:15 am to catch our flight to Nassau, and from there San Salvador! It was a very long travel day, but overall a good start to our journey. We're looking forward to seeing the island! 


Sincerely - Chloe, Jacob, Blake 

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