The Arrival Outer Journey

Stepping off the train, my olfactory senses are flooded with the mouth watering smells of the delicious foods of New Orleans. I get whiffs of spicy, bold flavors. The smell gets me excited. Everyone is hurrying off the train trying to get their luggage and get on their way. There is long strides in everyone's step. People are running into other people, in a hurry. There is an impatience in every stranger. Grabbing luggage was hectic while the train baggage attendant gathered all of the luggage. People briskly stepped to grab their belongings, people shoving in front of each other. Rain trickles down on the metal tent covering. Water flings up at my legs with every step. People crowd the wet pavement in front of the loud, busy train station waiting for their Uber's and taxi's. Police sirens are going off every so often. Water falling from the sky creates puddles on the pavement were standing on. Water splashes with every step. Splatters of the rain hitting the vehicles pulling up to the curb fill my ear. Standing at the edge of the sidewalk, with the weight of all my extra, unnecessary bags weighing we down. I am waiting in anticipation to hop in the next vehicle that pulls up because of the rush and hurry we are all in. I notice a man with a rushed and worried look in his face stopped in the left drive up lane for awhile. A metal hanger clanks his window in his blue, mini Jeep as he tries to unlock his vehicle. A blue, large minivan pulls up as me and my friends weighted down with luggage walk towards the unfamiliar vehicle. A Women dressed in a multicolor dress wearing a hijab steps out of the vehicle ready to help us fill the big space in her mini van. The large, cold water droplets splash on my head feels refreshing. Vehicles are passing each other, the blocks are very short, streets are congested. Red and Blue lights flash as a cop car passes by us. I arrive to this tall beige building that says Springhill Suites by Marriott.