Peck 1

Thomas Peck

Mr. Cecil

English 2

19 September 2005

Descriptive Essay

Atlanta

            Out of all of the travels which I have been on in my life, the one most memorable, in a negative way, was a layover in Atlanta. I will probably never forget what it was like; the floor covered with people sleeping, over crowded hall ways, and of course the freezing temperatures.

            It all started when our plane landed in the Atlanta Airport straight from the Bahamas. Because there are no direct flights from the Bahamas to California, we had to stop at Atlanta to make another flight from Atlanta to California. Once our plane landed we were informed that there was a terrible storm that would delay us from arriving at our gate. Because of that, we remained in the middle of the runway for over two hours because we could not unload. Since we were on a very small and crammed airplane, this was extremely boring and uncomfortable for everyone. Finally we were given a gate, our plane unloaded, and we were let into the Airport. Unfortunately upon entering we were informed that most of the flights departing, including ours, were delayed due to the severe snow storm. Our flight in particular was delayed four hours. Because so many flights were delayed, the airport was extremely overcrowded with people. After that, my family and I had to find open seats to sit uncomfortably in the small airport chairs to wait for our flight. Because it was midnight, people were sleeping everywhere, even on the cold tile floor.  I remember when I walked to the bathroom I had to step over the many people who were sleeping in the doorway.

Finally at four in the morning our flight was scheduled to take off. I remember the many people gathered to get onto the plane. However just as we should have loaded they announced that the flight was cancelled. I felt so disappointed that we all had to stay up all night in the airport for nothing. So at four in the morning we were stuck in an overcrowded airport we had no place to go or sleep.

Eventually, after many conflicts, we were able to get a hotel room and some sleep. Apart from that we had to remain in Atlanta until the storm died down so we could return home. Today thinking back on these events just brings back bad memories of Atlanta.