Voices from Inside: California - Day 1

From Sea to Shining Sea!

The above heading is taken from a line in 'America the Beautiful', the patriotic song written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893 symbolizing the great expanse and wonder that is the United States. Today, the group embarked on our journey to the West Coast with service in our hearts, mixed emotions in our heads, excitement in our eyes, and a little bit of New Jersey wind chill left in our bones.  After meeting up with everyone at 8AM in Newark Liberty Airport we were greeted by airline staff to get us all situated on the flight. We even ran into Columbia University's Swim Team! The day was off to a great start until we found out the NOLA trip missed their flight (we love you guys!) and our own flight was delayed almost 2 hours so the plane could be "de-iced." Although the thought of 60 degree weather helped to brighten our spirits....

"The Airport Scene"

5 1/2 hours later we touched down, with a sunset in the horizon, in the scenic city of San Francisco, CA! We could not have been more excited to A) finally make it and B) immerse ourselves in the culture. 

"A picture perfect landing"

We grabbed our bags and waited for the AirTran to take us to the "Powell St." stop to check into our hostel. 

"Playing the waiting game"

The 12 of us lugged over 480lbs. of luggage to Mason St. in the downtown district to arrive at our final destination. The hostel is decorated in eclectic, arty decor and filled with voyagers from Argentina to Germany. I even got to chat with a group of Aussie boys ;) 

It was a long day of travel, but well worth it in the end. A quick trip to Target and 40 minutes worth of boiling and baking culminated in our first meal together as an RUAB Family. Yum!!

"Our version of the not-so-Jersey Shore Sunday dinner"

The next 6 days seem hopeful as we keep in mind our mission and the goals we want to accomplish on this trip. Opening our eyes to new people, learning someone else's story, and serving others are just a taste of what we set out to do. 

In addition, "Give Where you Live" is a huge theme of the Rutgers University Student Volunteer Council back in New Brunswick and we hope to achieve just that during our stay here in "The Golden State." Even if just for 144 hours.......

Until Next Time,

RUAB California

"Voices from Inside"

Written by Melissa Hoffman