I Memorized the Subway Maps, Too...Salt Lake City, I Prepared For You

My share of gas for the drive: $25
Tickets for myself and the homeless man on the UTA/Trax: $4.25
Spending time with my parents and Courtney: Priceless.

I had my first college travel experience, and I feel like it was kind of an adventure. So let me tell all.

Camile picked me up and we and her friend (from the same hometown) drove to Utah. There were two different semi-trucks who honked at us as we passed them on the highway, though, and we couldn't figure out why. It was probably because we were all looking so fine sitting there in Camille's vehicle. Or it could have something to do with the fact that as we approached Layton, Utah, the car began to shake at every stop light and we could smell smoke coming from our vehicle. But we dropped off the other girl in the car and made it to Camille's house safely where we switched vehicles and she drove me the rest of the way to Salt Lake.

There, I had planned to take a bus to Provo, so that I could see Courtney for at least some time while I was in the neighbourhood. Despite my parents best attempts to worry me, I had done my homework and I was prepared to do some work to get myself there and prepared, as well, for the possible lack of success that might come. So, after dropping off my backpack in my parent's hotel room, I got a map and directions from the clerk at the front desk and set out on my way. To make a medium-length story only slightly shorter, after searching for a few moments, I realized that the bus I though I was supposed to catch was the train that I had just gotten of and it was going to take me right back past where I had come from (I'm a little disappointed in your directions UTA/Trax). As I was getting more instructions from a young guy (whose brother is also at BYU), I missed the train that I was supposed to take, so I waited 10 minutes for the next one. During that time, I gave a homeless man $2 for a ticket, which was a first for me. He said he liked my Batman purse.

I took the train all the way out to Sandy, Utah where I was supposed to catch the connecting bus to Provo. Unfortunately, the previous 10 minute wait had put me past the departure time for this bus so, after talking to a few more people, I sat down to wait for the next bus that was coming in over an hour. After making friends with Levi and his brother Seth during the hour and a half ride to Provo, I was finally able to meet up with Courtney and all her BYU peeps. Basically, it was a fantastic night.
The only downside was losing my phone in a puddle of water.
Two hours of sleep later, we got a ride back into Provo where I met up with my parents. It was so great to see them both and be able to attend the sessions of general conference. I wasn't expecting to be able to see other people from our ward, and that was really exciting, too, to see Brother and Sister Weller and Brother Butler. Elders Pizzey, Jaffray, and Boyd were around, as well. and we talked to them for a moment.

The ride home was relatively uneventful. Camille had a different vehicle, though, to take us back in. I admit we did all get a little worried when the car started shaking slightly in the middle of the highway. All was fine, though, after Camile realized we were going 180 km/hour and took her foot off the pedal.

It was a very good trip, but, surprisingly enough, I am glad to be back in Rexburg. It's funny what a couple of days can do.