The Journey To An Unknown Destination 39 Reaching Paris

She went down into the lobby and found almost everyone eating their breakfast while the staff was running around with their luggage to load it on the bus for departure. Linda ordered a light breakfast. It wasn't that bad, or maybe she was too hungry that she actually liked it. "Hurry up everyone! The bus will be leaving in ten minutes!" The manager of the hotel announced. Linda gobbled down the remaining food and rushed back to her room to grab her stuff.

She was glad to leave this dreadful place. Her travel afterwards was quite smooth, she reached the airport just in time, boarded the airplane and took off for Paris. The seat was so much more comfortable than the bed in that hotel. She fell into a deep sleep.

Linda woke up by some noises in the aircraft, looking around, she realized that the plane had landed, in Paris! Everyone was busy collecting their stuff and leaving the plane She was so elated that she could not believe it, she felt as if she were in a dream. Quickly she got up and squeezed through the crowd to leave the plane. After collecting her suitcase from the conveyor belt, she rushed outside. As soon as she exited the gate, a gust of cool wind greeted her. She closed her eyes and sniffed in the sweet air. She looked around and saw people rushing in and out of the airport. She felt better after all those struggles the previous day. It was all worth it. Or was it?

She was snapped out of her daze by a police officer, "Excusez-moi madame, pourriez-vous vous tenir ailleurs, vous bloquez la porte princ.i.p.ale." Linda looked at the police man in utter shock and confusion. "Uhm.. Sorry?" She replied meekly. The police officer understood that she could not speak French and translated what he said in English, "Excuse me, ma'am, would you please stand somewhere else, you are blocking the main gate." Oh... She looked at her right and then left, realizing she was in the middle of the exit gate with her enormous bag at the side. "Oh, I'm really sorry!" She blurted out apologetically and swiftly strode away.

Linda now needed to get to her college, but how? If the flight had not been delayed, she would have been escorted in a bus sent from the academy, whose conductor should have been waiting for her at the entrance. But due to the flight delay, she had no idea about the new plan. How on Earth was she going to get to her college? She quickly took out the pamphlet of the college and started opening it, until it was as big as a world map. What is in this thing? She thought in distress. While she was looking in that 'map' about some contact information, someone tapped her shoulder.

"Uh?" Linda turned around and saw a pretty girl in a pink peplum top, wearing a light blue denim jacket and black jeans. Her black hair tied up in a messy bun. "h.e.l.lo, there. My name is Madison. Are you also going to 'International Fashion Academy' (IFA)?" She introduced herself and asked Linda. "Uh... Yes, I am! How did you know?" Linda asked happily. Madison took out her pamphlet and showed it to Linda, smiling brightly she responded, "I'm going there too!"

Linda was so relieved she met someone who was going to the same place as she was and now she could get some help. "That's so amazing to have some company now! By the way, my name is Linda. Nice to meet you." She said, presenting her hand. Madison shook hands with her. "Well, Linda, I was just about to go inside the bus, but then I saw this huge pamphlet in your hands so I concluded you must be going to IFA too, but might be lost. Hahaha! I was right. Hurry, come on let's get to the bus." Madison talked sweetly and headed in the direction of a violet bus standing in the corner of the parking lot.

"So, Madison, where are you from?" Linda asked after an awkward silence. "I'm from the United Kingdom. And you?" She replied. "Cool! I am from U.S.A." Linda responded in awe as Madison smiled. They both sat together in the bus, which was filled with people who probably reached Paris today as well. Soon enough the bus left the airport and now they were travelling through the beautiful streets and highways. There was so much greenery, which Linda really loved.

They traveled for half an hour until they reached the center of Paris to the majestic building of IFA. Linda could not believe her eyes. It was just too glorious and magnificent. "Wow!" Everyone on the bus cried out in astonishment. The bus stopped at the main entrance and a group of teachers came outside and greeted the new students. "This is going to be so exciting!" Madison uttered in joy while grabbing Linda by her arm and rushing outside with her.

Everyone's luggage was being brought into the lobby. Entering those majestic doors, everyone felt as if they were in a different world. A huge chandelier was hanging from the ceiling, lighting up the lobby. Red carpets were spread out on the floor and staircases. Luxurious sofas were placed opposite to the reception. Everything was shining as if it were carved out of gold. The texture of the carpets and the sofas were like pure smooth silk. Even the reception counter was made out of gleaming marble. The walls had a fascinating pattern, swirling around like representing delicate blooming branches.

It was just like they entered a castle.