Nick Thomas

Airport

Thousands of different people walk by every day, each with their own story, their own

destination, and their own lives. Some visiting relatives for the week, others going out of town

as their job requires them to, but my sister and I have a destination of our own. Headed to the

World Juggling Federation Championships, my sister and I have just landed at the airport in Las

Vegas. Excitedly, we exit the plane, and breathe in the 'fresh' Vegas air. As we exit, the plane, a

new world awaits us. The sounds of slot machines fill our ears, while the smell of airport

Mcdonalds engulfs our nostrils. We made it. All by ourselves, we traveled all the way out to Las

Vegas. Hurriedly, we get over to the baggage claim to pick up all of my juggling equipment.

This trip was a long one, as confusing signs led us in the wrong direction. Fortunately, we

eventually found our way.

When we arrived, Jonah Botvinik-Greenhouse and his uncle also head over to that area to

pick us up. As my sister and I await our bags, Jonah and his uncle show up. Excited to see a

fellow juggler, who also happens to be one of my best friends, I throw my bags down to give him

a giant hug. After not seeing him since our last juggling competition about a year ago, this

reuniting moment is a memorable one. The baggage was delayed, but I didn't mind. Jonah and I

shared stories of our juggling progress, along with how excited we were for the competition.

Since he had arrived a day earlier than I had, he had already gotten to see some of his

competition for the overall championship. He described in great detail some of the amazing

tricks that they were working on, and how he didn't stand a chance. Optimistically, I told him to

not give up so fast.

Finally, about 20 minutes later, the bags arrived. After stopping for some Burger King, we

made our way out of the airport, with hopeful dreams of winning and seeing and getting to meet

all of the other best jugglers in the world.