Columbia, Mo - One Ticket Please

Well then there is much to say about first times and firsts in general. I personally love them, the thrill of the uncertainty, the opportunity to find a new part of myself. But when my first visit to University of Missouri - Columbia started with me missing my 9-hour flight, which included four connections, into Columbia, Mo, I was a little skeptical about this first.

At 6:30 am, it didn't hit me right away. I laid on my couch for a second. Then boom! I am off to the phone. Screaming in my head, I missed my flight. My brother picked up the phone, barely awake. Soon he became aware of the situation. Panic set in.

I got off the phone just as I told him, "we are going to the airport anyway!" I raced into the shower, popping out to the words "Your mother is on the phone." My response: who the hell called my mother. No one by the way, she called us. Perfect timing, she is good at that. I let her know about the situation, claiming everything was under control, above her screaming voice.

"Under control, really?"

Yes, I have it under control. Let the adventure begin.

7:30 am: The airline was on break. What the hell? What happened to "we're here when you need us?" Granted I never got that promise but their first impression sucked. My brother and I sit and wait. Wait some more. Wait! There they come.
No flights to Columbia, not today at least. How about a standby for Kansas City? Well sure, cause I've been to Kansas City, right? But how can I miss out on this adventure.

12:30 pm: I am standing in front of the teller, overcrowded flights to Kansas City. Next flight: 7 pm. Well sure. Extra $25, it's worth it. Off to do research, a Greyhound bus to Columbia, MO from Kansas City at 12:40 am is just perfect. Red Roof Inn check-in at 3 am, sure it works.

9:15 pm: Kansas City. So Greyhound it is. Wait, where is the shuttle. Excuse me, miss, the shuttle to downtown. $17, what? Let's see $55 for hotel, $30 for Greyhound equal $0 in my account. Wait, there is always a way.
Taxi: $35. How about a bus: not on Saturdays. Crap, shuttle it is. Overcharge on my card. It's cool.