The Chattanooga Girls Choir

Sunday, July 2, 2006
Day 8: Return to Chattanooga

By LuAnn Holden

Our airline tickets on Delta flight 886 indicated a 1:57 p.m. departure time, so we slept in just a bit. There was one more item on our "tourists must do" list--a cable car ride. I arranged for the bus to pick us up from the Four Points Sheraton in Emeryville at 9:00 a.m. to allow plenty of time for this San Francisco attraction. I had been told by others that there could possibly be an hour or two wait to ride the trolley car (especially on weekends) and I certainly wanted to arrive at the San Francisco airport the recommended two hours before the flight departure.

We made arrangements for the bus driver to drop us off, and then pick us up at the end of the line. As it turned out, we walked right onto the California Street trolley without a wait! The girls serenaded the trolley car driver with Chattanooga Choo-Choo as we climbed, and then descended the hills. We took a last look at China Town and the beautiful view to the bay.

We proceeded to the airport, arriving quite early! Rachel, one of our seniors, was reunited with her parents who had been visiting with relatives, and the rest of us made it through airport security without incident. We enjoyed lunch and some last minute shopping. (The girls always want to shop!!!)

Our flight landed in Atlanta at 10:00 p.m., a few minutes later than scheduled. One piece of luggage did not make its way to Atlanta (a much better percentage than last year's tour!) Family and friends were waiting to greet us at the FBC at 1:00 a.m., July 3!

We had acclimated to the Pacific Time zone quite easily and this 1:00 a.m. hour felt like only 10:00 p.m. to our bodies. Throughout the week, I discovered that the girls, though very tired from the busy days, would rejuvenate just before bedtime!

During the time that we waited for our flight from the San Francisco airport, I had an opportunity to talk to individuals or small groups of CGC singers. We all agreed that the musical experiences of the week had greatly expanded our world view and musical perspective. We are inspired to bring the artistry of our organization to a higher level through commitment to musical learning.

Thanks, San Francisco! It's been great!

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