Ngaruawahia High School Yearbooks 2010-2012 Kapa Haka Tour of Western USA 1998 | Page 33

Ngaruawahia High School Kapa Haka USA Tour 1998 - Page 31

First sight of California, Thursday morning 2nd April.

Los Angeles suburbs near the airport

Californian freeway next to the Los Angeles airport.

As we awoke from our overnight rest, one or
two of the party who were sitting on the eastern
side of the plane made the mistake of pushing up
the window covers – and were nearly blinded by
early morning sun! The shades came down just as
fast!
Shortly after breakfast, we descended more
rapidly and caught our first sight of the United
States. As we approached for landing Jesse Royal
commented that the suburbs looked ugly and drab.
As we arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule
the plane had to ‘park’ out on the runway until a
terminal became available.
The collection of the luggage and the
administration of customs was about the most
exciting thing the group did for the next six hours
as they waited in the terminal for the Salt Lake
City connection.
A few of the boys made attempts to play
touch football in the waiting lounge until advised
that it was not permitted.