Calah
Once I check my baggage I make my way to the international terminal and find somewhere to sit. Before I even get comfortable they are calling my boarding group so I line up and get ready to get on the plane. Nervous jitters fill my belly because this is really it, it’s really time to strike out on my own and prove myself.
I’m nervous, and it’s weird because I’m not usually a nervous traveler, I feel like there is so much pressure on this trip, but the reality is, I’ve pretty much done this before. We have legal people for the contracts, I just sell the company and that is something I can do.
After takeoff, I purchase the Wi-Fi package and get to work on a basic presentation outline. I focus on the multi-tiered gift solutions that my mother wouldn’t stop talking about, I’m almost done when I notice a new email has come in.
Hello Miss Levine,
I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Midge Patterson. I work for Elite Assistants International; I will be available to assist you with administrative or personal tasks while you are in Spain. When you get settled please give me a call and I’ll meet you in the lobby to get my assignments and help you get settled.
I’ve arranged for a hotel driver Luis to pick you up from the airport. His contact information is attached but he should be waiting for you when you arrive. Have a safe flight, I look forward to meeting you.
Midge Patterson
Professional Assistant, Elite Assistants International
Well, she seems kind and very organized, I know that I’m going to miss Rhea because she basically reads my mind at this point but I’m sure I can make do with Midge. She seems like she’s thought of things I didn’t even think of. After I send her a ‘thank you’ email back I manage to close my eyes and sleep the rest of the flight. It’s late and I don’t know what exactly I’m going to run into when I arrive.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been out when a flight attendant gently wakes me and lets me know that it’s time to prepare for landing because we’re in Spain. When the plane touches down the sky is a little golden like the sun is still rising. Good thing I slept, it seems like I’m just in time to get to work.
When I’m able to get off the plane I head to baggage claim, get my suitcase then make my way to where it seems like people are getting picked up. I’m pretty thankful that I paid attention in Spanish class because I’m able to understand most of the basic signage in the airport.
It suddenly occurs to me that I hope that the De Leon family speaks English. My nerves must be getting to me though because of course they do, my parents aren’t fluent in Spanish either. I will myself to calm down, now is not the time to psych myself out. I scan the group of people gathered around the doors until I see a man in a blue suit holding a sign that says “Miss Levine”.
It seems strange to be getting into a car with a man I don’t know but he knows enough to know where and when to meet me plus he has my name. He looks trustworthy, he’s a little bit older and he has kind eyes. Ellamay would say yes and go with him so that’s what I’ll do.
“Hello sir, I’m Calah, Calah Levine.”
“Pleased to meet you, señorita, I am Luis, I’ll be your driver while you’re here,” he smiles and looks very endearing, "Bienvenida a España."
“Gracias.”
“Oh, you speak Spanish?”
“No, no, only a little bit,” I laugh nervously.
“You’ll be just fine. Let me take your bags,” he smiles, and the edges of his dark eyes crinkles and make me feel at ease.
He helps carry my bags outside then loads everything into the trunk of his waiting car then he opens the back door for me. On our way to the resort everything I see outside my window looks more beautiful and ornate than places at home.
“Luis, what is that magnificent building?”
“I believe that is a church and down the way is an old theater.”
All the buildings seem to have history and I can’t help but want to take pictures of everything. The walls are adorned with beautiful tiles and there are a ton of flower pots hanging on the walls. The streets are lined with people, who knows where they are going but they are all smiling. I look at the clock on the dashboard, it is still pretty early in the morning. I don’t know how long this ride will take so I just sit back and watch the world pass by my window, the ocean is so beautiful and easy to get lost in.
Luis pulls up in front of a gorgeous-looking resort then I see the sign, ‘Vista Encantadora, A De Leon Resort’. I guess it makes sense that I’m staying on the property, it certainly makes commuting in a foreign country easier. When we stop at the curb Luis rounds the car to let me out then passes my baggage off to a bellhop who gestures for me to follow him inside. He introduces me to someone at the front desk and after I check in I make my way to my room. It’s gorgeous and I can see the beach from my balcony; I'm going to be very comfortable here.
After the bellhop brings up my bags I try to get settled then decide to call Midge and see if she is ready to meet. Quickly, I realize that my current cell phone is pretty useless right now. So instead I connect to the hotel Wi-Fi and email Midge.
Hello Midge,
I’ve arrived at the hotel and everything has been very smooth. I’m ready to meet whenever you are available, it seems my phone doesn’t have service so we’ll have to rely on email for now.
Thank you for your assistance.
Calah Levine | Levine Souvenirs
I walk out to my private balcony and take in the salty smell of the air; I can’t believe I'm really here. Even though I'm technically here for work it feels like a new land full of possibilities.
