Descriptive Essay: Mark Buren

Traveling is one of my family’s favorite things to do. The family has visited numerous places throughout the United States, however, none are as memorable as Atlanta, Georgia. In Atlanta, there are many places to go and sights to see such as: Cola-cola factory, Cabbage Patch Kids Factory, Under Ground Mall, the Zoo, Atlanta Braves Stadium, Six Flags Over Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, and the Atlanta Aquarium, are all in or near the city of Atlanta. The three that we visit on every trip to Atlanta are Six Flags, Stone Mountain, and the Atlanta Aquarium.

The locals made it look so natural and easy. Paddle, stand up, lean back, enjoy the ride, repeat. Surfing was such a simple process in my mind, and I nailed it every time in my imagination.

I was entranced by the thought of surfing, I dreamt all night about monstrous waves like in the movies, and gliding along side dolphins as they played in the ocean. That morning I woke up like it was Christmas, early, energized, curious, and excited. In preparation, I put on my swimsuit and practiced paddling and popping up on my skateboard as I rode around the campground at seven o’clock in the morning. It seemed like forever until my family woke up and was finally ready to go to the beach. Luckily, Mason and I only had to walk a total of 200 meters to get the board into the water; unfortunately, half of the trek was through soft sand, and took over five minutes.

The most magnificent place I’ve ever been is Puerto Rico. With its breath taking landscapes and the calm serenity of the ocean; Puerto Rico is one of the most relaxing and gorgeous places I’ve ever been. The mixes of several different Latin styles play a huge role in not only the music and dancing of Puerto Rico but, also the style of the wardrobe. The best part of Puerto Rico though is the amazing experience and adventures I’ve been on.

Hour nineteen was halfway conquered. I could barely take it anymore as I glanced around the car for the thousandth time, it was still the same thing. Several guys crashed out in the back row of seats, the same grey interior with a touchscreen navigator on the dashboard that was set on the directions that read: DESTINATION: ONTARIO, CANADA in the glowing white LED lighting. The distance between the passenger seat and my legs seemed to get closer with every hour that passed by. My legs paid the price; when we got out of the car to refuel on gas, I stumbled out of the solid red Nissan as if I haven’t been able to walk for years. After the quick break, it was back into the car. All 6 of the Anderson men were piled in for the long voyage for our annual fishing trip in Ontario, Canada. The car was polluted with the smell of old fast food, greasy old clothes, and body odor.

It was the middle of another busy late-autumn noon in the industrious, bustling Saffron City. Amid the tall skyscrapers, the sounds of thousands of people, Pokémon, and cars flooded the streets and sidewalks — the daily norm for the hectic city. Citizens were out enjoying the cool air and pleasant weather. Children played in the parks, tourists walked about to take in the sights. Planes and blimps carrying various advertisements hovered in the blue sky above. Buses and taxis made their usual rounds, limousines chauffeured important persons. Businesspeople chatted away on their cell phones. Even with all the hubbub, wily Pokémon Trainers could still get a battle in with one another, in alleyways, side streets, or even the busy sidewalks. The city was like a well-oiled machine moving in constant harmony.

I held her frail body, caressing her to my chest as she nuzzled her head into the crook of my arm. It only took one look into her glistening eyes and I instantly fell in love. She was shockingly beautiful, with glossy dark brown fur, beige streaks, and chocolate-swirl puppy eyes that would melt your heart. I decided to name her Bella, after my favorite Italian cuisine restaurant downtown. I carried her into the car, to bring her to her new home. Bella shivered as the brisk breeze brushed past her coat. My stepfather was waiting for us by the front door, and as I came to the steps carrying her, he gave a weak smile. Out of all 5 family members, he was the only one who wasn’t too fond of getting a dog.

Soft, gentle sunlight slowly poured through the cracks of light pink curtains, thus, making the room a light shade of pink. The pink on a baby blanket, or even a newly budded rose. After all, Adelaide never failed to pleasingly decorate her room, let alone her house, look aesthetically pleasing to all the acquaintances she has over for dinner. Beep-Beep-Beep! Beep-Beep-Beep! The alarm on her smartphone went off, almost giving her a heart attack. As she sat up, she lethargically sat up, putting her glasses on, for she needs them to view the world more clearly. After putting her glasses on, she grabbed her phone, looking at the time. 7 o'clock. It was just the right time for her to get ready. Getting up in the morning, Adelaide only applied a bit of makeup on, while pulling her hair into a neat, brunette ponytail. As she looked in the mirror, smiling a smile that could intimidate any girl, she glides over to the closet, picking out the perfect outfit, a long sleeved button-up with a plaid skirt, and some lovely, black flats to match. Moving a small stack of clothing, in a corner, lay a picture frame covered in dust and what looked like dirt to Adelaide. As if it were a delicate infant, she carefully removed the grime and muck from the old vintage frame. It was of her mother and father when they were younger, therefore, making her jejune at the time. As she gazed upon the picture frame, a look of pain in her eyes. Moreover, she has not seen her parents in over a

While walking through the enormous open-gated entry, I glanced down at the freshly printed orange stamp on my hand and smiled to myself. Happy to be back, even though it was sweltering hot, I could not wait for the gut-wrenching fun I was about to enjoy. There seemed to be an ocean of enormous rides set out in front of me. All were shiny and carried the bright colors of the rainbow. Some towered above the rest, reaching great heights within the sky. I could hear the cheerful laughter of children at the carousel, their parents gleefully taking pictures, and the terrified screams of those being swung into the air by monstrous roller coasters.

My hands start to shake as I step into the ice arena. I can’t tell if I’m nervous or just freezing. The ceiling is decorated with annoying pink and yellow streamers. Seems to be right up Susan’s alley. Susan was a friend I wasn’t used to having. She was one of the most popular girls in school and liked by other peers. Today, however, her persona was more timid and worrisome than usual. I turn my gaze towards her hands fidgeting on her shirt and look up to see her eyes with regret. Skating over to lighten her mood, her mouth forms the words “I’m so sorry”. What did she do? Especially to me? It was her birthday and I definitely did not want to spoil that. Susan grips my arm and pulls me over to the frosty hand rail. With big puffs of breath, she mutters “Please don’t get mad at me, but Aila was invited to the party”. I could feel my breathing getting short and my cheeks rosy and hot. No matter what Susan said or did, nothing could make up for inviting someone who has it out for me.

“Why does college have to be so hard, I literally put all my time and effort on my assignment for English but Mrs. Darling gave me a fifty percent! Can you believe a fifty percent” said Marlin.

The sound of car horns honking, trains whistling, and the sudden halt of our car in reaching traffic caused me to wake abruptly. “Welcome to the Bronx” read the overhead sign; a jolt of excitement ran through my body as we were approaching the Stadium. I then realized that I was going to witness the iconic Derek Jeter complete his final season. Childhood memories were reappearing as the loud mouthed New Yorkers Hollered and polluted fumes were settling. Bronx, New York is truly a place one needs to visit. After paying for an overpriced parking spot, we began our five block hike to Yankee Stadium. The hectic sidewalks were as gum filled as my high school desks along with promoters harassing pedestrians. It seemed as though no one got along outside of Yankee Stadium, aggressive expressions overtook the streets. Whether is was the ticket sharks, homeless looking for change, or cars looking to switch lanes, the chaos was all around.

    I stood at the outskirts of San Jose, California. The night sky was showing with glittering stars, shining the cosmos. The wind as cold as ice with the howling sound of wolves in the background. It was almost pretty peaceful and quiet except for the sounds of nature. My friends and I were camping by a campfire sharing scary stories. Our parents were gone to refill gas and get more food.

I’m around nine or ten years old. It’s a warm sunny day and the sky is clear of cloud’s that you can see the perfect light blue. I get a phone call from my mother on the landline. I had no idea the news she was about to tell. It was after school when the life changing call came. It was from there on that I started to slowly grow up.

The view was breathtaking. A dark blue of many hues dotted with twinkling lights. Swirls of purple and greens like the oceans at home. The yellows and oranges gracefully danced together in dust ballad. All beautiful, but none of these things could ever add up to the beauty of earth. That was all that kept me from the reality that I lived in a small cubby made up of a wall and large window that curved up over my head. I had put all of the blankets I could find on the ground and pillow down to sleep. I had a bag which I used to store food. The cargo ship actually doubled as a chauffeur for the government into space. It had an auditorium and the large cloth that covered the back wall cover the entrance to my crevice. There was a bathroom backstage, and because the auditorium was out of order I had free access to it anytime I wanted. I also found a little chute that led to the kitchen. I found the times when I should and shouldn’t crawl up. I learned when I shouldn't the hard way one afternoon. I got a plat of spaghetti to the face. It was delightful and still so hot it burned my skin! The one thing that haunted me is Nana. Without anyone to talk to there was nothing that could distract me from the uneasiness in my gut. I’m worried not only for her but for me too. Maybe I should have stayed back, my parents must be worried sick.