So we took the blue line to the airport at 2 AM to catch a flight out of O’Hare at 5:30 AM. We got to the counter and were informed that we will not be let into the country if we have a one way flight. This was the first time hearing this info, it wasn’t on the website, or through Brooke’s program. After showing lots of documents and emails with official PILA letterhead, Brooke was allowed to proceed without buying a ticket. I purchased one and was informed to cancel it within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund. The purchase was made at 4 AM and we were scheduled to arrive at around 10 PM that evening in Lima, Peru.
We then were asked to removed 15 lbs worth of items from our luggage, and found ourselves frantically stuffing things in our backpacks to lighten our checked-bag. We unpacked about 2 lbs worth, and made it through security to our gate to find that we were in loading zone 1---the exit row. Yes that’s right, the exit row with the extra leg room! At this point, we realized it was going to be a great trip.
After we took off, the sun started to rise and we witnessed a gorgeous sunrise- and then we promptly passed out.
We landed in Fort Lauderdale to a voicemail and text from my mom saying her friend Cathy was on her way to pick us up from the airport to take hour layover and had contemplated whether or not it was worth it to leave the airport and go through security again, and figure out transport to a restaurant or café. But it turned out to not matter- decision was made for us!
After a nice chat with Cathy, having taken a few wrong turns to buy us more time together, she dropped us off right at the beach by a restaurant that she was raving about. We realized that the restaurant was closed, so we walked down the beach and found a café serving breakfast, with view of the beach, and wifi. We hung out in the
sunshine, getting some work done, and then got a pina colada para llevar.
We went to the beach and hung out on some lounge chairs with an umbrella- hacía mucho calor!
Back to the airport, got row 11 again- exit row FTW! Beginning to think Spirit Airlines aint so bad after all! We both slept on the plane again, arriving in Lima just on time.
Got our bags, went out side to a rush of taxi drivers shouting to get our business. After some very persistent, overwhelmingly unsuccessful haggling, we were off to the Pay Purix Hostel.
Got our room, had some beers with a doctor from Sweden named Johan who was studying in London. We played foosball and discussed medicine and travels. He just came from 20 days working in the Amazon Rainforest
near Iquitos. Then Brooke found $100 before bed...cash. :)
After 3 beers on an empty stomach at high altitude, we were nice and toasty and ready for bed. This morning the alarm went off entirely too early and our bodies yearned for more sleep. Off with the alarm and back to sleep until we wake up to knocking on the door. We sat up in bed and thought.. oh SH*T!
We got our stuff together muy rapidamente and ran downstairs to realize the taxi left without us. He returned a few minutes later, and we stuffed our bags in the taxi with 2 other travelers from Canada. We got to the airport at 7:23 AM...for our 8 AM flight, thinking we most likely missed it.
The woman at the desk calmly informed us that our flight had been delayed for our convenience.
How many synchronicities is that? Are you keeping track?
We strolled over through security- no opting out this time! We didn’t even have to take off our shoes. We sit down at the gate to realize that we are in row 1- seats A & B with extra leg room.. And Brooke checked her extra bag for free! Hey travel gods- keep it up, we’re enjoying this quite a bit!
We found ourselves taxiing on the runway, about to take off around 10 AM when we were originally supposed to leave at 8 AM. Guess it was ok that we slept in a bit.
We made it to Cusco just fine and enjoyed the amazing view of the mountains from the plane.
A few pictures posted below from yesterday and today with more to come soon!
¡Hasta pronto!
-Adam
Adam enjoying his resting time in Pay Purix hostel
Waiting to board the plane to Cusco
Mate de coca
Boy enjoying his ceviche, arroz, and verduras
Fruit stand in San Pedro Market
Mandolin while waiting for Cathy
