South America Here I Come!

As a graduation celebration I decided to scrap the graduation ceremony in Bemidji and head down to Chile. I've been talking and thinking of this trip for years, and each time I see photos my heart leaps. This has always been an indicator of where I should go on my next trip; to Chile it is!

Well, after watching flights for months, I decided to fly through Lima and save almost $600. This also gives me the opportunity to see a bit of Peru as well. The plan is to spend about 5 days there on the way home, after 4 weeks in Chile. That brings me to this morning.

Part of saving so much on the tickets meant that I had to fly at 7:45, a bit of a challenge for a teacher on summer break, and even more so, out of Orlando. Fortunately, I was able to spend the last few days with Kelsey and JP because of it. Early this morning I awoke, after only a few hours of sleep, I finished shifting things around in my backpack for the 30th time, and headed to MCO. I must say, packing for 5 weeks of winter is challenging to do in one small backpack.

But, back to the morning. I headed to the extremely hidden Orlando International Airport (the signs are small and brown, and look like the 'Adopt a Road' signs). Needless to say I was running late and a bit stressed. I arrived to the airport and parked the car for Kels and JP to pick up later. Upon entering I thought, "PHEW, this line is nice and short." As this is my first flight with Spirit Airlines, I wasn't aware the it takes 26 minutes to check in 2 people. The agents called for those flying to Ft. Lauderdale, and I, and about 4 other parties indicated we were on that flight. I felt fortunate when she called me 2nd, but had a suspicion I wouldn't make it. In that moment I made the right decision to carry on my bag. I ran to security, only to find a line of about 300 people. When I mentioned to the TSA agent that I was about to miss my flight, she responded, "Everyone is about to miss their flight." I took a moment to remember that I was headed on a 5 week vacation, and she spends her life herding unhappy people who are all taking off their shoes. I didn't say anything, but made peace with the idea of missing my flight.

Fortunately, it was plenty early and I thought that sure enough I could easily hop on the next and still make my 5 pm flight to Lima. I was very unpleasantly surprised when I got online and realized that this was the only flight until 9pm. I then decided with everything in me to try and make my flight. Another, much more kind, agent rushed me through and I ran to the gate. It was that moment when you realize you are running for nothing because the door was closed, and the plane was sitting there. Oh, the joys of post-911 travel! Shortly afterwards, groups came running towards the gate with the same looks of disappointments and expectations on their faces. Who knows what was going on that so many of us missed our flight? But I was proud that I kept it together (at least in that moment in public). I can say that I did get a great lesson in Spanish cursing. :)

From there I collected myself and decided to rent a car and DRIVE to my connecting flight. After a cup of coffee, a good cry, and a chat with a friend, I made the 3 and 1/2 hr drive. While this wasn't quite in the plan or the budget, I have a feeling it is preparing me a bit for traveling sola through Chile.

Me making the most of it on the Florida Turnpike 

I must say, I'm really looking forward to landing in Lima and getting to the hostel. This day isn't over yet, but I'm envisioning the rest of it has got to go more smoothly.

Buenas noches y buen viaje!