We made it…..finally!

Wow – what a crazy trip, but we finally made it!  Here’s a quick recap:  We left Chicago about an hour late so they could de-ice the plane (always a good feeling), and they were loading our connecting flight in Miami when we were still in the air.  Lucky for us, we’re a group of 28 people and it’s hard to leave with that many missing.  They were able to call ahead and hold the plane for us, so we were in good shape that way.  We all got on the plane….and then sat there……for a REALLY long time.  Apparently there were weight problems they were trying to fix.   We finally got off the ground, had a fairly uneventful flight, and landed at 11:50 pm in Lima.  We were supposed to arrive at 10:45. 

On to immigration we went and then headed to customs.  All of our luggage made it, and all of our storage totes with all of our supplies made it.  Each person had to go through the security checkpoint with one storage tote and their luggage.  Some are searched, some are not.  About half the group made it through when suddenly we were directed to get out of line and go to “The Office”.  Yikes….immediately this evoked feelings of the great TV show Locked Up Abroad.  My Spanish skills were put to the test – given the stressul situation and my pure exhaustion, I think I passed with flying colors.  Apparently they were irritated with us that we had medical supplies, but since the totes with the actual medications had already been put through security, all we had were a bunch of miscellaneous supplies.  He was most concerned about our 1,000 toothbrushes, and told us we’d have to leave everything there until Monday.  We kept talking – and somewhere in all the talking, smiles, and head nods, he finally looked at me and said in Spanish I’m “I’m just going to believe you”.  I couldn’t believe it!  I cheered.   

We finally left the airport at 2:00, and arrived at the hotel about 2:45 am.  It was the best bed I ever slept in.  The weather is fantastic by Wisco standards, and we have a good day planned ahead.  I might even catch a nap.

Sorry for the long e-mail, but it was quite a crazy story.  I’m sure words don’t make it nearly that exciting, but just imagine how I’ll be when I tell you this story AGAIN.   Take care everyone!!

Saludos,

Meredith