Insane Travel Stories Continue

Well here it is.....the official end of my year sabbatical and yet the wacky world of travel and the grace needed to survive continues.

So, as I mentioned, I packed up my belongings to take back with me to Peru. I was very diligent in calling each airline along the way to make sure of the restrictions, weight, size etc. I packed cardboard boxes because they are lighter and easier to put my stuff into. Basically, I can fit more to bring with me. Economy of weight and size right? The Copa agent said since I purchases my ticket early there was no problem and so I proceeded.

Well I had no issues from Boise to Orlando or Orlando to DC. umm humm of course....it wouldn't go smoothly. I wish I had a picture of my dear boxes. They have been with me through so much. However, today we parted ways in a rather traumatic way.

Here's how I know I am not in charge in any slight way in the universe......

I had to take supershuttle to the airport this morning. The only time they could pick me up was 3am for a 6:45am flight. I didn't get to sleep until 12:30. Then they obtrusively rang at 2:15am with a message that they would be there in half an hour. So much for my nice 1.5 hour nap. So I got my stuff together and off I went. Well, thank God that I did get there early.

No one was there and so I went right to the front of the line where I was abruptly told that Central America is in an embargo time. There are NO BOXES accepted. Nothing. Nada. So here I am with my 2 50lbs, perfectly packed boxes and 2 carry ons and no idea what to do.

The manager Miguel Hernandez was an angel. He kept his calm and tried to figure out various things for me. Anyway, I waited and waited for a miracle to happen. How was I going to get all this into 2 bags? How? I didn't see a way, but I prayed and waited for almost an hour. Then he said to go buy duffle bags at America Air. $40 each of course. When I looked at them I thought, "there is absolutely NO way the stuff from each box is going to fit in there. It looked about half the size, but I open the boxes right there and took out all the stuff (think large size moving box 24x24x12). And I repacked it. The first one miraculously worked. I was shocked. It was the multiplication of the baggage space miracle. But that was the one with mainly clothes. So, it was easier to stuff. (yes Clare, I did the roll method) Anyway, then I moved on to the 2nd which had a weird assortment of things including my large down comforter and just barely barely........yes praise God. It fix. I looked at them and at the boxes and I don't know how it happened, but it worked. So, I didn't have to cry anymore. I was really panicking inside about what to do. I imagined having to decided what things to just toss aside at the airport. I thought......."Laura, you have been learning about letting go. These are only things. I guess you will have to let it all go." Crazy stuff people.

Anyway, so then I went on to security with a happy heart until the lady told me I couldn't bring one of the carryon bags. But then I convinced her since one is my laptop bag and the guy in front of me had the same thing. So, I passed through security and felt the greatest joy that I had made it this far.

So, things were moving along well. in the bathroom near the gate, I talked to the other agent who helped me originally and she is from Peru but married in the states. Anyway, when I was getting ready to board she took me out of line and let me board early. I thought she was just being nice. Well, get this......they upgraded me to first class. They were oversold and wanted to help me out. I must look like hell. Anyway, here I find myself in first class with a great breakfast and a comfy seat to sleep and overhead bin space for my luggage. How did this happen. Complete goodness and grace from above. I was so thankful. They gave me a comment card to write about my experience and you bet I gave them accolades. I slept a couple of hours and here I am.

So, anyway now I am in the Panama airport for another 7 hours before my flight to Lima. Richard's brother Juan will get me at the airport with my new expensive duffle bags and all. So that's the story folks......good times.