What an adventure the two of us were in for. Bags packed, Kelley's car loaded...off to RDU we go. Im not sure if Allison fully understood what she was in for...but we shall soon see. Had to get a cart to put not only our suitcases, but the medical suitcases (that EACH weighed 50 pounds). The full limit of what you are allowed to check under FREE.
Flight to Atlanta was uneventful...but then the 5-hour layover. Flew into Terminal B had to get to Terminal E, took a tram, ate lunch, waited for 2 hours THEN figured out by checking online that the gate had been changed to Terminal A. No overhead announcement. Ugghhhh! But we did entertain ourselves to say the least. I did find out that Atlanta McDonalds does not service Sweet Tea. WHAT? Aren't we in the South? NO sweet tea? Are you kidding me? Having to start the withdrawals early, I guess.
Finally, time to board the flight to Guayaquil. Bob had to have his picture taken with the pilot. I think he gave him some pointers on how to get us there quicker! HA!~
Flight to Guayaquil was uneventful except for the flight attendant announcing "if there is a doctor or nurse onboard could you please raise your hand". Not good! No big deal and no emergency landing. Off the plane and heading to customs! This year we were the only plane going through customs. Last year, 4 planes landed at once and all the passengers from ALL 4 planes were trying to clear customs at the same time. It was a nightmare. We got through in about 20 minutes.
Baggage claim here we come. Cart please! This year was also alot better for finding all our bags! Allison had all of them picked out and loaded before I knew it! Security check point...next stop!
FINALLY...through everything...one more stop and we are home free! Well sort of. Checkpoint Charlie with our bag tags and our receipts. Woot Woot !
We got through fairly quickly, then we had to wait on everyone else. So needless to say Allison got out the phone and caught up on her texting (of course).
Got the word, lets head to the buses....we took our cart and Will led the way across the parking lot and down the sidewalk. Needless to say, I should have taken the ramp prior to continuing down the sidewalk with more than 200 pounds of bags. Because when that happens and you try to get OFF the sidewalk--it doesn't work. BUT what was so funny was that every one behind me came down the same sidewalk and went off the sidewalk the same way I did. HILARIOUS! At least Will, Allison and I laughed about it.
Finally got loaded on the bus and told Allison about the car horns beeping...it didn't take long for her to finally "get it". Grand Hotel Guayaquil here we come!
Pulled up on the bus and Cherine was there to meet us! Yeah..she is such an awesome roommate! Room 201 here we come!
Hey the same SMALL elevator was still there...so I had to get Allison in there! So then I had to tell her the story! It is the smallest elevator I have ever seen! Chris would be proud! We were following all the rules!
Got into the room, unpacked and got out all the snacks! Bob was hungry. However, I think he will be content with his stash this week.
By this time, it was close to 0200 local time and we had been up since 0600 this morning Raleigh time. Time for bed! Free day tomorrow-lots planned.
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