Day 1 - The Arrival

So.  Day 1 was quite the experience to put it lightly.  But let’s back up to pre-day one so you can really understand.  My journey began on December 15^th.  December 15^th my family headed up to the Twin Cities.  We arrived at the hotel around 8pm or so.  My brother and his friend decided we should go see The Hobbit at the Mall of America considering we were so close.  So we chose the 10:30am show time since it was in 3D and had moving seats.  Of course, I had to be at the airport around 5:30am. 

After my two hours of sleep, I arrived at the airport, dad in tow.  We parked, and he came in with me to see if they would allow him to hangout until my flight arrived.  Of course, the answer was no. 

At the luggage drop of, the lady informed me my bag was overweight (yes dad, you were right).  Stumbling over my two (quite unnecessary bags), I pulled them to the side and threw some jeans from one to the other.  The bag came in at 49 lbs – score.  Note to self: bring less “stuff” next time…

So on I went.  Through security, which is always fun, and then ate breakfast.  During breakfast I managed to have butter-like hands and spill my Diet Coke all over me, the table, my money, you name it, I think it hit it.  Of course.

Once I was un-stickified I found my gate. 

Miami

Once aboard the plane, my little suitcase, now stuffed full of jeans that were overweight in the first suitcase, did not fit in the “overhead bin.”  So this lady yelled at me that I’d need to remove some “stuff.”  Yes, thank you, I will.  So, a few pairs of jeans hung out with me in my seat.  Again, next time, less stuff…

The trip to Miami was uneventful – I slept the entire way…and probably snored, but who’s to say.  Some attractive guys were a row behind me and I couldn’t help but steal some glances, however, when I realized I had crazy hair and dried drool on my face I quickly turned around….

I’ve been to many airports… Miami gets a 2 out of 10. 

I was lost when I got off the plane.  I asked some guy who spoke French wearing a tux where I could find “Copa Airlines” and he just gave me this zombie look.  Thanks French man.

Finally found Copa Airlines.

First spot of bright news for the day: “Mam, you’ve been moved to first class.”

Well how do ya like that?  I like that a lot.

She asked me how many bags I wanted checked.  I asked her how much they cost per bag.  She said I got two bags free since I was first class.

BOO YAH … #winning

Both bags please, mam.

Waiting in security lines?  Nope, not if your first class!

I was in early.  It was now 12:00pm.  I had until 5:00pm.

Fettuccini Alfredo?  Yes.

The waiter spoke so close to my face I think I could smell his gum and tobacco.  Must just be how they do things in Mi-am-i. 

I had a final exam to take this day.  It was a 1.5 hour exam. 

When do I take it? 3:45pm.

Did I study? Nope.

What did I get? 91%. 

Must be an added benefit of first class: increases your smartness. Who knows?

As I was sitting in the waiting area for Panama City, someone asked to touch my hair.  I figured it was just because my hair is so soft like a puppy and so awesome like a lion.  …So, I said yes, touch away.  Wasn’t even awkward.

Board the plane first? Yep, you sure do in first class.

Found my seat.  It was so plush.  Comfy.  Blanket.  Pillow.  Sweet swivel TV thing. 

I get handed a menu.  I ask if its free.  I think someone laughed. 

How do I know mister, I’ve never rode first class!

Ordered: chardonnay, mustered-crusted pork, salad, fresh bread, some veggies, vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce… delicious

The rest of the plane ride was quite wonderful. 

Panama

I arrived in Panama City.  89 degrees, roughly.  HOT.

I got off the plane.  It is interesting to be the only white person around you.  I’ve never had this feeling before so its just new.  Not bad, just a new feelling.

I searched for my next plane.  Found it quite easily actually.  Boarded as soon as I arrived at the gate, first class round two.

This time, I had my own chair next to no one else.  And I was served a full meal, again.

Ordered: Noodles with sauce and turkey bacon, salad, fresh bread, cheesecake, and Diet Coke.  Again – delicious.

I felt like I was eating my “last meal” so to speak.

I arrived in Guatemala City at 10:32pm.

Guatemala City

After getting off the airplane, I easily found my luggage.  Getting through customs was a breeze – I feel like they didn’t even look at my passport.  Stamp – boom – done.

Now – the scariest part of my life to date, possibly.

I exited the airport to find darkness, and a massive crowd held back by security.  There were people screaming, holding signs, staring… I probably had the best “deer in the headlights” look…

I froze.  I had no idea what to do.  I was looking for a sign that read “Dos Lunas” but it seemed like it was nowhere in sight.  No one spoke English, and my Spanish wasn’t really all that great. 

Someone asked if I needed to use a telephone – yep.  I pulled out a piece of paper and he called the guy – Victor.

Victor answered, and said he was there – then I spotted him.

He looked nice enough, but just remember I am a young, blonde, American…

We go through the parking lot in a haze… Some lady asks me “where did you come from?” I respond with – Minneapolis? Miami? Panama?

We finally reach the car.  In America, a hotel car/van would have labels of the hotel.  This was a personal vehicle, very small, really beat up… was I scared to death? Yep.

Did I have a choice? Nope.

So I am about to get into this unmarked, sketchy looking vehicle.  I asked the security man “are you sure?” in the best Spanish I could manage in my nervous voice.

He showed me his security badge and said “yes this is Dos Lunas!”

So shaking, I enter the vehicle. 

We drive around winding streets into the dark.  Victor seems nice.  We chat.

We arrive at this dark alley.  My back is probably covered in sweat at this point. 

I see a tiny sign – “Dos Lunas” it reads… tiny sigh of relief

I’m shown to my room.  I have my own bed, a good size room, and the bathroom looks clean enough.  I’m supposed to get one phone call home to my parents but when I ask the guy he says “no.”  Odd..

I sleep okay.. for the 3 or 4 hours I get. I hear the guy who owns the place (from London) and another gal discuss how American’s are so nervous when they travel… (meaning me)… well…. Yeah?!

End Day One...