Martes, Marzo 17, 2009
Tuesday, March 17th, 2009
Happy St. Patty’s Day to you all!
It’s all transition day or to put a song to it, “I’ve leaving on a jet plane!” Off to the aeropuerto, I am. Mi hermano stopped by this morning to see me off, or was it to make sure I really did leave. Lol After lugging 49.5 pounds of luggage to the ground floor, we decided to have one last coffee at Sandrita’s Café, around the corner from Macondo. Well the food looked so good, we added a delicious mixed berry scone and a banana whole wheat chocolate muffin to the incredible coffees. I must admit, Sandrita has wonderful muffins! (thanks for buying, Pedro) Now for the arduous hike to the bus. Ok, about a block and a half. The most recognizable green Compestello bus was waiting for me. It runs every half hour or whenever it wants to. After a short wait, I was on my way ‘home’. Now for 20 pesos, or about $1.30, you get the best bargain in Mexico, a ride to the aeropuerto. It was actually quite a pleasant 40 minute trip and it wasn’t crowded. I also met a friendly young couple from Australia who were on their round-about way around the world.
As I walked into the terminal, I kept thinking that this was way to easy…then I saw the enormous line for travelers heading to Minneapolis. Holy Crap! Except I was going to Chicago and on a different airline. I checked my watch, realizing that I don’t wear a watch, and began the process: the maze of cattle gates leading up to the ticket counter, the personal suitcase inspection, the production of documents and verification, the baggage check and receipt, and eventually the boarding pass. From start to finish: 90 seconds. You read that right: 90 seconds. Nobody in line. Now for the grueling wait to get through the final security inspection with the gates being the reward. 35 seconds. Sweet. If the first part of my day is a harbinger of the second part…..this is going to be a good day.
Now for a stroll through the numerous Duty Free, tequila, souvenir, and tobacco shops. Or perhaps a large aqua and a few chapters of my latest read…..hasta luego, mi amigos!
TRAVEL TIP: In Mexico, even though you have passed through security, don't buy any liquids i.e. bottled water. (unless you plan to drink it before boarding) They run you through a 2nd security check and confiscate all liquids. Exception is Duty Free products which are delivered to the boarding gate.
(long pause) The 4 hour flight was on time, and landed ahead of schedule in Chicago. I breezed through customs and immigration with an almost illegal ease and called my roommate, David. As I walked out the International glass doors, he pulled up in my vehicle. SWEET. The 3 hour ride home took 2.5 hours. It was the most painless day of travel, ever.