Still sitting in the Boston airport we realize we are not making it to Lima, Peru today. When we checked into the flight we were delayed 20 minutes. No big deal we have enough layover time in Newark, NJ to make up the difference. Mike's phone dings and it is an alert that the flight has been changed again, Now it is an issue. The flight from Boston to Newark is not scheduled to arrive until after the flight from Newark to Lima departs. The flight is delayed with no estimated time of departure.
We bee bopped over to the United counter and then stood 3 deep in passengers all with similiar needs. In talking to William we discovered that the flight had mechanical problems and other flights were delayed into Boston due to weather. He tried very hard to get us to Newark to connect but to no avail. We asked about flights to Bolivia, Equador, or Chile instead. He laughed and said same general area. He worked us onto a flight that was supposed to leave at 8:20am. Did I mention it was now 11:30am? See where this is going.
We mosey over to our new gate and check in with the United chick who is not happy with the delays and tired of miserable passengers being mean to her. I asked if the flight was going to leave at the new scheduled time, she sighed, rolled her eyes and looked at the screen. She brightened a little and said it was good news, the flight actually left its airport and would arrive at 12:15. That left plenty of time to debark, clean. load and takeoff for us to make the connector. We had her move our bags and we went for breakfast.
12:15 came and went with no plane. 12:30 tick tock, tick tock. 12:45 we start to board and I am hopeful. I am also naive. All the people who have been ready to board this flight that was suppose to leave at 8:20 have been hanging out at the bar waiting. They stumble, fall, crash, and beg forgiveness as they take their seats. We take off finally but know we have missed our connector.
Newark of all places, really, is this how the trip starts?
We land and went to the United counter in Newark, and Neela asked us why we missed the flight. I was tempted to stay I slept late, I was moving slow today, or I was having a bad hair day but no I said mechanical issues in Boston with one of my typical exasperated looks.
She said wanted to rebook us on a midnight flight from Newark to Panama (too bad Ted and Michelle are not there yet) with a 5 hour delay, then on to Lima. We would arrive at the same time as if we took a direct flight the next day. I sweetly asked (stop laughing) if we could be put up in a hotel and take the direct flight the next day. She responded with "I can manage that". So off to the Ramada Plaza with complimentary shuttle, free room and 42 dollars for 3 meals. Better than I expected. Would have prefered more food monies though. Oh they also held our luggage at the airport so we did not need to lug it. Always remember to bring emergency clothes and toiletires in your carry on!!
We arrived in Lima safe and sound. Hopped into an over priced taxi (Lexus) and arrived at Hospedahe Dimar Inn in Miraflores 50 minutes later. Carlos the owner is fabulous and we would highly recommend his establishment. He speaks a little English, we speak a little Spanish, it works.
Off for a big adventure tomorrow.
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