Myself and 2 other women (both in their 70s, but you would never know it!) just returned from our week long journey to finish our million mile run. We had an incredible time getting in the last 3 airlines in South America.
Our first day took us from Grand Rapids to Miami, where we had enjoyed meeting Randy Peterson and Milesrus in the airport, exchanging stories and receiving t-shirts and luggage tags.
Our second day took us to Lima, Peru on Lacsa airlines afterwhich we endured a terrifying taxi ride to our pension near several downtown universities. The pension was quaint and very safe.
The next day we had a round trip ticket booked on Aces Airlines to Quito to fulfill our Aces and Saeta requirements. Our flight over was wonderful with great service and food. We hired a driver (who spoke very, very little English - we speak very, very little Spanish) to take us to the volcano, where the girl at the information desk promised us the weather was clear. However, after we drove the 1 1/2 hours there, we found out that the volcano was socked in and that we wouldn't be able to see a thing. After much hand gesturing, the driver communicated that he would take us to a local market, which was incredible. Wonderful handicrafts, exotic food, and the most interesting people. There were local women sharpening old knives that they held between their toes and sharpened with wicked looking blades. People selling live chickens, unidentifiable food products. It was unbelievable!
The driver then took us to a Hiacianda for lunch, which had wonderful food and beautiful grounds. He took our Spanish phrase book and in very halting English tried to say a few words. He was most charming. After lunch we went back to Quito where he took us on a tour of the old part of the city. We visited many beautiful churches and walked through some beautiful areas. Finally, after about 12 hours, he took us back to the airport. When we gave him a $15 tip, he almost fell over.
Our return trip on Aces was to have left at 10:00, however, they had mechanical problems and we finally boarded at 11:30, only to return to the gate an hour later and find out that they were cancelling our flight till morning. Because we had a 9:00 flight to Cusco the next morning, this posed a bit of a problem, but the Aces people were extreemly professional and very helpful and along with 3 others who were making the run (including Travelforless), were shuttled to the Hilton where we finally had dinner (at 2
o am) and hopped into bed in our clothes to get up 3 hours later. The flight the next morning went well, and someone from Aces greeted us upon landing to help us change our tickets to Cusco for the following morning. And so, along with Travelforless, we spent the afternoon at a market in Lima, and enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant that served some of the best beer I've ever tasted.
After arriving at the airport at 4:00 for our 5:45 flight, we were told that we would have to wait for the 8:45 flight because the early flight was overbooked. We were disappointed because we already had lost a day in Cusco and didn't want to lose any more time there. However, we checked back before the early flight went out and were able to get on it (in fact, they had been trying to find us in the airport to get us on that early flight).
We thoroughly enjoyed our day in Cusco on the official holiday, Inti Raymi. There was pagentry, costumes, and parties throughout the city. It was an incredible day! We went up to the (sp) Sexy Women Indian Ruins, where there was a huge party. Food, dancing, craft vendors, and many, many people. I can't wait to go back to that beautiful city.
Because we missed our original flight to Cusco we were not able to get to Machu Pichu. We all agreed that another trip using our miles will be in the near future.
Our remaining days and flights were uneventful, excepting that we did have the opportunity to watch Robin Williams in the Bicentenial Man 4 different times on 4 different flights!
The 2 women I traveled with on this trip and I agreed that it was an incredible adventure. Despite the fact that we had to get up very early most days (4:45, 3:00, 6:00-after getting to bed at 3:00, 2:45, 3:30 and 7:00-finally a longer night!) we would do it all again in a heartbeat. The people were great, the airlines superb, and the scenery magnificant.
The 5 of us who made the first run for 500,000 miles are already planning a 1 year reunion in Guatamala, and I can't wait to show my husband Ecuador and Peru, especially Cusco.
Thank you Latin Pass for opening my eyes to new places and adventures. I know that I'll use many of my miles and your airlines to return to your beautiful country.
[This message has been edited by vandykes4 (edited 06-29-2000).]
[This message has been edited by vandykes4 (edited 06-29-2000).]