Oh boy oh boy! Today we get to fly to a new country! And it’s new for all three of us, too! I am beyond excited to see this mystery country, as it’s been on my list for a while, but, this bed we have at the hotel in San Salvador is SUPER comfortable, I think it’s the best one we’ve had yet, so it’s hard to get out of bed. But, if you know me at all, I’m usually wicked excited to begin a new adventure….so all in all, it was pretty easy for me to get up, say goodbye to the luxiorious bed, and finish packing my bag.
Edgardo picked us up right at 4:30am, and he had a surprise for us. He found some different currencies, including some old Salvadoran colones and Cuban bills, among others. He gave these to Hayden because he knew how much Hayden enjoys collecting currencies. Awwww! And he gave me a small artisan purse, which his wife wanted to gift me, and inside, there was a small table cloth with a knit border and flowers, which his daughter had made for me! My heart immediately melted from this kind and thoughtful gesture. This is a prime example of the golden hearts of the people I’ve met and created friendships with here in El Salvador. And if you recall, Marcela wanted us to have something to remember her town by, and again, I’m reminded of the down-to-earth kindness so many of the people I met in El Salvador share. I’m so glad that Dana and Hayden not only got to experience one of my favorite countries, but were also welcomed with the same love as I was when I first arrived.
We get to the airport, take one last group photo with Edgardo, zip right through security, and find ourselves a Priority Pass Lounge! This would mark my first time utilizing it! I got to bring Dana and Hayden in as my guests, and we had breakfast and coffee in a quiet lounge while waiting for our plane to board. It was so neat! Everything was for free, obviously, but it was so awesome to just help yourself to the mini-fridge of drinks, and to ask for more coffee. Dana and I were trying to get some work done, but I was getting distracted by all the amenities, including showers in the bathroom! Sweet! I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the lounge in my future travels. 🙂
Our first flight goes well, I got a window seat! I expected to get a drink and snack service, but I guess Avianca doesn’t do that. Lol. I am reminded to be grateful for my airline :). We have a stop in San José, Costa Rica….Any guesses where we’re headed yet? We have just about an hour, but we decide to try to and squeeze in a quick lounge visit before our flight. We rush up there and snag some pastries and a bathroom break, and fly back outta there, as our plane should be boarding by now. Well, we rushed for nothing. Haha. Oh well. I run over to the little store and grab us some waters, and an overpriced snack from the Britt Coffee Shop: chocolate covered guayba jam balls. They’re sooo good! And they come in a ton of different varieties, are all overpriced, and oh so worth it, lol.
They start to make announcements for boarding, and we’re told we need to wear masks for the boarding process. Did we just hear that right? Did we overlook something and covid restrictions are in full effect there? Uh-oh. Dana saves the day though, by having some extra masks readily available, so I snag one, and we board the plane. Window seat again! Wooohoo!
On the plane, I commit to going through some photos, and nearly catch up to current times, lol. It’s tough work! Traveling with Dana and Hayden allows me to see the insider’s perspective on this kind of lifestyle. To document everything is hard work! Taking the pictures, going through them and deleing unnecessary ones, editing some, putting together an album with descriptions, writing blog posts or emails, posting to instagram and maybe TikTok lol. Truly, a mound of homework awaits us at the end of each day, but it is always made better by some beer and friends :). That’s been the routine this whole trip…Go out for the day, and come home to the apartment and take care of business, whether that’s documentation, or research for next steps, or booking accommodations or flights.
Soon we hear the announcement that we’re about to land! Ooooo! We’re getting so close! I can’t wait! Everything looks hazy, and it’s hard to make out the city, but it almost looks like Miami…lots of tall white condo or apartment buildings, I’m guessing. The pilot told us it was a warm 92 degrees….yikes! Haha So far you know we traveled south from El Salvador to San José, and we’re landing somewhere that maybe sort of looks like Miami Beach. Where are we? 🧐🤔😍
Taking Off With Amelia 