Day Thirty-Six: En Route to Colombia

While waiting on line, I wonder out loud why it is so busy today.  Who is flying?  Adam in front of me points out that is Friday of Columbus Day Weekend.  I didn’t even know what day it was.  That it is a holiday weekend doesn’t mean much to me, except that I have to travel with the masses.  Adam is flying to China today.  He works for his family business, manufacturing toys.  He is going over there to check on the operations.  He has been making this trip since he was 18 years old.  He didn’t have much say about it.  About 45 minutes later I am through security.
Security line at NewarkI get to my gate as the woman at the desk announces "boarding rows 20 and higher." I look at my ticket for my seat. 23D.  Here we go.  I get to my seat and can finally relax.

The flight is about six hours.  I didn't plan to entertain myself for those six hours.  I notice a man watching a movie on his iPad  across the aisle in front of me.  I should have downloaded something; magazines, games, books, movies, Spanish lessons.  That is why I got this device.  I forgot to put it on my to do list.  If it's not on the to do list, it is unlikely to be done.  I learn for next time.

Gilberto, the driver Lolo arranged for me, is waiting for me at the airport.  He doesn't speak a word of English.  My Italian doesn't help me here.  After a song and dance we establish where I am going and how much it will cost.  I need to learn Spanish, ASAP.

GilbertoI am the first to arrive at the hotel.  We are staying at the JW Marriott in Bogota.  It is a brand new hotel and very comfortable.  I take a nice long shower, wrap myself in a robe and order room service.  Around 11:30, Meghan, Julia and Alanna arrive. It's good to see them. They look defeated, exhausted.  We go downstairs for a bite before calling it a night.