Adventures in travel

Hey all. I had every intention of starting to write this before I left for Mexico, but preparing to leave the country kept me very busy. Anyway, I am finally here and today was my first full day in Cuernavaca where I will be staying for two weeks for orientation. I am staying along with two other new volunteers at the high school home before my work begins in Miacatlan as an encargada (caretaker) of the younger kids.

My first day was very low-key which was a nice change from the hectic day I had yesterday trying to get to Mexico. To start off with, I had been skiing all day Saturday and didn't arrive in Phoenix until well after midnight Sunday morning. I was exhausted but still had to finish packing and get in order any other last minute things. Sunday morning I left for the airport later than I had planned and once at the airport I discovered that my bag was overweight and US Airways was making no exceptions. I was standing in the check-in line with both bags open frantically trying to find a place for the extra eight pounds. Everything was still okay. The flight was oversold, but I would likely get a seat and despite having to carry-on a few extra pounds, the hardest part of the day was over...little did I know.

I arrived at my gate with plenty of time to spare. The flight was delayed, but that was no big deal. I waited patiently as my flight started boarding. Once I had seen a few groups board, I knew I should go and check with the gate agent about my seat assignment. She told me to wait and I stepped aside. Finally, as the last stragglers boarded the plane, I was informed that I will not be on the flight because they have no more room. I was at a complete loss because they were talking about not getting me out until the next day and I had no way of getting a hold of Ross (volunteer coordinator). Luckily, I was able to contact the executive director's daughter of Phoenix Friends of the Orphans and she helped me to contact NPH (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, where I am working). Meanwhile US Airways rebooked me and another woman to Cabo and on to Mexico City.

I arrived five hours later than I was supposed to on a domestic flight from Cabo while my luggage arrived on a different international flight.

Needless to say, my day was not the day I had envisioned when I had booked my 3-hour direct flight to Mexico City. I took most of the day in stride and good humor. I had to remind myself that that is the nature of life. It is unpredictable and I have a feeling my new job will demand even more flexibiltiy than one small re-routed flight.

I will write again soon. Peace.