August 10, 2006

August 10, 2006

Our flight leaves at 10:16am so we arrange for pickup at 7:30am. Last night it was supposed to be plenty of time but this morning we are not sure. We awake to news of terrorist activity in London. Homeland Security has put new rules in place effective immediately not allowing liquids or gels on carry-on luggage. The radio relates chaos and long lines as a result at O’Hare airport. We had planned on carrying everything on board, but now we repack to rearrange shampoo, toothpaste, water, and makeup to checked baggage.

Once at O’Hare the security lines are very long but they move quickly. It appears most people, like us, got the warning before arrival.

Either because of this new terrorist concern or because of bad weather, all of our travel today is very delayed. We arrive in Lima, Peru after midnight. Expecting to be met with a sign for our hotel, we are instead met with a throng of humanity and signs everywhere. Undaunted we search and find Eduardo; he delivers us safely to the hotel.

Along the way we drive thru some gritty areas of Lima. Surprisingly for 1:00am, there is still a lot of street activity and police presence. We are definitely not in the US anymore.