I was able to have a somewhat leisurely morning as my flight wasn't until 12:00. I exchanged money with Julia, giving her my Colombian Pesos for some American Dollars. Tried to leave myself enough for the taxi to the airport and some food. Didn't see a taxi out front but then some guy with a car said he worked for the hostel and said he would take me there. Sometimes I think I might be too trusting. However, he was quite friendly and we talked about a few things all in Spanish. Perhaps he sensed my apprehension as he gave me his card associated with the hostel. All turned out fine.
Had some difficulty finding where I needed to check-in but security was a breeze. The Colombian Pesos didn't turn out to be enough and I didn't have enough to pay for the meal I ordered. I took some items off and still had plenty to eat, just nothing to drink.
Feels very strange to be in an airport again after so much travel on buses. Very different worlds. Here only the highest classes take planes because flights are outrageously expensive (hence why I used miles to book my flight) and therefore the airport was quite empty even on a Saturday. Even services are better on South American airlines than airlines in the States, getting meals on both short flights in addition to the option of free alcohol. So much different than sitting on a bus for hours at a time starving to death with no options for any food.
Layover in Panama City. So strange. Was I really just here a week ago? Why did I even go to Colombia? Feeling like I'm returning with my tail between my legs. With all my overland travel have I really been to international airports in every single country I've visited?
Trying to validate my experiences, my decisions thus far. Seeing the Kuna Islands was truly an amazing once in a lifetime experience. I met a few amazing people. Even though I didn't get to stay long in any of them, I saw 3 pretty cool cities in Colombia. Maybe someday, when my Spanish is better, I will return....
Second time arriving at the Guatemala City airport. Finally some familiarity. Feeling like an old hand at getting through customs and declarations. Not bombarded with people trying to give me a ride or take me to their hotel at departure. Found a taxi and negotiated a price to get me to my hostel I'd booked the night before. Feels good to be back in the world of only Spanish being spoken with the taxi driver, at my hostel reception, maybe I can finally get back to really learning the language....
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