Colombia-Joyas y Cafe Day 12

Day 12 - Friday, April 4, 2014 - Depart Catagena for Atlanta, GA; Transfer to Denver, CO and Drive Home

The wake up call came at 3:45 - much too dark and too early, but we knew we could nap on the flights. Edgar went with us to the airport. There was already a long line when we arrived at 4:30.

At 4:45, just as Edgar had told us, twelve Avianca gate agents came out, opened their computers, and the line moved very quickly. We were through security and at our gate by 5:05.

Because we have an airline change as well as flying domestic Avianca to international Delta, the gate agent could not check our bags any further than to Bogotá. When we arrived we will have to claim our bags and recheck them after taking a bus to the international terminal. We will also process our tourist tax cards.

The flight from Cartagena was on time and the process of transferring from Avianca to our international Delta flight went smoothly. We were able to board early and had plenty of room in our Economy Comfort seats.

The Boeing 737 was very crowded; many people were going to Atlanta from Colombia. The overhead bins were filled with large carry-ons as well as huge bags from the Juan Valdez Coffee Company.

We thought we might luck out and have another empty seat but at the last minute a young woman who was flying standby joined us. She had two huge bags, one she managed to put up above and the other she tried unsuccessfully to squeeze under the seat in front of her.

The flight doors were secured by 9:38, our scheduled departure time, and the bins were closed but it was awhile before we backed away from the jet way. The pilot notified us that they were working on maintenance paperwork and we finally were able to leave the jetway at 10:10, 30 minutes late.

The pilot made good on his promise to make up the lost time and we arrived in Atlanta at 3:30. There was a broken down aircraft at our assigned gate so we waited until the controllers gave us a new gate.

We were one of the first to go through passport control. However, our two hour layover melted away as it took forever for the luggage to arrive.

We had very little time to go through customs, ride the Plane Train to the A Concourse, and buy a quick burger before we found our gate.

The big Boeing 757 was boarding when we ran up to Gate A15 and melted in with those waiting for the Denver flight. Once again, the flight was full with every seat taken. Several high school groups were returning from Spring Break trips. Oh, we remember those days!

The flight left at 5:55 and in no time at all, we were winging our way west to Colorado. Gennie worked on the journal so we can post it soon to let everyone know we arrived home safely.

Once again, we thank you for taking time to read about our travels. This was a very memorable adventure thanks to our Tour Director, Edgar and the six other new friends we met.

After getting our bags at DIA and taking the shuttle to the Pikes Peak Parking area, we were on our way south to Monument. We left Cartagena at 6:00 when it was 87 degrees and arrive home to a foot of snow. What a difference a day makes!

Accommodations: HOME! - - - Meal: NONE, too early!

To receive $100 per person off your first reservation with OAT, mention the following information when reserving your Overseas Adventure Travel Trip: Mr. Victor Garcia Customer #673062

Hi Nancy, Thanks for the comment and thoughts. Usually I reply personally but the emails from Best of B were just email accounts and not people's names. SORRY!

Thanks for letting me share another trip with the two of you...as always, enjoyed your enthusiasm about a new country and the people.What good will ambassadors you are for our country ! (Barge trip in France ...2005) ,

Welcome home! Enjoyed following along on your adventures...as usual, beautiful pictures and fascinating narrative. Thanks for sharing!

Day 13: Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Island Beauties

Previous Next

Day 13 - Saturday, April 22, 2022 - Depart for U.S.

The hotel prepared a box breakfast for us as we had to be in the lobby way before the breakfast room was open.

Last night we found out that our departure flight back to...

Continue Reading Day 13