Trip Home

The 21st and 22nd are devoted to getting home. We arranged for a late check-out from the hotel yesterday (2:00) and then drove to Mauricio's parents' house where Isabel treated us to another nice lunch, topped off with Pan Pasqua (Christmas bread) - - not unlike fruitcake, but a little lighter and very tasty. We all napped a bit and then Isabel showed off her knitting skills to the ladies. Simply amazing. She took Martha under her wing and showed her how she made the lacy pattern that we all liked the best. Tia Peddie was even the lucky recipient of one of Isabel's sweaters. Jay and I continued to sleep.

Mauricio stopped over after work just in time to say good-by. He told us to allow one hour for returning the car and THREE hours for an international flight, so we left for the airport at 5:30 to beat the rush hour. It didn't work but we got there in reasonable time. We arrived right after a couple of bus loads of cruise ship passengers arrived for a flight home. There was a long line going through check-in and security. Again, it was slow but all went well.

The plane took off from Santiago at 10:20 pm and the flight was OK. We arrived on time at 4:45 am ...American was not as good as LAN was on the way south. It was the same plane, a 767, but what a difference in amenities and service!

Two funny Spanish incidents at Mauricio's parents' home. First, Isabel asked if "Se cargo las pillas"? She was asking if Mom had her batteries recharged by her return to Concepcion. Then Mauricio left work early to say good-by. While chatting with Jay and me he received a call from a friend. I heard him refer to "mi viejo de gringolandia". We had learned that the Chilenos routinely speak of the Viejo (the old man) or the Vieja (the old lady). Gringolandia referred to the USA. So Viejo de Gringolandia was his father from exchange student days...me.

We are still sitting in MIA waiting for our 12:05 flight to Baltimore. Am looking forward to getting home and warming up. They are not wasting any energy heating this place.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

~~~_/)~~~D&M

Tia Peddie sporting her new sweater knit by Isabel.

Having breakfast in Miami International Airport (at a Cuban restaurant!) after an all night flight. It is cold here and we are not home yet!