The last impression

Often the lasting first impression is mentioned, how important the first appearance is and how crucial it remains in memory. But equally important is the last encounter. How often do we look back and try to rephrase farewell words in our thoughts.

My departure from Colombia should leave a lasting impression that was no less remarkable than my bumpy arrival at El Dorado Airport.

It already started the night before, when the check-in at my budget airline VIVA Air didn't work. After several failed attempts - by now I know my passport number by heart! - I gave up. That meant that I had to allocate extra time for check-in at the airport. In addition, the staff at the counter would surely criticize my luggage and charge extra for my suitcase and/or backpack as cargo. Finally, in Santa Marta, I was asked to pay for my second bag when boarding.

I also thought about the entry into Peru, my destination. Although I had filled out the online entry form, I did not have a reservation for accommodation or a return ticket. Both are not explicitly required, according to my internet research. In addition, all Peru travelers I asked about it denied the request for proof of departure.

Furthermore, I spent at least 30 minutes looking for the airport shuttle at the transfer bus station. Finally, about an hour before departure, I stood at the check-in counter of VIVA Air and was asked for my return ticket.... Seriously! No matter if I was in the right, insisting didn't help.

I hate airports, just like airlines!

So I had only a few minutes left at the mercy of the VIVA staff to familiarize myself with the concept of an 'option ticket' on the internet. For about 10 euros, I could buy a so-called disposable ticket that expires after three days. The only purpose of this gimmick is to bypass visa and entry restrictions. Stupido!

Half an hour later, I sat on the plane, my luggage was not further regarded, and no questions were asked during entry into Peru. A hostel address that I kept ready for form's sake was sufficient as proof of my accommodation.

I wanted to use my blind flight to Peru - so far I had not dealt with my next destination at all - to browse through my guidebook. In vain, I searched the thick tome that I had carried with me for two weeks for the section on Peru. Finally, I had to realize that page 790 was followed directly by page 895. Unbelievable, some travelers had torn out the contributions for Bolivia and Peru. For 14 days, I carried around a useless travel compendium.

The flight then went smoothly. Relaxed and relieved, I finally fell into a taxi at around 2 p.m. in Lima, which took me to my accommodation.

Lima itself showed its changeable side, foggy, warm, dry and humid at the same time, later cool. A first impression that was difficult for me to classify. Everything else, withdrawing money, hostel check-in, getting a SIM card, went smoothly.

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Contrary to my initial blabla, the last impression differs from the first in that it can be repeated. If, or rather when, I travel to Colombia again, the departure will go better.

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With all the travel stress, I had little time to appreciate that I crossed the equator between Colombia and Peru, for the third time in my life (2001, 2009, 2022).