I doubt if there is a more naked feeling than being in a foreign city without your passport and it's attached bits of paper. Was met at airport this afternoon by Chile Travel Service rep who drove me at breakneck speed (you get used to it after a while) to hotel in the city. Front reception, and no record of a booking for me. Mr CTS discreetly stepped out to make a call, and came back in red faced "Wrong Hotel, my fault", rushed me and suitcase back to vehicle, another dash to another hotel where he has to dump me on sidewalk as he is blocking traffic. I fronted reception, and NO PASSPORT. Very helpful lady concierge dashed to try and stop Mr CTS but he was gone. Anyway, 5 minutes later she returned to report that all was OK, my passport was at the other hotel who hadn't a chance to return it to me in the rush. Have a good night's sleep and don't worry, was her admonition. It will be returned to me. Not that easy!
Well, I am back where I started in Santiago Chile, and have completed my circuit of South America. Not without some dramas, but in all a very rewarding experience. Such diverse cultures even though they have many common elements, not least the Spanish conquest and eventual liberation. All have had to battle with military control and brutal dictatorships at some stage. Corruption remains endemic in all of the places I visited. I will especially be interested in the outcome of Monday's Peruvian elections having heard different sides of the political spectrum and seen the posters and popular demonstrations.
My big sigh of relief tonight is that I only have to go through the whole rigmarole of multiple security checks, passport controls and customs followed by long, long waits at boarding gates one more trip. Tomorrow I am down for a city tour, then last sleep overseas.
No photos today.
1 comment:
When did you get the passport back? ox
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