Travel Details

As I start my journey, I thought it would be a good idea to try and document as much as my trip as possible. I would love to be able to get on and post an entry every couple days but not sure if that is possible. However, with 5 hours to spare right now I can at least start. So here is the story. Very eventful so I encourage all to read :)

Day 1 - Leaving Des Moines 1:10
So my plane was scheduled to leave Des Moines at 1:10 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta with just 1 hour to switch my direct flight to Lima. Never flying before I thought this was PLENTY of time. Looking back, I can see that I was wrong. But before I get to Atlanta I need to get out of Des Moines right?
Since my parents were stuck in Muscatine because of the snow and ice storm that pounded Iowa the days before, my roommate agreed to take me to the airport. He assured me that he had traveled to the airport many times and was very familiar with the area. So that made me a little less nervous but I was still only able to get a couple hours of good sleep the night before. I was just so excited!
The night before we agreed to leave at 8:30 and arrive to the airport MANY hours ahead of time. Actually, my roommate (Scott is his name) kind of looked at me funny when I said I wanted to go so early but out of kindness he agreed to take me to my flight almost 4 hours early.
After loading his truck and driving to Des Moines I felt good knowing that everything was working so good. No flat tires, no road closures, and I didn't forget anything . . . or at least that's what I thought.
Scott was kind enough to walk me into the airport and help me with my luggage and also wait for me to get my tickets. This was very kind of him but I didn't want him to wait around too long so I hurried to the counter and gave them my confirmation number to print my tickets. "Can I see your credit card used to purchase the tickets please" says the Delta Airlines agent. "Oh sure!" I said as I open my wallet and begin to look for my card. As I looked and looked my heart pounded faster and faster and I almost fainted when I realized that I didn't have it. The night before I had cleaned out my wallet to make it lighter for the trip. I took out everything I didn't need and one thing I did need. It was on my desk at home 1 hour away. I begged and pleaded but it is regulation that you show the credit card for international flights. I asked when the latest time I could check in would be and was told that 12:30 would be the absolute latest.
So me and Scott ran out of the airport and burned rubber getting back to my apartment. Since the snow was now coming down I decided to call and have my apartment manager go and unlock the door for Scott's roommate who happened to be in Ames. He was then able to get the card, and meet us part way between the airport and the apartment. This saved me some very important time.
To make a long story short, Scott and his brother Jason were able to help pull off this miracle of getting to the airport and on my flight to Atlanta.
But that's not the end of this story. My plane ended up getting delayed by an hour and 15 minutes because of the snow. This was not good. Remember, I only had 1 hour in between flights in Atlanta. So what do I do now? Sitting on my plane to Atlanta I asked if I could have my plane held in Atlanta but I guess they don't do those types of favors unless your the president of a foreign country or something. haha
So I walked off the plane with my head down and a frown on my face thinking I had missed my plane when I got a text from my mother. "It shows your flight is delayed in Atlanta too!" This is great I thought! I might be able to make it! I ran into the airport and found the closest Delta representative available. I gave them my ticket and asked if my flight was still on the ground. They looked at the screen, gave me a weird face, and said "You better start running." haha "Run?" I said, "where do I run to?"

"Just go down that way and find the escalators and follow the signs" the Delta agents said. "What escalators? Where are they? Where is my gate? Where do I go exactly?" I kept asking frantically.
"Listen sir, you are wasting time here asking questions. You better just start running!!!" They yelled.
So with that, I took my ticket and started running down the Atlanta airport wearing a hooded sweatshirt, a winter coat and pulling a carry-on luggage. I was surprised as I ran by signs. I was actually able to figure out where I needed to go. I just kept running, reading signs, and following arrows. So I continued to run around hallways, up escalators, down escalators, bumping into policemen with guns, policemen on bikes, around strollers, through gates, all while sweating like a marathon runner.
As I finally made it to my gate, which turned out to be the farthest possible gate from my arrival gate, there was only one person in front of me in line. Now in line I waited patiently, catching my breath and trying to gather as much spit as I could to swallow and quench my thirst. 5 minutes passed and it was now my turn. Still breathing heavy and drenched in sweat I asked if I could still get on my plane. "No sir, the doors have been closed."
"Well open them!" I said, "Please, can I still get on."
"No sir, the doors are closed and have already been open for 2 other late passengers 10 minutes ago."
This was bad news. I missed it and there was nothing I could do.
Now the only thing I could do was wait in line for 3 hours to talk with someone to try and reschedule.
Anyways, to wrap this up quickly, I was able to reschedule for Monday but am on a stand-by status for one today (Sunday) leaving at 5:10. I am told I have good hopes for making the plane so I pray that I can get a seat and arrive only a day late.
I will keep everyone posted as what happens as soon as I can. If you get this before 5:10 p.m. on Sunday December 21st, please pray! :)