After a bumpy Pluna Airline flight to Santiago I was left with just 90 minutes to make my connection back home. It had been 15 days away, my longest trip away from the family. I asked to be excused the $US61 visa fee.
They escorted me all the way through immigration, customs, baggage and to the check in...only for me to be told I would have to pay, even though I was not leaving the airport! 60 minutes to go.
I had forgotten a couple of large seeds I was carrying and was then reminded it was an offense not to declare them. "Please wait for a 'judge' to determine your fate." 45 minutes to go.
I am told that I have to fill in paperwork. 40 minutes.
An official leisurely tells me that they will not fine me, just a warning and can I fill in a statement. 30 minutes.
Please let me now make 6 copies and I must sign them. 20 minutes.
"Sorry Mr Davis your flight is closed." At 1am I am left at the kerb in downtown Santiago and my driver whispers, "Don't be standing around here alone at night it is dangerous." In anticipation I have my credit cards down my socks and $US50 in my wallet.
Not to worry, found a hotel and spent a day wandering in the air pollution and wondering what the Andes Mountains would look like on a clear day. Spanish architecture, cool musicians, a happy saint, lonely people watching.
Back the next night I am good to go...and things go right, I am upgraded on my Qantas travel buddy to business class!
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