More Flying

So we depart Miami at 11:00am (first class again). It's about a 4.5 hour flight to St Lucia. As soon as we get up to crusing altitude, I manage to fall asleep. I was able to sleep for most of the flight, so that was good. Next thing I know, we are starting our decent into St. Lucia. we're looking otu the window at this island. It is a little weird to know that this is really the only way in or out of the place you are visiting.

St. Lucia doesn't really have a large airport. When we get up to the building, we actually deboard the plane out on the tarmac and walk into the building. Thank goodness we were in first class, because there was a Virgin Atlantic flight that had just landed. So it was a mad dash to get to the customs line. When we got there, there were probably already 100 people in line. We pushed our way up as far as we could. It still took us about 30 minutes or so to get through the line. When we got half way up, I looked back and the line was well out the door.

We finally get through customs with no problem. As soon as we get our bags, we step out side and are greeted by a bunch of people. Oh, and heat. It is VERY humid there, and not being use to it made it feel really hot. So, the people. The idea for them is that they will wait outside and yell out the popular resorts and hotels. When people look at them, they will say we'll help carry your bags over to where you need to be. So they carry the bags (which turns out to be about 30 feet) and then expect a tip. We already knew about this so we quickly walked past them.

We have to wait for about 30 minutes for our van ride to the resort. Man! It is hot outside. It's in the mid to upper 80's, with about 90% humidity. While we're waiting, I see all these people being 'forced' to hand over a tip for a 15 foot bag carry. They are rather pushy about being paid. Bastards. Our van arrives and we all pile in. Ahhhh...A/C. And thus...starts one of the wildest car rides I have ever experienced.