Cate's Diary

Santiago Chile

Hi Ivette, It's fantastic to hear from you again & to see your enthusiasm & love of life. It's great that you are loving your soccer. What a turnaround you have made with your life!
Chile & most of South America sounds wonderful. I have been reading a bit about it lately & just read "Travelling with Che Guevara" by Alberto Granado who accompanied him on the 1952 motorcycle tour of South America. I loved the movie the "Motorcycle Diaries" and everything I read about Peru, Argentina, Chile etc makes me hope that I can get there one day. I'm just going to have to love long enough & get some money, legally from somewhere!
Love & hugs to you too, xoxo Cate
 
Fantastic that you've heard, Cate, and that he got so many of his friends to also ring and support you.

These are the things that aren't funny at the time, but always become some of the best holiday stories aftewards!

Very tired so won't hang around, but hope you get a good sleep tonight.
 
and on and on it goes.....

"I am still stuck in Chile being f*#ed around by LAN chile airlines. it is beyond belief how s**t and how much these people manipulate u to make u believe everything is under control. Nothing is under control with this airline or this airport. I am fine. please don't worry about me. I am with a group of about 30 - 40 people who have all been screwed around with like me. We're like a family now, its crazy. I will let u know when I arrive safe in peru. hopefully its before christmas. A family who have been brought together through frustration and anger at LAN airlines, haha. But we are healthy! And we are alive! I will explain when I talk to you what LAN airline have been doing to try to avoid a scene and send us to the other side of the airport telling us we are boarding there, at gate 10. we were at 18. then they leave us there for an hour, set up signs, etc pretending we are ready to board. then they send us back to 18. this is like 40 or 50 of us all together. we get back to 18 to discover there is no flight with lan chile from gate 18 but a flight had left with go airlines, going to lima. They sent us away so that it wouldn't create a scene because they should have put us n that flight. they have been jerking us all around for 30 hours { some people} and 48 or 50 hours even 60 for others
I have to go!"
What can I say. I thought he was in peru, relaxing, resting up for his trek which starts am 3rd May Peru time. If someone has any influence please pray!!!!!
xo Cate
 
Unbelievable, Cate! I've had a few "interesting" experiences in the Philippines, including being told we would be stuck in Manila for 3 months waiting for a new ticket with a certain airline (fortunately didn't come to pass!), however nothing as awful as what your son is describing.

I guess one consolation is that he is with a big group of people, and he therefore has some moral support and friendship to keep him going. I guess there's nothing he can do but go with the flow for the moment. I'd be tempted to just buy another ticket with another airline, if such a thing is possible. If they've botched the flight for such a huge group of people, they would basically have to put on another flight to pick them all up, something they probably can't afford to do at this stage.

You do get to see an interesting side of life in chaotic countries when things go wrong. The interesting thing is that so many locals have to be resigned to dealing with things like this all the time. But your son will take away some amazing memories of the struggles of people, the friendships he's made and the crazy situations he's in. Despite the stress and strain, you do learn a certain kind of resilience through these kind of experiences, something that you often think back on when living here in comfortable Australia once again.

I agree totally he's seeing a more interesting side of life than sitting in a hotel in Miami or somewhere! There's something quite addictive and touching about life in other cultures, particularly less organised and poorer ones, that makes you reassess your own values and goals in life.

Meantime, I sure hope you found that good book you wanted to get lost in. I bet you've done some floor pacing in the last 24 hours! Well, hang in there - he's doing as well as he can, and lets hope he's out of that place before too long.
 
I am so exhausted & depressed that I am just going to go plonk down on my chair & bury myself in another book with a pot of herbal tea. My phone keeps ringing but every time I answer it I get a prolonged beep so I know it's our son trying to get through. I have no idea if he is in Lima or is still stuck at Santiago airport but I can't cope with this. I can't do a thing.
I weighed an extra kg this morning so am going to be 100% for a few days. I have been drinking wine every night since he left so that has to stop. It sure doesn't help. I haven't been stuffing my face or anything & have not had more than a half a bottle of wine any night but that's not the point.
Sorry I'm so bloody miserable. I so want to hear that he is in Lima & he is ok & he can still catch the tour & then I will be able to relax for about 17 days & nights.
xo Cate
 
I still haven't heard either way & have no idea how or where he is.
I have resigned myself to the fact that I can do nothing.
I'm going to try not to worry as there is nothing I can do.
I tried ringing the tour company this morning at about the time the bus should be leaving Lima but there was only a recorded message in Spanish/Portugese(?) so I hung up.
I don't feel too bad this morning. I'm going to have to just let go a bit & tune out.
I have dropped a kg in a day & am back to GW + 1.5kg so in the middle again. Any time I like I could drop back to GW but it would mean having no carb vegies which I am really enjoying so that's the choice I have made for the moment.
I am happy with Maintenance Mark 2. It's much easier to work out second time around. First time around you just want to try everything but one thing at a time to see what happens is a much better idea and following the guidelines as to when you eat something makes all the difference.
Back to my book. Another Donna Leon book. I love them. Set in Venice. I do want to go to Italy. Dream on.
Thanks for all the messages. I have some special forum friends!
Cheers, Cate.
 
Well done for sticking to the maintenance so well, Cate! Never easy when under a great deal of stress.

Let's hope something works out somewhere, and that whether he's on the tour or not, he's with good friends and someone is looking after him.

I've done some crazy things travelling - remember one horrendous bus ride over stony, bumpy, washed out roads for 12 hours because a plane was cancelled with no warning or advice - one week till next plane - so onto a broken bus which, after repair, stopped 3 more times for repairs as the road was so dreadful things kept going wrong. But I wouldn't like to be on my own when dealing with stuff like that - I had my husband with me - but sometimes you wonder exactly why you are doing this crazy stuff!

Worst thing is when no-one else speaks a word of English! Best sound in the world - Aussie immigration officers on arrival at the airport, when you hear "Yeah mate?"!!!!!
 
Our son is safe & sound & made the tour in Peru!!!
After trying unsuccessfully, to get through to the tour company I put my thinking cap on & rang his travel agent. She asked me how he was going & if he was on tour & I explained it all to her. She said she'd ring the tour company & then ring me straight back which she did, to tell me that he made it & is on the tour. He had tried to ring me but couldn't get through & had asked them to ring me from Peru.I have been getting calls with no-one talking, just an extended beep so I felt sure it was from overseas.
I am so relieved I cannot possibly tell you how much. I have been shaking today even though I was trying not to worry. I started crying even before I had put the phone down. I managed to tell her she was an absolute darling & thanked her very much but that was all I could get out.
I just rang my husband at Golf to tell him as he was about to drop in at his mother's. OMG I'm so exhausted.
My eyes were not getting any better so I called in at the chemist yesterday who suggested it may be an allergic conjunctivitis as the prescription drops should have fixed it by now & sold me some anti-histamine eye drops which are helping a lot already. I may not have had a virus at all.
They feel a lot better today even with the crying!
I have Tai Chi tomorrow & will go regardless. I really need it & the company.
I'll go make a pot of tea & relax for the first time in a week.
:grouphug: xoxo Cate
 
Fantastic news, Cate! I'm sure he'll have some stories to tell when he is able to catch up. Enjoy the rest of the day!!
 
Thanks Niyah- I didn't have red wine but only because I went out with my LH to 8-ball & they didn't have any! Only cask white- Ugh! But I had 4 drinks, including a couple of Mercury Draught ciders, which is plenty for me these days! I enjoyed the night & the company & the not worrying.
Hugs to anyone & everyone who might be about, xo Cate
 
Hi Luvbug- Thanks sweetie! It was such a relief that I have managed to relax at last. I could not possibly stay in a state of constant alert for 8 months or I will end up a nervous wreck!
Stress leads to illness
When your defences are down because of stress or other things then you are much more prone to illness. I woke up this morning knowing I had another chest infection. I rang the doctor again & managed to get an ap't at 10.45am. I left it to her to decide what was wrong this time & sure enough I have a chest infection & have a double dose of strong anti-biotics designed for bronchial infections. I can't remember how long it has been since I have got through a Winter without a chest infection. At least I recognise the symptoms & know straight away when it has gone to my chest.
I still went to Tai Chi but had to sit down a couple of times but that was ok. I enjoyed the company but not as much as normal. I spared them most of the details about our son & just gave a brief run-down at the cafe afterwards.
Next week Tai Chi is going to be at a beautiful stately old home where our instructor does some housekeeping. That will be lovely & much nicer than the church hall.
I will not have any wine or other alcoohol for 2 weeks while I'm on anti-biotics & am also going to start taking echinacea after my chemist recommended it to me. He really seems to think it should help prevent me getting future chest infections so I have decided to give it a try. I don't want a lifetime of taking anti-biotics every year. My asthma has left me with a lung weakness so I'll try to build upmy defences.
It's lovely to see so many people in the forum, providing one another with good support, enthusiasm and great ongoing stories. It's a good strong community and I'm loving it. I have really appreciated knowing that people genuinely seem to care about what's happening in my life. I gain as much as I give. Thank you, xo Cate
 
Hi Gals!
Feeling a lot better today although am positive I do have a chest infection now. I'll spare you the gory details! My LH is home for the day & we have been to an old friend's & picked lots of apples (3 big baskets full!) We quickly called into our DIL's & gave her a big bag of apples & she has just bought a bench-top corer & peeler that they are selling at the school. It's great & she is picking me one up tomorrow when she calls in to school. I think I know what I'll be doing on Saturday. Some of the apples are only suitable for stewing (yum!) but they are all beautiful apples & I can go back & get lots more if I like.
I just emptied out my chest freezer & will clean it out, ready for the big cook. I'm also going to keep stocking up on things so that I always have good healthy alternatives handy, like soups, chicken etc for those Winter days & nights when you just don't feel like cookin( ha ha for me that's most of the time.)
We had fresh Atlantic salmon for lunch with a fresh salad picked from our garden. It was heaven! The salad was a la Cohen's! Just a smidge of Mayo & a balsamic dressing.
I will copy & paste a little of our son's travel email for those who may be interested. Sorry to those who are not! He has also sent me a couple of very sweet personal msg's on FB.
I can now relax & I'm not going to worry if I can help it. I'll tune out to the things I think he might be up to. He is 26 after all!

Email from our son to many. Quote-
"Hey in Australia!
Im in nazca in peru I took a flight to see the nazca lines in the plains. that was pretty cool, as they are so old and vast & nobody knows how they came to be or how old they are. nazca is a beautiful little town and the people have been so kind to us. great food, friendly people and a really great sense of community and pride. Its a beautiful place, it really is. The capital of peru , lima, is pretty good but like most capital cities you get pretty over it after a day or two and I have found since we've started going out into the country and mountains of peru we´re starting to get to the heart and soul of this place and these people which is what its all about. we will reach arequipa by early tomorrow morning, our bus leaves at 10pm and its an overnighter. my group are pretty cool, really good mix of different countries and personalities and my room mate ****[from london] is a lot like me so we´re getting along well. I think we´re the two drinkers and risk takers\wanderers of the group so its worked out well! inca trail and machu pichu is in about 6 days and after that we go to a little village where the local families practically pick us from a line up and adopt us into their home with their family and children for the night. I am really looking forward to that part of the trip. anyway I just thought I would let you know I´m living well, having an amazing journey so far and looking forward to having a big bbq and beer with you all on my return. take care and I´ll try to do the same!
love ****" Unquote.

The risk-taking bit is a fairly new thing for him but at least he's living his life! I'm so happy that he's happy. I'm back to living my own life. I think it's time to plan our own trip.
xoxo for now, Cate
 
Hey Cate so happy to hear your son finally made it to his destination.. I'm glad ur not stressed, your right stress leads to all kinds of shit.. but what is he doing in peru and south america?? he went on vacation or what?/ I'm sure you say it somewhere in your thread but I don't feel like going back a million pages:cheers2: and wishing you the best...
 
Sounds great, Cate - he's making me jealous!! I'd love to be a few thousand kilometres away somewhere where life happens at a slower pace. Never mind, I'd probably get bored if it went on TOO long, but just for a change of pace must be fantastic!

I'll have to start putting the pennies away - the frequent flyer points took a battering last year, so haven't got too many of those left. My sister got back from Europe/Morocco a week back, so yes, the thoughts of winging off somewhere are swamping me right now. I'd made a commitment we wouldn't do too much this year to try and keep our money under control in harder times... but it's a temptation, that's for sure!
 
Hi Niyah & other forum friends-
I feel heaps better today after another good night's sleep, anti-biotics, knowing our son is happy etc. I feel like I'm back to being me again. I'm not going to let myself get into such a state again. It helps no-one, but especially it doesn't do me any good at all. Self-preservation is not such a bad thing.
I'm eating well and very healthily. Chop Suey coming up with fresh spinach from my garden, a few beans & carrot/parsnip. There's nothing like mixing your cultures. It's light on the non-Cohen's original foods. Minimum carb's. When I have carb vegies I skip the crackers.
Our son is now in Arequipa & says that the comfort level of his tour would suit us just fine. I thought it would be very rough but he says it's not. It provides me with food for thought in that we may be able to travel earlier than I thought because it may be cheaper. I don't actually enjoy luxury places because I feel out of place. I'm loving Facebook as I can see his photos instantly & keep up with his travels as soon as he posts. I do a quick Google of what he describes & it enriches the experience.
My stomach is rumbling so will head to have my lunch & will be back later.
Cheers for now, Cate
 
Glad to hear the chest infection is coming under control.

I had a rough year with flu wogs last year, so hoping this year I escape the worst of it. However, working in a school means I get exposed to everything going around, so not likely! So far so good, though.
 
Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, Cate!!!!!

Hope your day will be amazing on Sunday and get spoiled rotten!:grouphug:

Lotsa Luv,
Luvbug
xxx
 
Niyah- Hi and a very Happy Mothers' Day to you for tomorrow. Catch up soon, xo Cate
Luvbug- You are very sweet. Thank you very much! I'm spoiled every day really, xo Cate
Today- Have felt out of sorts generally so will put today behind me I think. I don't feel well at all & have been quite queasy. It could be the anti-biotics or just the bug (or both). Tomorrow is another day. I might pop back later, depending on a visit from one of my S'sIL who is staying tonight & then going to my MIL's for breakfast tomorrow because her sister will be there & then to lunch at her brother's (my BIL) where we will join them. She doesn't stay with her mother because she smokes like a chimney & her house reeks of it. I have been ironing for well over an hour, expecting her to arrive any minute. I do that sometimes to make myself get some ironing done but this time I got to the bottom of the basket & she's not here yet. That's not bad for a change. I feel like I need some fresh air so might go for a bit of a walk outside. Our wood heater is playing up & smokes when you open it so I have almost let it go out. My LH has been at golf all day. I'm loath to open it up as it affects my asthma/chest infection badly. I would like to replace it with solar heating one day, when we can afford it & the technology improves. I would love to have solar power & sell the excess. Now that would be good. We live on top of a hill & get lots of sun. Our house is solar passive. Enough of that. If my LH doesn't get home soon I'm going to have to open this heater up & put some wood on it. I think it may be out but don't want to look. Whoops!
xo Cate
 
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