I am already writing from Guadalajara which was actually not my plan. My days in Michigan have been amazing and I had honestly no time posting due to every day changing accomodations and activities. But first let me give you a summary of my cutie little immigration problem in Rome with these overfriendly people from Delta.
So my plan of "only getting the freaking boarding pass" wasnt actually working out. When I wanted to get him, I had to answer some security questions before and it already stopped by answering on "do you have a flight ticket back?". Of course I had, but it was not as easy as I thought. I booked a flight back because it was cheaper, but i wont take it (logically). I definitely knew that I dont need a Visa for Mexico because I am less than 180 days in the country and for the USA I had the usual ESTA. But in short: An entry to Mexico does NOT mean an exit from the USA (because I was staying there for some days and not only transitting). So this gently sympathetic friendly cordial asshole-like (sorry) man from Delta with far too much hair oil honestly told me at 10:40 am (11:15 was the flight) that he couldnt let me step into that plane without showing a Visa for Mexico or a flight back within 90 Days. Due to the fact that my flight from Mexico to Cuba is in December, its far too long for a stay indirect in the USA. So the only thing you probably now think is 1. Shit 2. Shit and 3. Shit. Yes, thats right. I even thought all three things at the same time. But I had to act somehow so the only choice was booking a flight within these 90 days so these friendly warmly hearty people of americans let me enter this country.
And so I sat there, in the corner like a homeless person, booking a flight home while hoping this plane wont fly without me. After 10 minutes and 680 euros later, I showed them my confirmation and just waiting for getting my boarding pass which continuously lied next to me. But not in my hands. Sad story.. All they said was "sorry but I need the ticket number" - And this small number you can find on a second mail you receive from the travel intermediary, it can take hours. Triple Shit again. "So I booked a flight for 680 euro with million information in this mail and you tell me it is not enough?" "Yes."
At this point I gave up somehow, because it was already 11:05 and every passenger but me was waiting for these sexy stewardess instructions. At 11:07, when another woman said it is too late now and called someone to know when the next plane is going (tomorrow!!!), I received the second mail. I thought im in heaven honestly. I bunged the phone at their desk with a "here take all info you need!!! Is it too late??" Dont ask me why, but they only said "why didnt you say you have a return ticket?" "I HAVE one but i wont take it i told you..?" They spoke some blabla and let me run to the bus which took me to the plane. I couldnt believe it because I already saw myself sleeping at the airport and this really like a homeless person. But I was in there, and the only thing that was waiting for me was the immigration. My trauma of 2013 when i forgot the street number of my accomodation. But to keep it short, everything worked out there and i finally saw Lisa... yippieeeeeeehhhhhhh :) Freedom for now! at least 10 days! Besides of every day searchings for regulations and permissions about staying in mexico and the USA i could also enjoy my time with my cousin.
The first day we've been to an Outlet in Auburn Hills and did some shopping. Before starting our Trip, we had two lazy days at the house (especially the pool) to get cool with the jetlag - busy adventurous days are waiting for us!
So we started with driving approx. 3 hours to Port Austin which is located more in the north of Michigan (they live in the South close to Ann Arbor). We wanted to go kayaking but unfortunately it was too windy :( instead of that we went to a small beach, but really sad we couldnt see the Turnip Rock (a very very big stone in the lake).
From there we only drove to the motel and while Lisa had to run for her marathon training the only thing i did was going to bed.
The next day we went to Mackinaw City / Mackinac Island also close to Lake Michigan. Definitely worth a visit! The Island can be circled with a bike you can rent and all you see is beautiful nature!
After Mackinac and some souvenir shopping we went to Holland the next day. Just as it explains this city has many places which are similar to the Netherlands. We visited a dutch village, a windmill village, the beach, and a dutch restaurant which unfortunately hadnt had the famous frikandel speciaal. It is staged authenticity at its finest and so you often really thought you were in the Netherlands!
We spent two days there, but the best is yet to come: Chicago. Ive been waiting for this the whole time because this City only can be great! We took the train in the morning and let the car in Holland, it took 3 hours to go there. Two days fully packed - let it begin!
So what did we see? The John Hancock Center (Chicago from above), the Navy Pier, Cloud Gate and Millenium Park, the Buckingham Fountain, a boat tour, the Soldier Field Stadium and went through many streets downtown Chicago. Mostly by feet, still having the miles from the Sleeping Bear Dunes in my legs (autsch).
IT WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT !!!!
Chicago 360.
Finally Chicago's Skyline... isnt it wow?
We experienced so many places so that i best could explain it in pictures and i hope you even read to this point haha! Im gonna miss the time in America and with my cousin a lot but im ready for a new adventure, hopefully without any more problems in immigration ;)
Entonces: Viva Mexico!
See you soon :)
Sarah
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