Stuck in Lima

Want to attract a lot of attention from Peruvian customs? Carry a big-ass expensive camera and have the misfortune of getting the “red light” when passing through customs. As I understood things, they just wanted some guarantee (I think monetary) that I wouldn’t sell the camera while in the country Y’know they want their piece of the action. I was SUPPOSED to be leaving very shortly after arriving, but unfortunately it was two separate flights as opposed to a connection so I had to go through the customs shuffle. I knew the connection was going to be tight and I did everything in my power to make it, but alas, the shakedown by customs delayed me by just enough to miss my flight. This particular route only goes once per day so I’m stuck. Lima is at least twice as smoggy as Santiago and for some reason I’m just not interested in doing much here, so, another night in an airport I suppose.

The LAN (South American Airline) customer service was exceptionally cordial, and even though it was by no means their fault that I missed my flight, they have upgraded me to business class and given me complimentary access to the VIP lounge (only 4 hours) all with no fees to change my ticket. Hear that U.S. based air carriers, it is possible to not treat your customers well and it makes them happy and they may be tempted to say nice things about you.

Anyone giving out travel awards for being the most likely to be shaken down by customs? I’m certain I’d win, as this has become the expectation rather than the exception.