Listen to Omens

Of all the things I think about, this- I've never dreamed of.

Let me cut to the chase:

I never made it to Brazil!

Omen# 1: Pre-boarding. I was denied for the newly implemented (second try) Brazilian visa almost 15 times! All because of my photos!

1. You are too tan

2. We can't see your ears

3. It's too close

4. It's too far

5. It's too blurry

6. Background is too white

7. ponytail needs to be high

I mean, yea, I started with photos form my cellphone (like they approved) against a white wall, but then went to CVS who does the US passports and they still had an issue.

Like.... Seriously Brazil? Luckily, 10 days prior to the flight, the Brazilian government abruptly 'ceased' the e-visa AGAIN and I just wasted $100 or so with a pending application.

Omen# 2: TSA pre-check wasn't on my ticket- so I call Delta the night prior to the flight and come to find out- not only is Delta bugging about my two middle names but my birthday was entered in incorrectly all along and they didn't catch it. Sorry that my government name has two initials and your system does not know how to approve that BUT yet you want my passport and ticket to match. Well Delta, figure it out!!!! Don't blame me.

Omen# 3: Pre-flight stomach ache from jalapenos.

Omen# 4: OK, now so, the plane was boarding from Atlanta to Rio (we already arrived from our Baltimore leg), here everyone gets on and I stay last like always because why am I rushing to get in a line to a seat I've been assigned and....

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Ticket denied.

Why? They still don't know. But 3 agents and 15 mins later, they just finagling something and passed me onboard.

Omen# 5: The plane is hot as hell! I arrive and see everyone uncomfortable with this heat and I'm notified that the pilot said someone didn't leave the a/c on so they just need to cool down for now. But that was b/s because as soon as I sat down myself, here they go over the intercom saying that when they went to check on the unit: Lo and behold.... there is a leak in the landing gear. Well, that's enough for me to deplane!

Omen# 6: Yep, so we deplane with no real understanding of what's next. Our flight was to depart at 6:21pm and now we are planned for 11:30pm.

2 gate changes and we start reloading some other plane.

And here I come...

BEEP BEEP BEEP.

Ticket denied again.

And I asked them when I deplaned the first time if I needed a new ticket before getting to the next flight to save from this b/s!!!

Here we go again, another 20 mins and 4 agents now and finally, something clicked. But not before the pilot called up asking what was taking so long. And then he appears at the counter.

Omen# 7: As I was about to leave the gate to get on the plane... I overhear "Oh We can't leave now". I asked if it was because of me and the delay, the agent said no and to continue boarding. So why did they tell me to walk the 1/2 mile to the plane still????

I get on the plane, load my bag and...

DOOT DOOT

"Sorry everyone, but due to FAA regulations, our pilot can no longer fly so please deplane-this flight is cancelled."

That was it! My guardian angel said " Hell nah, we won't go".

So Alexandria and Brazil will not meet for 2024.

Instead of taking the rebooking for 9am the next morning, my cousin and I decided we would take the hotel voucher, the food voucher and take another flight to a nearby country instead that was departing the next day.

I chose Costa Rica since I knew it would be quick and comfortable for her as a new traveler - plus I needed a new country for my birthday!