Booking and Idiosyncrasies
Met Julee over lunch time to talk about booking via GAP but I went ahead and put a tentative hold on the package online. It took me less than a minute. All the while, I saw an airplane flying in the sky in my mind's eye, which to me is the ultimate symbol of going somewhere at will. Julee showed me her past communications with GAP. Seems like this is a group of really friendly and energetic people, highly flexible and helpful. Julee said she was changing her plans till one week ahead of traveling to Peru and GAP was very accommodating. That's really good.
Same as what I did with Srini prior to our trip to Morocco, I ask Julee whether she has any allergies or idiosyncrasies. I am allergic to penicillin and deadly, I mean deadly afraid of worms, caterpillars, or simply crawlies, wigglies that look like a worm. My first reaction is for sure a scream for life. I think this derives from traumatic childhood experience that I had to walk home from school everyday along a 100-foot wall where caterpillars hung at the back of the leaves, chewing over my head what I can still identify today as the "Caterpillar Leaves". I never go near those plants if I see the same shape of leaves. Well, I assure her I am not afraid of rats, snakes, cockroaches, snails or predators. Indeed I have tried to get over this phobia but nada. If I scream in the middle of the road, at least she will know. Julee is not allergic to anything. She does not eat raisins. Being Chinese herself, this is unthinkable but hey, I am afraid of worms (most people think the caterpillars are cute. ) Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine. Brr... Julee also very "kindly" shares that she was once in a cave in New Zealand looking at the famous "glowing worms" that was glowing in the dark and dropped over her while they passed in a boat. She googles it and shows me the pictures. I cannot bear it. My neck feels stiff. Enough of the worm talk.
In the evening, Kathy from GAP has responded to my hotmail. I reply with my passport info, ask to confirm my booking and quote for extra night in Cairo (1/24) when we arrive and also all-inclusive insurance that GAP offers. My MasterCard company does cover up to $100,000 for travel insurance, but the Bank says it's for travel accidents. I ask the girl "so if I am sick and have to be flown out of the country, I am not covered?" She does not know. Just to be sure, I decide to buy it directly from GAP. Julee had hers for $98 in the Peru trip. Travel insurance via websites like the ones I previously got costs half of that amount but my past trips are usually not this long. The only time I did not purchase insurance was when I left for Morocco. Big mistake as Srini and I both lost our luggage. Found after a day but it could be worse.
Same as what I did with Srini prior to our trip to Morocco, I ask Julee whether she has any allergies or idiosyncrasies. I am allergic to penicillin and deadly, I mean deadly afraid of worms, caterpillars, or simply crawlies, wigglies that look like a worm. My first reaction is for sure a scream for life. I think this derives from traumatic childhood experience that I had to walk home from school everyday along a 100-foot wall where caterpillars hung at the back of the leaves, chewing over my head what I can still identify today as the "Caterpillar Leaves". I never go near those plants if I see the same shape of leaves. Well, I assure her I am not afraid of rats, snakes, cockroaches, snails or predators. Indeed I have tried to get over this phobia but nada. If I scream in the middle of the road, at least she will know. Julee is not allergic to anything. She does not eat raisins. Being Chinese herself, this is unthinkable but hey, I am afraid of worms (most people think the caterpillars are cute. ) Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine. Brr... Julee also very "kindly" shares that she was once in a cave in New Zealand looking at the famous "glowing worms" that was glowing in the dark and dropped over her while they passed in a boat. She googles it and shows me the pictures. I cannot bear it. My neck feels stiff. Enough of the worm talk.
In the evening, Kathy from GAP has responded to my hotmail. I reply with my passport info, ask to confirm my booking and quote for extra night in Cairo (1/24) when we arrive and also all-inclusive insurance that GAP offers. My MasterCard company does cover up to $100,000 for travel insurance, but the Bank says it's for travel accidents. I ask the girl "so if I am sick and have to be flown out of the country, I am not covered?" She does not know. Just to be sure, I decide to buy it directly from GAP. Julee had hers for $98 in the Peru trip. Travel insurance via websites like the ones I previously got costs half of that amount but my past trips are usually not this long. The only time I did not purchase insurance was when I left for Morocco. Big mistake as Srini and I both lost our luggage. Found after a day but it could be worse.
posted by Koshka at 11/08/2006
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