Day 93 - Meet Sr. Jorge Senn

(Ursula) We took the direct route back to Guatemala City, where we said goodbye to Martin & Ursula.

Heinz had just reported a lost traveler check at the American Express office when a black Limo pulled up next to us at a stop. A tinted window was lowered, and a gentleman stuck out his head and asked, "Wo wollen sie hin" (where are you heading)? He looked like a mobster in his business suit and dark sunglasses. We were naturally very skeptical. But then he got out of the car, handed us his business card, and introduced himself as Mr. Senn, Director of Tourism, Guatemala. Wow!

He invited us for a drink at a fancy hotel where he had guests from Switzerland staying. In our conversation, we learned that Mr. Senn was born in Guatemala to Swiss parents and was educated in Switzerland.

He asked how long we were staying and what places we intended to visit. Heinz mentioned that we were headed for Panama and would have loved to visit the archeological site Tikal, but were running behind schedule, due to an unexpected delay in Mexico.

Mr. Senn exclaimed that's no problem!

Little did we know that he was also the director of Aviateca, Guatemala Airlines. He promised to arrange for complimentary tickets for us to fly to Tikal. We should pick them up at the airport the next day. What? Really? Incredible!

We couldn't believe our luck and thanked him mucho. His guests from Switzerland had just returned from Tikal and said it was a fantastic experience.Read more