t was really up with the sparrow's fart this morning. 6am, what sort of time is that for a girl on holiday? It was yet another airplane to get on, they're all starting to look the same now. 

It suddenly dawned on me that, with my elevated airline status, come a few perks. One of which is that I can use the Business Class lounge, even if I'm sat with the cattle, which I am. So why not get to the airport in good time and make use of the facilities, so to speak. 

So it was that I reached the airport in more than plenty of time and breezed my way through security and, after a half mile walk, landed in the Admiral's Lounge. 

As luck would have it the lounge was situated right next to my gate so I could keep an eye on the wings and almost kick the tyres of my pet plane. This was an Airbus 319, she said in a knowledgeable way. They all look the same these days, but as it said so on the wheel bay cover, I had to assume it was right. It still had those curled up wings though. 

The lounge was a huge disappointment as there were hardly any food choices and I had been given a voucher for one free drink, the rest would cost me some serious greenbacks. 

I settled for fresh mango and pineapple with a fat free yoghurt and some coffee that didn't need the cup, it could have stood up all day on its own without breaking a sweat. 

Next I spotted the cinnamon and raisin bagels, so I had one of them and more coffee. At this point I felt that I would probably be able to fly like Superman and wouldn't need the Airbus to reach El Salvador. 

Once on board my little plane I found that I was surrounded by people who were working for some fund raising charity. Very noble but ..... Why did their boss insist on talking very loudly on his phone letting everyone within hearing distance (the whole damn plane) know that he was such a lovely caring person and he should be nominated for the Mother Theresa Carer of the Year award? 

Nice flight though. The plane was almost brand new, although someone before me had managed to spill their coffee all over the place. No food offered despite my info saying that food was available to purchase, cue rumbly tum! Luckily I had stolen some goodies from my BA flight which stopped me passing out from malnourishment. 

In no time at all we were landing in San Salvador, about 20 minutes early. 

Interesting little airport. 

The original Banana Republic Airport. Lazy ceiling fans doing one turn every couple of minutes, you get the picture? I just joined a queue as I 'no habla espanol' and had no frigging idea where I was supposed to go! 

Somehow I strolled through Immigration, I think they have given me a 90 day visa, but who knows? I thought the blurb from OAT said I would have to pay $10 for the privilege of entering said Banana Republic?  Think I got away with it. My face will be on 'Wanted Dead or Alive' posters by morning!

Next was picking up my case, ooh there it was, just coming out from the tunnel. 

So, now it was about three steps to Customs, as I said, not a very big airport. 

Especially when 4 large planes have all arrived together. 

Hang on a minute, what was that traffic light doing there? Bit odd. 

I gave the Custom's guy my form and he said' Press', Press what? I asked. His thumb guided me to the traffic light. Underneath the bulbs was a button, I pressed and was rewarded with a green light. I was able to pass un x-rayed .... 

If you get a red you get electricity attached to your nether regions and your bags are x-rayed. Lucky me, eh? 

Outside it was mayhem, people everywhere, lots of signs, somebody's wedding, a few hotels, loads of weird names and then I spotted Overseas Adventure Travel, whoopee bloody do, I've made it! 

Turns out there was another person on my flight and we had to wait for her too. No problem I said. The sky meanwhile had turned a very evil black and the thunder crashed and the lightning flashed, the rain lashed, well, you get the picture. Half an hour later, my fellow traveller appeared. Her name is Kristin and she is lovely. We were put into a car and sent on our way. 

I didn't realise that the airport was so far from the town of San Salvador. It took about 45 minutes to get to our hotel, the very plush Crowne Plaza. Once in my room, I decided that a cold beer was much more important than unpacking and wandered off to the watering hole. 

After a bit of a laugh and a joke in two languages, one of which I didn't understand, and one the waiter didn't understand, I found myself with a pint of Draught Supremo, the local brew. And very nice too! 

Half an hour later, Kristin appeared and we had a very nice couple of hours getting to know each other. She is in her early 70s and very well travelled. She has used OAT on umpteen occasions and has been very happy with them. If everyone else is as nice as her, this should be a great trip. 

Just had a call from our guide to say that she will be meeting us downstairs at 6.30 to show us where to have dinner. She has also given me a sheet of paper which was slid under the door and tells me that I will be getting a wake up call at 6.30. 

What time!!?? 

It says there is a briefing at 8am and we leave at 9am, so why so early? Looks like I'm going to need a holiday to get over my holiday! 

Dinner was not too far away. This part of San Salvador is very modern. It was a short walk through the hotel and then a covered bridge over the busy main road. Here there was a myriad of restaurants, - Italian, American, Burgers, Pizzas, etc. We all settled for an Italian. Me, Kristin, Dianna and her husband Ed and our guide Ivania. Then we were joined by Stuart and Mary.

Dianna and Ed had already eaten, so they stayed for a drink and then left. 

The rest of us were obviously quite weary and we all traipsed off to bed after the meal. My meal wasn't amazing and a bit cool, so , not the best meal of the trip, so far. Food and me are not great bosom buddies. Most of the time, I just eat to keep up my energy, not for pleasure. 

We parted in the lift and were reminded of our early wake up call. What time was that again??.