In case you didn't ask, you can purchase your departure tax sticker the day before you leave and also check in your luggage anytime after 11:00a.m. on your day of departure.

Using that procedure last Saturday let me head back for lunch with a new friend from Berlin/Domincan Republic and enjoy a leisurely meal at Buddy. Then I had ample time for a nice long drive around the island to add my "RANDY" flag and an Illinois license plate to the driftwood art along the east coast, take a bunch of topside pics, and casually amble back to the airport to turn in my Netty's rental minivan around 3:15 and have a final Polar at the bar before our 4:00 boarding.

Much less hassle, no big lines in the late afternoon heat pushing jumbo cases and the ensuing frustrations. A nice civilized way to depart Paradise, if one must depart at all.

Just a thunk on hump day back here in Chicago.

Thanks very much Randy, just in time too!