Return to Quito, and the Battle with LAN

As you can see, I've decided not to stay behind in the Galapagos. Had enough animals and marine life for the time being. Plus, I didn't want to put a further dent on my cash reserves from extra accommodation and diving expenses.
So, no need to change the date on my ticket. I did, however, need to change the destination.
When I booked my trip to the Galapagos, I had planned to disembark in Guayaquil (where all flights make a stop over). From there, I would travel around Banos, Riobamba, and Cuenca before heading back up to Quito. Some hot springs and small towns...how awesome would that be?!
It was tempting, but I ended up staying on the plane until Quito (less $27 for the changes). We're already into the first week of March, and I still had to make my way into Colombia and back to Buenos Aires by my birthday. Or so I thought....but more on that later.

After saying goodbyes to my cruise-mates (and the captain who was also on the same flight to see his family on the mainland), I was back at the comfortable Traveler's Inn. A huge corner bedroom, with my own shower and toilet. Ooh la laaaaaaa~!!! Luxury!!!

I handed off my much-needed laundry to the staff, and took a quick stroll in search of some non-at-sea food. Somehow wound up at the Pancake House...probably the most un-Ecuadorian place around. While devouring my huge salad with coffee (no pancakes!), Wen Li and Wels walked in. I guess I wasn't the only one seeking a clean, Western restaurant. Hahaha.
Although we had just said our farewells, we sat around the table chatting and reminiscing about the cruise for well over two hours. A quick reunion of sorts!

Now, please allow me to start my rampage on LAN.
Up until now, I loved LAN (the airline). They have really good aircrafts - seats, entertainment, food, lighting, and all.
Recall that I've been into several LAN offices in different cities to inquire about my open-jaw ticket from Bogota to Buenos Aires. (And if not, now you know!) They all told me that I can easily change the ticket. No problem.
I guess they meant "no problem" in the South American sense...in that it is in fact "la problema grande"!!!

To put it simply, the problem stemmed from the fact that my BOG-EZE was open-jaw (undated) and LAN cancelled that service sometime after I booked it.
According to the RTW ticket regulations, the airline would be responsible for getting me from BOG to EZE somehow, without cost, if I had dated the ticket. Otherwise, I would have to book whatever routes they currently operated (BOG-SCL for example) and PAY the $150 rerouting fee. Moreover, I couldn't add another leg (SCL-EZE in my previous example) to get me to Buenos Aires because that would go over my allotted 20 flights. Yes, very complicated.
I was aware of these rules....and that is why I asked several offices about my options. AND THEY ALL INDICATED I CAN FLY BOG-EZE WITHOUT PAYING.
Of course, when I went to the Quito office, it wasn't all that easy. One minute, they were OK with the changes, the next not...back and forth. I wasted so much time there, getting nothing accomplished!!!!! Finally, they told me to come back the next day because they needed clarification from the head office. AAAAAARGH.
Frustrated, I went ahead and booked a flight from Quito to Medellin, assuming I can travel overland to Bogota and fly out from there.

When I went back to their office the following day, the regulations won. Boooooooooooo. So now, I had 2 options:
a) Go to Colombia as planned and fly BOG-SCL with a rerouting charge. I would have to figure out a way to get to Buenos Aires on my own = more costs.
b) Forget Colombia and fly Quito to Buenos Aires via Santiago. There would still be the rerouting charge, but it will get me to Buenos Aires under one flight number.
After some more lengthy discussions, they agreed to let me cancel my flight to Medellin that I had booked yesterday without charge. Very hard decision, but I had to choose option B given my time constraints and limited budget.

I still can't believe that I'll be missing Colombia during this trip. I was sooooooo looking forward to it.
Boooooooooooo
Boooooooooooo
Boooooooooooo
Boooooooooooo
Boooooooooooo
Straight to Buenos Aires on the 7th.

And to make matters worse, I had to downgrade myself. There is no business class on the Quito - Buenos Aires flight.
I will be at the front of the plane, but under "premium economy". An overnight flight. FU*K!!! Not looking forward to it.