DAY ONE 12 JULY
19 TRAVEL DAY
The 5 members of the clan Beskow piled into the Honda Pilot
with 4 large American suitcases, 5 carry-on sized bags as well as two backpacks
full of camera gear and at 1200 High Noon we set off to the Orlando airport for
our 2:30 flight up to Atlanta.
We dropped the luggage and 4 bodies at curb site Delta
check-in and Ian drove the car to long term parking. Meanwhile we checked all
the bags and got our Boarding passes. In
less than 10 minutes Ian was back to join up and check-in. We breezed through
security and crammed ourselves into the packed train and headed for the gate!
The adventure has started! We think…wait a minute….. the pilot said we had a
poor transponder that needed to be cleared with Atlanta before we could depart.
Right… we are off! We taxied south, seems like Miami must be close! We finally pulled into the turnaround to
await a runway check……….damn!.........
the previous plane had struck a bird on the runway and the ground crew
wanted to pickup the road kill while inspecting the runway. We took off 45
minutes late which gave us plenty of time to have a glass or two of adult
beverages! It really wasn’t a problem as we have a two hour layover in Atlanta
anyway. We got there ultimately and rode the terminal connection train from
Terminal A out to Terminal E for gate E-17.
We settled into the Delta Sky Club Lounge to kill 45 minutes
until early boarding at about 5:30 we boarded and the fun began showing Zoey
the items associated with her Business Class seat #7C, noise cancelling head
phones, her hidden tray table under the arm rest, reading light, pillow and
blanket. After 15 minutes of instruction she was ready to settle in for the
flight and takeoff. Zoey had pre-ordered the crab cakes for her entrée and
thoroughly enjoyed the starters and cream of corn soup. The ice cream Sundae
with all the fixings rounded a great first class meal. Time for movies and
ultimate a short 2.5 hrs of sleep before arrival breakfast was served!
We landed on time at 0830 local although our bodies told us
it was still the middle of the night at 0230 AM. Sunny and cool in Madrid we
retrieved all checked bags and loaded the cart to find the Hertz counter. At
the Gold Member line, the sweet lady added Ian as an extra driver to our
contract saying that because Paul was Gold there would be NO extra charge (Paul
does a Happy Dance). Our vehicle is a full sized mini van Chinese made with
diesel. We put the 3rd row seat up for Zoey and still had all
checked luggage and backpacks tucked in behind the last seat row without
blocking the driver view out the rear window!!! For Europe this is a great size
and good maneuverability in traffic too.
We set out for Alcala de Henares but were way too early to
attempt hotel check in so we stopped at the Hypercor/Corte Ingles store for a
few traveling essentials and to show Zoey how the Spanish shop in the latest department stores and bulk
discount shops.
We were allowed check in to the Parador at 12:30 with one of
our two rooms available. Instead of exploring the town we headed for lunch it
was already 1:25 PM so Paul drove us to the edge of Madrid to Las Moreras
resturant for barbecued milk lamb chops on the outside patio to enjoy the
slight breeze and occasionally landing plane overhead. <is Paul’s version!
It really was hot but we are tough Floridians! There is very little humidity
so, to the chagrin of the manager, we stayed outside under a sunshade. It is a
lovely patio, we have been coming here for 49 years. We dined here the day
before Alison was born! Special place!
A short siesta time to change out of travel clothes and at
6:30 PM we met up with Maite and Alberto in the reception area of the Parador.
Hugs kisses and greetings among old friends and family. Juan Miguel was
recalled to the hospital as a newborn needed new connection hoses for the
by-pass machines until his heart transplant surgery the following week and he
was unable to come visit with us. We were very sad but this is the life of a
top pediatric heart surgeon who is on call! We have known this wonderful
talented man since he was 8 years old, we adore him and are very proud of the
talented, humble, compassionate man he has become.
We had a glass or two of wine and a few tapas with Maite and
Alberto then they had to leave as Alberto was dining with friends at 10.30!
Seriously Alberto? You party animal! We had a great visit but were rapidly
running out of steam. Zombiefied you might say.
NOTE: To blog readers we are at least 4 days behind writing
for the blog but we plan to catch up. Paul has found that Cathie Long Beskow on
Facebook is posting many many pics that leads me to say, follow her on Facebook
and EVENTUALLY, we will catch up with the blog narrative and Paul’s few pics as
well but Cathie is doing an excellent photo history of events and places
visited before we get the blog writing down. But Jane and I promise to try and
catch up with her photo posting of activities.
I am inserting a link for those who want to view our ENTIRE trip in pictures by Cathie: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CDvpEeUWy44nyRrm8
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