I had booked parking in Miami that worked out well. It's at a nice hotel that has an airport shuttle and sells off some of its excess parking. It was much nicer than the industrial lot the last time there.
At the airports all went well. Our Verifly and SpTH apps did their jobs in Miami and Madrid. We had access to the AA lounge in Miami which was great for chilling. Since we were there in plenty of time, we took advantage of the AA food and wine.
Arriving in Madrid, first things first - atm and coffee. Out to the taxi stand, the ride was easy. There's a flat rate to el centro, traffic is horrendous, absolutely horrendous.
Early checkin at our apartment had been setup and we chilled for a bit, hit a grocery store downstairs and then decided to see if we could arrange our trip to Santiago de Compostella.
That didn't work out. Trains to SdC worked; returns were full. Discouraged, we returned to our apartment, prepared to cancel the train pass. Some wine and food later, and more research, the next day we headed to Atocha train station again and planned to stay two nights in SdC and also setup our Barcelona trip.
All went well. The ScC train left from a more remote train station, we took a cab there on Saturday am, more food and more drink, met Kim and Graham at the pilgrim checkin and then for dinner. Kim was overflowing with stories of course!
Mass the next morning; we got to see the swinging incense burner, more chilling, more food and drink, met up again , had a great Tapas dinner and bade farewell.
This morning we headed to the train station and Madrid; K&G left hiking to Finistere.
There's more but it mostly involves walking, talking, eating and drinking. I did smash my little toe on the corner of the apartment bed right after arriving so all walking has been very painful. A real pita.
We took the metro back from Chamartin train station today, adding to the adventure. Tokyo was easier. Paris is easier. So is London. We never tried Bangkok! If I learned or remembered my Spanish, it would be easier! Oh well.
Tomorrow we chill. We'll find something to do. Wednesday we're off to Barcelona. I booked tickets for La Sagrada Familia got Thursday. Friday we chill. Saturday we fly back.
See how quickly this goes?
-- From my iwdt
No comments:
Post a Comment