Our journey to Spain has happened. Clyde took me to the airport Wednesday evening, we picked up Beth then stayed in a hotel near the airport. Thursday morning, security was easy at IAH..absolutely no line. Good thing we didn’t go last week with the four hour lines.
We spent a long day in Madrid after a crazy airport arrival. First of all, when we left DFW, we were delayed a bit. There was a guy that was denied entry to the US. The police had to get him situated on our plane, in the way back for his flight back to Spain.
When we arrived in Madrid, they announced that he should get off first. The police were waiting for him at the door of the plane. It took a while to get him sorted to the front because everybody was already clogging the aisles. Beth said it was like those smuggle shows Woody watches.
Ok, next they pulled the stairs up to the plane. Everybody had to climb out, with carryon bags and board the waiting bus…stuffed in like sardines. Beth and I got separated on different buses.
After a long bus ride, we entered a huge room packed with folks. It was crazy with several lines that snaked around and very few workers.
The non EU line led to a machine that was supposed to process us thru customs. We had to scan passports, take pictures and fingerprints. Ok, got that done, now headed to the next long line…scan your passport again. Next go back to another huge line where there were two agents to do it all over again, but now in person.
This was the first day that started using this “automated” system. I guess if we would have arrived yesterday, it would have been a breeze. That was really something.
Our Viking guy met us and another couple and took us to the hotel. The other couple was from Shreveport and the guy reminded us both of Brian Killough. We liked them a lot.
We checked in, went to a Viking briefing then headed to our room for a much needed nap. After that, we ubered to the Plaza Mayor area for shopping and dinner. A very nice start to our visit to Madrid.
Oh, and one more thing. We have identified the guy in our group that we don’t like. He went on and on about Boston and the Celtics. I told him go Spurs when we left. He didn’t respond to that at all. We have named him Celtic. Somehow, I think he will be a future topic.
And, the pictures are maybe not in order but just a photo dump. It is easier that way:). Several of the pictures were of the food in the market at Plaza Mayor. It was a pretty amazing array, even the fish.
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