A four hour train ride took us from Pamplona to Madrid. We got lost in the mesmerizing landscape grinning every time a small village with white stone buildings entered the scene. Lush were the hillsides and fields of agriculture.
We walked by the Atocha Station a couple of times while in Madrid but discovered a lush garden inside after departing the train.
It was an easy listless day – train and then a taxi to the hotel near the airport for our flight back to the USA the following morning.
It was an eight and a half hour flight to Newark where we were to have a quick layover and be one our way to Charlotte. Upon landing lightening crashed in around us and the plane stood still on the tarmac as the airport closed. An omen. A half hour later the plane was cleared to head to the gate.
Unbeknownst to us the airline industry and particularly United was in melt down mode. It was utter chaos. Cancelled flights and stranded people. Our connecting flight to Charlotte a victim.
It was 5:00 pm. A United agent told us it would be days before any seats would be available. “Check online.” The internet confirmed the worst.
We had places to be! The following day was our grandson’s first birthday and our son had taken time off of work – we didn’t have days…. who has days???
Quick change of plans – we rented a car and headed to Charlotte driving until dark. It was 1:30 am Madrid time by the time we stopped for the night somewhere in Maryland.
We arrived at our destination 21 hours late but in time to celebrate.
We visited family, broke bread, raced cars and played with our grand babies.
United continued its melt down and we feared we’d not make it home to Nevada as scheduled. It all worked out – both flights harmoniously were delayed and we made it home.
Now we shift through months of mail, dust off the house and get ready for summer. We head out again in 8 days.
Our trip by the numbers:
13 flights, 1 cruise ship, a few boat rides, multiple trains, lots of car rides, one tram – 34 beds and 18 Countries: South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, French Comoros, Seychelles, Omán, EAU, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Spain.
I wore everything that I packed, left one shirt (on purpose) and threw out 2 that I ruined. I way overpacked even though we just had carry on. Another lesson learned (again). Way less is even more!
Thanks for following along!
Welcome Home. Its been a great ride. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
Thank you. Next….. we do have something in mind.
Welcome home! Let’s do lunch and then dinner and then lunch again. I will bribe you to stay with more eggs.
Haha! I still have the dozen you gave me.
Welcome home!
Thank you. It feels good to be home.
I’m trying to say something but am pretty much speechless😳. Your pics (from the airplane) coming home? Don’t know how you did it. I went to just five states on a tour…and wanted to kneel down and kiss the floor of the Reno airpirt when we finally got back. I broke out singing “Home Means Nevada” in our car ride home😅. Guess I have no “wanderlust” in me; just thrilled to see it all thru Thee👏🏼! Praise the Lord for all your timely adventures and return🙌🏼!
Yay! It feels good to be back. Now the work at home begins…. No work when traveling! 😘
Glad you’re back and looking forward to seeing you and Bill. Thank you for our amazing several month trip. We enjoy it immensely.❤️
Thank for following along. We’ll see you very soon.
Dear Paige and Bill,
I have really enjoyed being with you on your trip – your photographs have been stunning and I have enjoyed your commentary as well.
Dick’s 90th birthday party was so nice. Ed and Anna had a delightful party at their house on James Island.
Do let us know when you plan to travel this way again.
With very best wishes and am glad you are safely back home.
Jane
Jane
Dear Paige and Bill,
I have really enjoyed being with you on your trip – your photographs have been stunning and I have enjoyed your commentary as well.
Dick’s 90th birthday party was so nice. Ed and Anna had a delightful party at their house on James Island.
Do let us know when you plan to travel this way again.
With very best wishes and am glad you are safely back home.
Jane
Thank you for following along. I’m glad y’all were able to celebrate Dick’s birthday. I’ll let you know when we get back to Charleston. Miss you!!
Welcome home and what a ride you had…. and to think you are taking off again so soon…LOL
Enjoyed all the blogs and pictures. Hopefully will be able to see you sometime this summer. Love you both
xoxo
Thanks for coming along. Don’t think we’ll make it to the Desert this summer but will for sure in the winter. If you come to Reno let’s plan to spend time together! 😍😘😍
For sure not this summer… Way too HOT!!!! Will let you know when I/We come to Reno and will look forward to seeing you in the winter when you come down this way…xoxo
Rewriting because not sure if this sent or not??? No way do not come down here this summer….Way too HOT!!! If I/We come to Reno I will let you know and will also look forward to you coming to desert in the winter time and hopefully getting together… xoxo
😍