A Journey: Adopting a Galgo: November 2021

Madrid

Can I actually go?

It had been two years since my last vacation anyplace, except one weekend in San Diego. I so wanted to go to Spain and Scooby again. Made reservations in the Spring, always watching how things were progressing with fighting off the virus. I checked in with some friends who had recently traveled to Spain and other parts of Europe, and they assured me that it would be safe to go.

So, with some trepidation, armed with double Pfizer vaccines and annual flu shot, the days inched forward. I had to make a final decision to go or not. The still small voice inside told me to go while I had the chance. I decided that I would go and started doing research on what I needed to do to prepare for the trip.

Spain issues a QR Code for Entry

Preparations for the Trip

First task was to check airline requirements. I wanted to bring a couple of dogs back for adoption, but American Airlines still had a cargo pet travel ban in place, and it seemed intimidating to deal with getting myself to Spain and back, let alone bringing dogs too. Next I had to find out what was necessary to enter Spain. I learned that you have to go to the Spain immigration site, register, enter your passport, flight, where you are staying and whether or not you’ve been vaccinated. If not, they require a negative COVID test within three days of your trip. They then send you a confirmation link. Then two to three days before you leave, you have to complete your registration. If successful, they send you a QR code that you show after you pass through immigration. I also used the VeriFLY app that American recommended, which made it easier to check in at the San Diego airport.

Yay! Flying into Spain

Traveling to Spain

The first leg flight to Dallas was completely full, and a three hour flight. They served soft drinks and biscuits. Masks are mandatory during all flights. There was no entertainment, save using their WiFi to view movies and listen to music. None of us could connect though to use it. Had a short layover, then boarded the very large plane to Madrid. The flight wasn’t full, so our middle seat mate was able to move to an aisle, giving me and my aisle mate extra room in the middle to stretch out. The plane had onboard entertainment, with individual screens for each passenger. During the long nine hour flight, saw a couple of good movies, “The Father” and an intriguing documentary, “The Loneliest Whale: The Search for 52”. They provided a full dinner and breakfast service. The attendants were steadfast in enforcing the mask mandate. No one made any trouble on either flight.

Landing in Madrid

Good to be Back in Madrid

Arrived in Madrid a bit early, around 9 a.m. Easily moved through immigration, health check, where they scanned the QR code, and then to collect my baggage. Caught a cab to the very excellent Hotel Atlantico on Gran Via. Thankful that they let me check in early. Got settled in and took a much needed nap. Got up and did a good walk about to some of my favorite haunts: the Azotea del Círculo rooftop bar, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado San Miguel, among others. The Hotel Atlantico also has two beautiful rooftop terraces that overlook the city. They even have turn down service, which is rare. What a lovely first day!

Lovely Madrid

Wonderful Excursions

Up early the next day for an 11 hour excursion to Salamanca and Ávila. We traveled by bus, with a tour guide. Both cities are so beautiful and have rich histories, landmarks and architecture.

Salamanca

Avila

Up early the next day for another 11 hour excursion to Toledo and Segovia. Again, traveled by bus with two tour guides, one for English and one for Spanish. Both of these cities are breathtakingly gorgeous and rich in history and architecture. It was yet another very excellent day.