Scooby Galgos
So Good to be Back at Scooby
Madrid's Chamartin Train Station
The fourth day, it was time to rise and shine to catch the early train from Madrid to Scooby, in Medina del Campo. Caught the fast train from Madrid (one hour), then took a cab directly to Scooby. I cannot tell you how much joy I felt when the taxi drove up to the entrance. The sights, sounds and smells brought me right back to my roots. I took some time to tour the sanctuary, meet old and new friends, and visit the animals.
Me and my Galgo Mix Buddy
I Wondered How Much Things Had Changed After Two Years
Headed to the Hotel Reina Isabel in Medina to unpack, get some dinner, a few groceries and some rest. I love that little hotel and the staff. I was so delighted to see that most all of the same people work there, as they have for years, and that they made it through the virus safely, thus far. It was as clean and comfortable as ever, and I slept like a rock.
I was curious to see how Medina del Campo would be since the virus struck. It was very much the same. Most all of restaurants and shops were open, and I was happy to see that a new Gadis grocery store opened and was very close to the hotel. Most days, I bought food there and made lunch and dinner instead of going out.
Downtown Medina del Campo
The Scooby Animals
Such Wonderful Animals to Love
It was so great to be back at Scooby, as I wondered how things would be after the devastation of the virus. Lots of improvements, including fences, security cameras, new perimeter paddocks and even a puppy paddock. The staff made it through these difficult times and continues to do their good work of rescuing so many animals.
Enjoyed seven days at Scooby, getting to know the animals, cleaning, feeding, socializing and cuddling with them. I noted that there were several empty paddocks, which is quite unusual. But considering the impact of the virus, so many things have changed. There were a few dozen Galgos, most of whom were reserved for transport and adoption. There were also a few dozen Podencos, Bull Terriers, Mastins, and a number of mixed breeds, large, medium and small. There were a couple of dozen adorable puppies. There were many cats and kittens of all sorts. On the farm, there were horses, a bull, donkeys, goats and sheep. There were many chickens and my personal favorite, a white turkey, who was very friendly and sweet.I Loved This Turkey! So sweet
The weather was really warm when I arrived in Madrid, and then in Medina del Campo, it became very chilly and windy in the mornings with gradual warming throughout the day. The evenings were quite cool and the sunrises and sunsets were stunning. Back to Madrid
After my seventh day at Scooby, I caught the fast train back to Madrid. There was some confusion about which station to go to, as I wasn’t able to purchase my tickets online. But I learned that you can purchase tickets at both stations. The new fast station has a ticket kiosk and the old station has a clerk at the ticket desk. The old train is for commuters and makes more stops. The new train takes one hour and only stops once in Segovia. Ticket price is about 24 Euros each way. Everyone wears masks on the trains and in the stations. In fact, about 80% of the people wore masks on the streets, and you could not enter any public building without a mask. The train station employees were kind and helpful.
The Fast Train Station in Medina del Campo
I stayed two more nights at the same hotel, Atlantico, in Madrid. It's close to great restaurants and shopping, so I had the chance to visit some old familiar places and discovered some new.
My Cozy Room at Hotel Atlantico, Madrid
It was amazing to see very long lines of people waiting to purchase their Christmas lottery tickets. There we many people out and about, and the Christmas decorations were up.
Found a Cool New Food Court with Views
The Long Line for Christmas Lottery Tickets
Had to have a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before flying. Was able to get my test, in my room at the hotel, for 45 Euros. Had all of the necessary paperwork to exit Spain and enter the U.S.
The Journey Back Home
I so wished that I could have brought some dogs back for adoption, but the American Airlines embargo on cargo animals continued. Hoping it's over so I can bring some in the Spring. As it ended up, in the morning that I was to leave, I received a text from American that my flight to Dallas was delayed due to thunderstorms. I had a chance to sleep in a bit. Got ready and caught a cab to the airport near Noon. Had a smooth flight with empty seats next to mine, allowing me to spread out. Had a three hour layover in Dallas. Caught some dinner at the airport before boarding. The plane going to San Diego was completely packed and had engine problems, delaying us for 45 minutes more. We were the last flight to arrive in San Diego after 12 a.m. I was going to catch a Lyft or Uber home, but no response that late at night, so I called my husband, who picked me up at the airport and brought me home. All of my dogs were so glad to see me, and I them. Rolled into bed and dreamt about my trip. It really was like a dream to be back in Spain and at Scooby, and I'm so thankful that I had the chance to go again.
Next trip to Spain and Scooby will be late April through early May. My husband will be traveling with me this time, and we plan an excursion to Mallorca for a few days. Hope to bring a dog or two back. But not sure if we'll be able to.
Hasta Luego! Thank you for reading my blog. Bless sends her blessings. Levi sends happiness.
Our lovely first Scooby Galga, Bless
Our handsome Scooby Podenco, Levi
