What an adventure getting here! We started out with a dramatic drive to the airport early Tuesday in flooding rains and high winds. Austin, our house sitter, was our valiant chauffeur. It was dark. I was in the back seat unable to control my anxiety as we hit standing water on Interstate 26. Austin was wonderful: calm, competent and unflappable. It was a harrowing start to an up and down day. Typical travel.


The airport was alive with anxiety as the cancelled and delayed flights were repeatedly broadcasted. Flooding alerts lit up cell phones as warnings rippled through the waiting areas. After six hours, our flight was delayed three times and our leisurely connection in Atlanta dwindled to tight and then to impossible. We decided to go back to check-in and rebook. The agent got us on a new flight, but then follows us and yells out “Your flight is boarding now!” Just the news we needed to create total panic and disfunction as we attempted to get through security! When we got to the crowded gate our names were called out. Lorena is still carrying her boots. We boarded a nearly empty plane and wait an hour on the tarmac. What is happening? It feels like a Twilight Zone episode. We cannot make sense of why others were not getting on this plane and we were chosen. We land in Atlanta with 20 minutes to make it to our Madrid plane. Somehow we made it–the last to board with doors shutting behind us. Now we’re on top of the world!


The rest of the flights and connections go well. We arrive in Madrid on time and meet our Air BNB host. No problems. Lovely apartment. We cannot believe our luck. Travel is such a wheel of fortune!

I can’t believe that crowd in the airport. That was Asheville. So amazing. Very glad you are there and ready for fun. Jane
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Yes, they are doing construction so space is limited. Then all those cancellations meant everyone was staying in place. A lot of miserable people! Glad you are enjoying it. We love our neighborhood.
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Ahhh 21st century plane travel…well you are there safely and in good spirits. Looking forward to next Madrid “Travels with Kitty and Lorena”. ♥️⭕️❌🍷
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Yes, I believe this is the norm. it is still a thrill to board a plane and wake up in Europe. Mitigates the misery.
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One requires a good sense of humor to travel these days. Being a Willow is the way! So glad you made it to your destination. Have a grand time! E
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So true about humor. We reminded ourselves at least 2x, “we just have to maintain a sense of humor.” It really does help.
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Wow!! That was quite the start to your trip!! YAY Austin! Just the beginning to many adventures! 🙂 Ellie
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Thanks, Ellie. Now we are here and having a blast!!!
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Holy cow!
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You made it! That’s such a good part of travel– whirling along, dealing, and winning!
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Yes, it’s sort of amazing when things work out!
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