1. My travel companion Shelley and I decided to use wheelchair assist in the big airports of Seattle, Dallas and Madri. The Seattle people did a perfect job. In Dallas, there was a gate change we didn't know about, and we waited for 20 minutes for a ride to pick us up. Apparently American Airlines forgot to let us know - as well as the assist program. And in Madrid, the wheelchair people forgot about us completely, so we walked a LONG WAY to customs and baggage. I may write a critical but pleasant letter.
2. I packed two regular canes and two "seat canes" in case Shelley wanted to use one, or my first one broke. So far, I haven't used the seat cane. I usually need it if I've been standing still for 15 minutes or more, but the only time that happened was at the Prada museum. I didn't use the seat cane, though, because if I'd sat down I wouldn't have been able to see the art over the heads of the people in front of me.
3. At the museum, our guide Claudia explained a dozen or so paintings to us. I completely understood everything she said. As for the paintings she didn't talk about, I have no idea! That was my experience years ago in Florence as well.
4. The more I walk, the easier it is. Duh. When I get home I'm going to do it every day.
5. My poor-so-far Spanish is adequate, thanks to patient Spaniards. Many people we've met so far speak little English, even in the tourist districts. They seem appreciative of my attempts at their language. I recall my Spanish instructor warning us about how to say I'm hot. "Caliente" means I'm, you know, a hot (sexy) person. "Calor" means I'm hot, as in sweaty. In the hotel elevator yesterday, I used caliente and the woman washing the walls of the elevator corrected me with a smile. I thanked her. I may or may not tell my Spanish instructor about that one!
6. I'm communicating with family and friends at home. There's a nine-hour time difference, so I need to be careful what time I send texts or make a call. I am waking up in Madrid when my husband Art is going to bed in Seattle. Before text and internet we were pretty much out of touch with everyone when we were traveling.
7. Shelley wanted to see a flamenco dance performance. I didn't think I'd be much interested, but she was persistent, so we took a taxi to a venue last night. The performance was quite something. Shelley got some great pictures, and if you can get to my Facebook page you can take a look.
8. The BBC in our hotel room provides much less frantic news than anything we watch at home.
9. I suspect this will be my last international trip unless I have a travel companion who's willing to have me take their arm very lightly when we're going down stairs without railings. And that, unfortunately, wouldn't be my husband, who is six years older than me and not much stronger or better balanced than I am.
This afternoon we fly from Madrid to Lisbon to join the rest of our Viking tour group.
10. I am, as always, grateful for the opportunity be here.
