Happy Pilgrims

Monday 9 September Day 1

Spain is exactly as I remembered, beautiful and bright and warm, but what was forgotten was just how long the trip from Australia is! 

There was a miscommunication in the rush towards the end and the European charges were left behind. This was quickly solved in Hamad Airpot where we stopped for a pot of tea, scones and cream at Harrods. We charged both our devices and ourselves. Very good use of time plus road tested the travel card. 

We were weary not just because of the long haul flight but because there was a long dragged argument in the row over. We had purchased tickets on the top floor of the A380 Airbus hoping for some extra leg room. It was lovely but not a fabulous sleep with ongoing confrontations between someone wanting to put their seat back and someone who was squashed in. The air staff were very diplomatic and eventually things calmed down

Nice to chat to people on the transport bus or while queuing about where they are off to. There are so many lovely places to visit around the world and with the exception on these two on Qatar Airways in the wee small hours while we were trying to sleep, most people are super happy. We got chatting to a father and son from Brisbane who were on their way to do a special  pilgrimage to Cyprus (small world!).

The Orchard (Hamad Airport) was stunning but a little tricky to navigate to. We will definitely make more time for it on the way home. There were plenty of travellers making the most of this magical relaxing zone. The flight was sedentry but the stoppover was put to excellent use!. Not sure why it’s called The Orchard when there we no fruit trees and that the climate is modelled on a rain forest. More to learn later down the track. 

Our apartment in Barcelona is in a good location and suits our needs. It’s not super flash and when one calls it ‘Vintage Rentals’ that’s quite accurate. Casa Valencia wasn’t super flash but it was certainly well located. We would grow quite attached to our home base in the coming days, but more of that later. We’ve unpacked, showered, rested and will go out later and explore. 

I’m keen to find a rooftop bar, not because I want wine or food I just want to watach the sun go down! Eyes are tired and it will be a day or so before we get aclimatised. 

More later on - signing off day one - Happy Pilgrims.