We're Packed But Are We Going?
We are about to travel again. The preparation is not so light hearted as it has been in the past. Remember when we could meet friends at the gate when they left the plane? Or when we could walk departing friends to their gate? That all changed with 9/11 and it has not been reversed. What will remain after Covid restrictions? Will it always be necessary to show our vaccination cards before entering a museum or restaurant? Wear masks? Take a Covid test before getting on a plane? Register with a state or national health department?
On Monday 2/28/2022 we need to complete the health survey for the Spanish Ministry of Health. This will give us a QR code so that we can enter Spain. A QR code? Is that the same as a bar code scanner? Yikes! We'll be in Chicago to get on the plane at 5:00 PM. Debbie (Travel Leaders, Bloomington) assured us that she will be available if we have any problems. Relief! Until we've done that we still aren't sure that we can get on the plane. BUT we are ready!
Getting this was a challenge! Finally after getting the app we were able to do it. After putting hours into it we now have codes. Relief!
Where are we (hopefully) going? We're off to Malaga, Spain for a month. Debbie found us a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment. Yep, she's a travel agent who can even do that! We're looking forward to welcoming family and friends to our "home" in Malaga.
After Malaga we head to Cordoba. Cordoba is a favorite town for us. It's a combination of many cultures--Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Spanish. It has one of my favorite gardens in all the world. It's been a long time since we've been there. We can't wait to return. I loved reading A Dying Light in Cordoba by Lindsey Davis. Falco has to be one of my favorite detectives, centuries ahead of Columbo.
Finally, Madrid. Here we come for a chance to revisit favorite places and see favorite people. Before we leave Madrid we'll need to take a Covid test to be able to get back home. I received the tests from Qured.us. Once in Spain we'll make an appointment to take the test online. The results will be delivered within 2 hours. If they're negative we'll be on our way home. If positive--well, you'll see this blog filled with whining long into April. For now we are crossing our fingers and hoping that all will go well and that our adventures will only be fun. Here's to hope! ~Cindy
And from another point of view...
Ahh, my ever adventurous partner...what have we gotten ourselves into? I must admit I am a bit anxious. We were going to begin this adventure in January, then Omicron interceded and we delayed our departure until March 1st. Now there appears a new variant, possibly worse is looming coupled with a possible war (Russia vs Ukraine) unfolding in Europe. Kinda reminds me of the movie, The Producers which presented a musical comedy called Springtime for Hitler. What a great time to take a trip--he says as squeezes his butt cheeks together. What could go wrong?
Well, stick with us via our blog and you'll find out. We'll share everything! Well, maybe not everything but most of the down and dirty along with "the hills are alive with music..." kinda stuff. Oh, and if you get an email or text that we're being held for ransom or have been taken by a band of marauding gypsies, it might be for real. Don't write it off so easily--please?
~ đŸ˜‡Dennis
PS We are having a difficult time with the situation in Ukraine and figuring out how to help. We have sent a donation to the International Rescue Committee and to a friend who's son is going there to fight for Ukraine. The trouble there and in other places, is heartbreaking.
