Up at the crack of dawn to ready myself for the trip to Belfast international airport. Leaving at 7 to make sure that we reached there by 8 just in case there was more traffic. The mist (I call them low hanging clouds) was quite heavy in parts on the way and I wondered if the flights might be cancelled. Luckily it was clear when we arrived.
My cousin and his wife drove me and it was a tearful goodbye when I disappeared into the terminal. I was to meet Christine near the entrance so I was early and keeping a sharp eye out for her. As it crept closer to eight I decided to see if I could phone her. The first call didn’t work so I realised that as my phone was an Australian one I would need to drop the 0 and put 44 in front of her number. Just as I had entered it into my phone she phoned me. And we see each other.
I’m not going to say we ran into each other’s arms!!! Silly people. NO. here she was at the front of quite a long line of people who’d lined up at the easyjet checkin desks. So I boldly went straight up to her and we went next in line to book in the cases. (Have NO idea if this caused any consternation but it’s ok-I didn’t care haha!!! Christine had my tickets anyway.
Case through and £7 later my backpack was through in the oversized luggage too. We were free to pass through into the maze of people heading towards the security area. I do believe I’m going to be walking in s shaped lines from now on. It’s the only way to walk through a room and cover every square inch!
Ouch! Ok I admit it wasn’t as long as the last time I passed through security in Barcelona but it was a few minutes. Voila we were through without being frisked. Amazing. We both had a bit of breakfast until our gate was announced. I just had time for a quick loo stop and we were boarding. I don’t think the word is ‘luckily’ but Christine has a walking stick and due to this we ended up towards the front of the line to board. There was a lady (I loosely say this) that was desperately trying to get past Christine so she could get on the same aeroplane first??? Really?? Allocated seats and same plane? Ok ok Heather settle down. BUT REALLY?
A very pleasant trip to Barcelona. Christine in the aisle seat, me in the middle and this lovely young guy at the window. Turned out to be a trip I won’t forget. His name is Neil and he’d booked a short break for him and his wife whose birthday it will be tomorrow. Sadly he’d not secured seats together. She was on the opposite side of the aeroplane in the same row. He was super funny. He purchased two Bundaberg Rums and I purchased a Johnny Walker scotch but I didn’t have quite enough for the mixer. He purchased it and shared with me. From then on it was hilarious.
He told us about his wife Emma and his baby Lily. He is the best mortgage broker in Northern Ireland. (I don’t know of any others). We had a really lovely time and I gained their approval to put pics up. http://Facebook.com/mabneilfarrell
Once through the arrivals we picked up our baggage and selected a taxi.
My 20 months of Spanish lessons sort of worked. I was able to put some words together and he actually understood!!!!!! unfortunately he spoke Spanish back to me and it was a little overwhelming but we managed one word at a time. Phew!
Our driver Danny was very nice. The trip was not supposed to be a long one but there had been an accident and traffic was backed up. So the fare was €46. Christine gave him €50 and he kept the change. Mmmm. This is called ‘self tipping’.
I’d shown him the address for the Hostal Apolo. But as we find out quite quickly, he’d taken us to the Apolo hotel. Fortunately the other one was literally around the corner.
Only three minutes walk but it was hot and uncomfortable. Finally arrived and booked in. Not too bad- considering. Christine presented me with a beautiful fan she had purchased it in CUBA.
Not too shabby. We settled in then made our way to Las Rambla to search for food, on the way we saw many artists. This one did an amazing job in just over 20 minutes.
We found the restaurant Ambos Mundos. Had quite a nice main meal and a delicious dessert. With a full bottle of Rose.
Whilst we were eating there were six ‘chippendales’ maybe not but they were pretty fine. Doing an acrobatic turn to earn money
Didn’t hurry ourselves but finally headed back (and actually found our way FIRST TIME) back to our accommodation.
On the way home we passed this restaurant. Imagine asking the taxi driver to go there! HAHAHA
It’s goodnight from Christine and goodnight from me….
Cruise tomorrow
Lady Boomer 