June 1, 2025
Whirlwind travel day
Jacinto couldn't resist the chance to take a three day school bus trip to the other side of the state! He said it would all be fine. He would pack in advance, and surely the passes would be open for the drive back? Never mind that the last driver to go over the mountain didn't return home until 4:30 AM - Vail Pass was closed for an accident. Jacinto pointed out we didn't need to leave home until 8 AM, plenty of time. Ah, yes. To be so laid back.
Jacinto was home at midnight. I had the van basically loaded and ready to go. Good friend Sheila dropped us off in Grand Junction. I spiraled my stress before even having a shower this morning, by being concerned that our airport check in said we were in economy, when we actually had an upgrade with more leg room and two checked bags each. I was on the computer early, confirming that information. Yes, I was correct. Still, when we got to the airport, I was expecting to show that information. The counter agent said he would try and find us an upgrade so we didn't have to pay for all of the bags. I was ready - pointing out we had four included bags, and that our boxes fit the 50 pounds, 115 inch size allowance for bicycles. I made sure to add that we appreciated bicycles going for free with American. The agent said there were no upgrades available, good thing we had the bags included. No further questions/concerns, and we were checked in. Security is always easy at little airports. We were through in no time.
We had just one plane change, in Dallas. This trip we were using Apple air trackers. I stressed myself by continually updating the phone app to see the location of our four bags. As we were boarding the airplane, I showed the gate agent my phone, and that only one of our items appeared to be on the airplane. She said that it was a full flight and if we had large items, they might be bumped, UNLESS we were traveling internationally. Then they would get on. She checked with someone else, who radioed and confirmed our items were on. I was still checking the app, and then asked the flight attendant on the airplane, as it looked like three of our items were downstairs at the check in. The man behind me chimed in that the flight attendant could check the actual luggage tag numbers. I didn't feel as if he had a rude tone of voice, but she was quite aggressive back with him - asking if he didn't think she could do her job, and she didn't like his tone of voice. She did not say any of that to me, but was polite with me. As we pulled away, my phone sent a notice that three of my items were left behind. I was low level stressed the entire flight to Dallas. Once we arrived there, the app still showed only one item with me. It took about ten minutes for the app to update and show all four items at least at the Dallas airport, if not actually on the plane. I gave up on accuracy. When we left Dallas, and the app didn't show everything on the plane, I didn't worry this time. Amazing!
I had packed snacks for us. Jacinto had two giant BBQ sandwiches from Buc-ee's. I mentioned getting nachos during our layover, more as an activity than wanting/needing food. Jacinto misunderstood, and bought us a $12. skimpy nacho with cheese sauce to go. I was thinking we would eat at the restaurant. Ah, well. Our three hour layover passed quickly enough. I had a good book to read - Liane Moriarty's Here One Moment.
We had a ten hour flight to Barcelona. Considering, I think it passed quickly. I really appreciated having the extra legroom, and the ability to stand up and move around. I didn't feel as if I slept much on the plane, but probably got a couple of hours. Of course, I was just really getting asleep when the lights came on, and they served yogurt with granola for breakfast. We had only 45 minutes until landing, but it didn't take long to eat.
One of my many points of concern was the taxi. I had prepaid for an eight person taxi through booking.com for $48. On the booking form, I said we had two people, and two bicycle boxes. They replied that would be fine. Communication was good. They were proactive in texting me on the driver's arrival and how long he would wait. We got our luggage quickly (hurray!), and went to the taxi staging area where there were many people holding up names. Jacinto found our name. The man was surprised at our large boxes - but I pointed out we ordered a large van. He took two groups to get in taxis, and then it was our turn. I was happy that we crossed the majority of Barcelona by taxi. I saw nothing about that drive that I felt I would have missed on a bicycle. It seems many/most cyclists take the train out of town. Not Jacinto. He is here to ride his bicycle. We will be riding every inch!
We unloaded the taxi in the foyer of the hotel. Where is the reception? Jacinto called - it's just up one flight of stairs. They had a small elevator similar to what the Andersons' have been experiencing. The boxes did go up, while on end. But the ceiling is low. We don't think my assembled bike will go inside, even standing on its back wheel. The stairs have three turns, but we agreed that it seems possible to get my bike up that way. The desk clerk said we could put our assembled bikes on the terrace, which is the same level as our room.
Our room was ready. We got in three hours early. Frankly, at this point, I would have had a horizontal nap. Jacinto was ready to explore. He wanted lunch. I was fading fast, but we went to eat. I ordered too much food, and picked at it. We took the scenic route through an indoor market. At least half of the store fronts were closed. Because it was Monday? Or because it was afternoon?
We went back to the room. I told Jacinto I wanted a nap, and he could check out the surrounding area. I think I slept about two hours. He scouted out enough restaurants for a week! I still wasn't interested in eating, but Jacinto was sure we needed dinner. We settled for a shared plate of nachos. Temperatures had cooled off, and it was breezy. I was happy to have a jacket. We ate outside. It was fun to people watch. We saw any number of cyclists. Few had helmets. Many were on ebikes. There were quite a few food delivery people on bicycles, with insulated packs on their backs, or rack packs. One woman was pushing her bike, with the six(ish) year old daughter balanced on one foot on the step through bike's top tube. It looked precarious to me, but both seemed relaxed. A group of twenty something women were at the table next to us. Another woman approached, and was greeted with squeals, and prolonged hugs. She and one of the seated women were vividly amused to see they had identical large, fabric, pumpkin colored bags. People watching is enjoyable. That's what I like about Tucson, the roads might be familiar, but the people keep it interesting.
We walked around a little more, then sat on the terrace of the hotel. Eventually we moved on to the room. The TV in the room had Netflix, but nothing Jacinto wanted to watch was in English or Spanish. Or, perhaps jet lag was finally catching him, and he didn't change languages. I think it was 30 seconds after he closed his eyes that he started snoring!
Our plan for tomorrow is to drop off the bikes as soon as the shop opens, then eat, and walk over to the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. It is 15 minutes from us. Jacinto wasn't interested in the tour. We are going to take some photos outside.
After all of my fussing, and stewing, the day went as smoothly as could be possible. Hopefully that streak will continue through bicycle assembly Tuesday, and our exit out of town on Wednesday.
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6 days ago
Thank you for answering my zillion questions this winter. You eased my mind with your impressive vault of knowledge.
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