Departure and Arrival

One week ago today we bade a tearful (at least on Grandma's part) to Sheli and family at the Las Vegas international terminal. We flew on British Airlines and although it was gate #2. They seemed to number the gates backwards and we had to walk the distance of the terminal.

The terminal was not crowded and we negociated the stops and turns without delay. The plane was delayed, however. When it landed from somewhere, the American security team took extra long in "cleaning" and we were an hour late leaving. The plane had seen years of service and my seat would not recline and Ken's headset did not work well. He had an isle seat and I the center. Our companion was a young Brit who instantly fell asleep and did not stir the entire trip. Neither did his three companions who were seated in front of us. I assume they had partied non-stop.  We slept, sort of. When I roused, I checked the flight map. We went over Denver. Up through Michigan and a bit of Canada then over the pond just south Greenland and on to London. Airplane food is next to hospital fare in appeal and taste.

Although it seems early morning to us, arrival time in London was 2:00 pm local time. The transfer to another terminal was much easier - more direct and with less congestion than our previous experience, so we were pleased. Our flight to Madrid was in Iberian Airlines. Here was the only place I had to open a computer case. The attendant skillfully helped himself to an item of importance, so be advised, if your bag must be rescanned - stay with it. Again the plane was late departing, but as we had no critical connection, we just waited. On this airline we had to purchase a sandwich which we shared and a drink - not cold.

President and Sister Moore were waiting for us and a more delightful couple you will not meet. Very personable and as we have discovered spiritual and capable leaders. Local time was about 7:00 pm

The building material here in Madrid like in Bolivia is red brick. I will be interested to see the basic construction pattern. Is it the same?? Probably not as the bricks are exposed and we see many red brick high rise buildings from our window.

We are getting settled in. The jet lag is about neutralized and we about have all the housekeeping articles we need. The metro and bus routes are very close but we also walk a lot to the small shops and larger shopping centers.

Our apartment is small and European in details. We are on the third floor of a six story building. Remember here the first floor is not ground level. So it is actually 7 stories. We get into the building and upstairs with an electronic key. We are given one each, which cramps my style but I am learning not to venture out without a key. There are no drawers in the bathroom. We must share a computer desk which is not large, so that will be a personal challenge. The view from our windows looks onto a vacant lot. It is not beautiful but not trash filled either.  It is still early Spring here with temperatures in the 60's. It has rained and the wind can be brisk. These apartments are heated and/or cooled so we are comfortable. The streets are paved (only if you have been in Bolivia, do you appreciate this). There are round-abouts and cars stop for pedestrians without grumbling. All obey traffic signals.

We have met some lovely people who have been very generous with their time and information to get us settled in. There are many pretty parks and the median dividers are all planted and well cared for. All are in flower now and dressed in spring green.