Drive to the airport, long line waiting to check my bag, lots of people watching, Flight from Boston to Azores. The flight was originally supposed to be at 10:17pm but it was delayed so we didn't end up leaving until 11:30. That means they were serving us dinner at about 1am. Yes perky flight attendants, I'm starving...but I would rather sleep! Everyone will wake you up for dinner whether you want to eat or not. We arrived at the tiny airport of Porto Delgado at 8am? I think...it's all a haze. (4am Boston time).
They drop you right off on the tarmac and then you have to make the sleepy walk to the tiny terminal with all your luggage, wait an hour, and get back on the same exact plane. Imagine a tiny terminal with a whole airplane waiting to get back on, so I sat on the ground for an hour.
Then I got back on the plane and had the best seat possible! Right behind first class. I had tons of leg room! I slept the whole ride, well except for when they woke me up for a snack and then I fell asleep again. Woke up to my seat partner putting my tray away for me (I imagine she gave them my trash?) and it was landing time in Lisbon, Portugal.
2 hours later I was on a flight Lisbon-Madrid (1hr 30min)! Honestly, I don't even remember this flight. I'm pretty sure that just means I slept a little more, and was awoken to have another gross airline snack. I'm sorry but bread with just a slice of cheese in between is not a good snack.
Flying into Madrid
I was worried that Spain wouldn't let me in because I have no return flight. Turns out there was no regulation! I didn't even get my bag checked, or passport stamped! I don't know if I took a wrong turn or what, but when I walked out of the door Esperanza or Espe was waiting for me with almost her whole family! I learned the difference between Chile and Spain real quick. Chile- one kiss on the cheek, Spain- one kiss on each side.
There was no sign, but good thing Espe recognized me! I was in a daze and just walking and she said Abby! and then kiss kiss kiss Espe (the mom), Bernard (her boyfriend), Espe's Mom (forget her name), Espe's Dad (forget his name), Mara (the 7yr old girl that I'm hanging out with), and Adriana (Mara's cousin, and the girl that Darah is hanging out with). I think that was it.
Mara on Right, Adriana on left
Bernard is a total gentleman, he took my luggage as soon as I got there. He drives a Range Rover. enough said. Every time I say his name I think of my dad whose real name is Bernard. I would say only like 20% of the people who know me, know that.
We got home and I was shown my room and a tour of the house. Adriana and Mara were great helps and they read the wifi password out loud to me! See, I'm working them already! I was able to settle in sort of and then we were off to dinner in the park. I tried pulpo, octopus, and it was way too slippery and slimy for me. We had some drinks and tapas or dishes that people share. We had dinner at like 10pm, and the sun was just setting. SO WEIRD.
I never really think about jetlag, but I was hoping that it wouldn't really affect me! I think I lucked out! I got in late enough that I was able to go to bed at night. If I had gotten here at like 10am and had to stay up all day?! that would have been hard. So thank you 18 hour travel, you helped save me from jet lag!
Sorry for the super long post, but SO MANY THINGS ARE HAPPENING! I will try to post often so that it isn't a pain to read such a long post. Also, right now none of my phones work, so I haven't been taking too many photos (also I don't want to reveal my weakness for selfies just yet!)
I got to bed at like midnight and woke up at 10am Sunday morning.
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