Heading Home and Looking Back

11:00 am Madrid time, 3:00 am in Tucson  

I am at the Madrid airport, checking in two hours before my delayed flight to Dallas. I was a little concerned that the 45-minute delay might be enough to keep me from catching my connecting flight to Tucson, but I checked in with American Airlines. They told me it would be close, but due to having Global Entry and not checking my bag, I would probably make it. If I don’t make that flight, there is another late flight to Tucson from Dallas. So I should be in good shape for getting home tonight, even if it’s late.*

My second day in Madrid was somewhat less successful. Due to a fairly heavy rainstorm and a slight case of intestinal discomfort, I made the decision to not leave my hotel. It was disappointing to miss visiting the Prado, but I guess I’ll just have to do that another time.

This was disappointing, but I didn’t want to wander around downtown Madrid, always worried about where the next WC might be. I spent most of the day reading (finished my book) and watching a pair of downloaded movies and a couple of YouTube videos.

Despite all the hype about getting to the airport early, I was at my gate only about one hour and 10 minutes after I left the hotel. So I have two hours to wait before I board and almost 3 hours until takeoff. Going through security was easy, and passport control was the same.

I’m glad I made the decision to stay over the extra couple of nights in Madrid, but except for visiting the museum, I really don’t feel any need to come back here. I mean, it’s very nice, and the people are very friendly, and I know just enough Spanish to ask directions as needed.

But between the two bus tours and walking around on Tuesday, I saw most of the major sights to see in Madrid. It was fun, it was kinda interesting, but I don’t feel a draw here like I have in other cities, like Paris or Sydney or Valencia . I do have a Metro pass (worth € 2.5) with two rides left on it, if anybody is coming this way.

I hope to write a full follow-up after I’m home for a couple of days to get some perspective. Other than that, see you soon. 

Adios,
Jay 

Postscript, Aug. 9, 2025

*(PS on 8/9: The flight from Madrid was late, the Global Entry line at DFW was too long due to lack of staffing, and, despite RUNNING through the airport, I missed my connection. I caught the late flight into TUS, getting home @ midnight. The good news was that my bus to the parking lot was manned by my old friend Sahid, who is also the lot manager AND who is from Morocco. I had told him about my trip, and he was thrilled to hear all about it, even at that late hour. He was so pleased with me that he tore up my parking ticket, opened the back gate, and let me leave the lot without paying for about 15 days of parking [at $7 per day]. AND he wouldn't take my tip.)

Gosh, I forgot to write the follow-up, sorry. And that's just not right, because I really enjoyed the trip, especially Morocco. It's the one North African country that I believe you could visit on your own. The people are friendly, English is common, especially in tourist areas, the roads are (mostly) pretty good, the Medina shopping is fun, and accommodations are plentiful and reasonably priced. There is a lot to see and some history to be learned. Now that I have visited Tangier also, on my spring cruise, I'm even more convinced about that. Even though I don't feel the need to go back because there are still so many other places I'd like to visit, I'd highly recommend a trip to Morocco.


RECAP OF TRIP POSTS 

Intro/Starting Page

Off to Casablanca

Saturday in Casablanca

One Day, Four Cities

Fes, the Medina, and More

Mountains and Desert Dunes

The Great Oasis Valleys

Ourzazate to Marrakech

An Evening in Marrakech

Marrakech to El Jadida via Essaouira

Oceanfront Essaouria

Au Revoir Maroc

Hola Madrid


My Other Travel Blogs

2013 Safari in Tanzania and Kenya
(my first blogging attempt)

2022 Paris and Rhone River Tour

2023 Egypt, Land of the Pharaohs

2024 Safari in Southern Africa

2025 Mediterranean Discovery Cruise

Comments

  1. CandaceMarch 6, 2025 at 4:42 AM

    Great account of your adventure away. Thankful everything went pretty smoothly. The weather, well not much control there. It’s part of the experience. Looking forward to hanging out with you on the mountain. Take care Candace

    ReplyDelete

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