Laura wanted me to spring for some bling but instead I sprung for some springs. -Dave

Jan 6 is a holiday here – Los Reyes Mogos.  Translated into English –  “everything will be closed or have reduced hours”.  It didn’t stop many people,  including us, from being out and about on another sunny day.  No luck finding the stamp and mint museum (it likely would have been closed) so we settled for a beverage at Casa Carmencita.

“This mid 19th century taberna was famous in the early 1920s as a hangout of writers, artists and politicians.  Its wood façade, elegant tiling and gas lamps add to its character.”  The tile work was absolutely beautiful.   Dave noted that the garlic-infused green olives (we love the gratis snacks!) were the best he’d had.  (Kirken: you’d go nuts here!)  We hope to find a few more of the old taverns, especially the one frequented by Ernest Hemingway.

But wait – yesterday, Jan 5 was Cabalgata de Reyes.  Translated into English: HUGE Twelfth Night parade (semis pulling the floats) and crowds not to believed.  The parade started at 6:30 p.m. and it was 8:00 when it finally reached the end of the route, where we jostled for a viewing spot at the barrier.   Most of the people (us included) couldn’t actually see the parade so I surmise it’s just yet another excuse for kids to be out late!   We left after the first few floats, which were  very commercialized children’s characters, so guess we missed the ones that actually related to the religious meaning of the event, AND the fireworks.  This 2013 video. gives a flavor, as does this second shorter one.  Yup, we hit the jackpot and were here for the “biggest holiday in Spain”!  Cheers – Laura

Fur coats (Paige!) are worn casually, though the temperatures really don’t warrant them.  Fashion in general is several notches higher than in the states.  Even those on a stroll to the market are dressed smartly.  Sweats and athletic shoes are only seen on joggers. – Laura

Excellent instruction from our lodging host got us through the Madrid subway system without a hitch.  Transferring between 3 different lines (pink, navy blue, light green) was easy, and this “first time” was made easier by the lack of crowds on this holiday a.m.  From our subway exit it was a 10-ish minute walk through a neighborhood to the apartment we’re staying at.  Having extra time,  we would have loved to find an open coffee shop – but no-go (none open on New Years Day).   Cold morning (30 deg) with clear skies.  Norberto showed up on time to let us into our new “home” for the next 10 days.  A small but efficient newer 4th floor apartment, windows to the street.  The street level is peppered with small bars, restaurants, grocery and produce stores, and various other service stores.  Very handy.  Apartment dwellers compete for parking spots on the street, and on the sidewalks on the “no parking” side of the street.  Most of the apartment buildings in this area are not big – 4-5 stories with 3-5 places on each floor.

Caution: Watch for lit cigarette butts flicked from upper balconies, salt disguised as sugar in a canister (‘this tea sure tastes funny’), and dog poo on the sidewalks.

Dec 31 & Jan 1

Flight from Seatac to JFK uneventful.  Travel note for JFK: if you’re traveling on more than 1 airline & they’re in different terminals   (there are 8 terminals), allow extra time to go through security – again.  We had plenty (4 hrs) but wouldn’t have guessed it would have taken us as long as it did.

The travel gods were with us:

1) Everyone we asked for help (and there were several of them!) was kind and helpful.

2) “TSA Pre-check” was stamped on our boarding passes (don’t know the criteria that allowed this) so we were directed to a line where removing shoes and liquid contents of luggage is not required.  Often this isn’t a time-saver, but on this occasion it was huge.

3) Our boarding passes also noted “priority”.   Again, not sure of the criteria.  Good looking couple?  They were almost- free tickets (Frequent flier miles + $35),  so it wasn’t because we were big spenders.  Regardless, it got us to the front of the line – again.

4)  Scrunched back in 767 economy seat to Madrid, but not complaining, a flight attendant asked if we’d like the emergency exit row seats.   “Hell yes!” I whooped, as I gathered belongings and bolted to the new seats before he changed his mind.  Once again, not sure why he chose to offer them to us.  Didn’t care, just enjoyed the extra leg room – Dave especially.

The flight time was reduced by 1 hour to  6.5 hours with the 100 mph tail wind.   This got us into Madrid at 7:30 a.m, through immigration with narry a glance or question,  no customs (day off?) and no luggage to collect (just a carry-on bag for each of us).  And we’re off!! – Laura