Another day in Paradise

Today we got up early and started our drive back to Rota . We found our way back to the Navy Base and the air terminal. We were very happy to make it back without any car problems, especially since we put about 4000 kilometers (2500 miles) on the car during the past 3 weeks.
Here is a map of our travels. WHAT AN ADVENTURE!!!

Margo and our trusty car in front of Rota Air Terminal.


At the air terminal we found out about 2 possible space-A military flights coming up: One was leaving Rota at 2230 for Norfolk, Va and the other was leaving early Sunday morning at 0200 for Columbia, SC. Both schedules were very iffy, because it’s the military. We kept waiting for updates on both flights. They were both having mechanical delays and very little information was available to us. We sat around the terminal for a while, but decided to check into the Navy Lodge to rest up before the transatlantic flight.

As the time was coming near for committing to a flight, we decided to go for the first flight that left for the U.S east coast – the Patriot Express flight to Norfolk. The Patriiot Express is regular flight contracted by the U.S. government to carry troops and families back and forth. It was running late, but was indeed coming in from Siganella, Italy. We kept getting conflicting reports about vacancy on the flight, as it was a huge 767 that can hold up to 300 passengers.

Turns out there were about 175 military personnel and families on the flight from Italy and about 50 more leaving from ROTA. So, we had seats on the plane. We found out that this plane is operated by Ryan Air, complete with stewardesses and two meals and 4 movies. We arrived about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, U.S. time. We tried to find a military flight to Charleston where our car was parked, but there were no military flights. We arranged to pick up a rental car in the morning, took a cab over to the commercial airport, and napped for an hour or two at the airport.

Rented the car at 7:00 a.m., and drove to Charleston. We had a very pleasant ride in Virginia and got to see some beautiful fall foliage along the way. We were delighted to see rain and greenery and the colorful leaves. We moteled in Charleston, and next day we drove back to Winter Park. WHEW!

Turns out, if we had gambled and not taken the Patriot Express but waited for the C5 going to Columbia, SC – it did indeed have mechanical difficulties and didn’t leave Spain till November 3rd!!!

In the final days of enjoying our time in Spain, Margo realized that there were certain images and sights that were characteristic of Spain. Here is her list along with some pictures that Margo took of some of these items. Some are probably in other European countries, but we are not sure as we are not big world travelers.

Super-long, skinny pillows at every hotel.

Stainless steel covers on every roll.

Glass shower walls that went only half way.

Lots of solar panels.

Even more wind turbines.

Blue double arrow signs at each freeway exit.

Cepsa Elf Gas stations – Margo’s favorite gas stations in Spain

“Do not enter” sign in any language.

Lots of motorcycles, everywhere.

Plenty of olive trees.

And plenty of olives – served at every restaurant and café and bar.

Fancy table settings a common sight

Well-dressed restaurant staff.

The only salad dressing - Oil and Vinegar, plus tissue-thin napkins.

Pork – all types – was very popular (we even saw ham flavored potato chips.)

Roll-down window shutters – in every city we visited.

Other observations

• Super-clean bathrooms, even in gas stations
  
• Super white and pressed linens and napkins at restaurants and cafes
  
• “Closed” signs during siesta hours
  
• Energy-efficient buildings with motion activated lights
  
• Every hotel room had a slot for your room key card; it turned on all electrical power in the room
  
• Changing the silverware and plates between courses at restaurants
  
• Women wearing spiky high heels and boots