My travels to Sevilla were not alone. Kristin's roomate's mom (Nancy) decided to visit her daughter (Kayla) as well. It was great having someone else to go along. Our flight to Madrid was delayed by about 30 minutes. Not bad, other than our layover in Madrid was only 60 minutes. We did our best, but missed our flight to Sevilla by about 10 minutes. We arrived in Sevilla about 3 hours later. Kristin and Kayla were there to meet us. We took the bus to where they live. It seemed surreal to have Kristin sitting next to me after being apart for so long.
We had lunch with Kristin's senora. What a treat! She is a delightful lady and had prepared a lovely lunch for us. She speaks no English and we don't speak Spanish, so it worked well to have the girls translate for us. For a few hours we walked around Sevilla. It was fun as our family had visit Spain a few years back when lindsay was studying abroad. Much of the construction that we saw then is now completed. It looks really nice, Lindsay. Now, they are on to other street projects.
Kristin and I had to head for the airport around 6 p.m. We barely caught the airport bus, but made it in plenty of time to stand in line at the Ryanair counter. It is probably one of the cheapest ways to travel in Europe. Let me just say that there are NO frills! There was a line at each of the destination cities. Of course, ours was no where to be seen! So...we stood in a Loooong line in hopes of getting our ticket to Cagliari. When we got to the ticket counter, the lady told us we needed to go to the farthest line over. There was no sign for Cagliari, but I guess we were supposed to know... She also told us to go to the FRONT of the line! We worked our way over to the other lines and tried to merge onto the correct line...near the front. This was one of those moments when it was great to be with Kristin. She found a young Spanish guy at the front of the line (batted her eyes) and asked if we could go ahead of him because we were having trouble. Of course, he was happy to let us go ahead of him. We are pretty sure that the hundreds of people behind him were not so happy with us (Americans). I was sweating bullets at this point and we both decided it would be best to not look behind us. Meanwhile, there was a group of about 30 middle school kids checking in ahead of us. They were loud, obnoxious and out of control AND it took FOREVER! to get them checked in. We had a sinking feeling when we realized that they would be on our flight! Oh well. When we did get on the plane, somehow, Kristin and I found ourselves right in the middle of this group. It was a ride we will never forget. These preteens were laughing, yelling, kicking our seat and yes, even climbing over the seats. Really, we didn't care that much because we were just thankful to be ON the plane going in the right direction!
The excitement came when we arrived in Cagliari. Allen had emailed the people at the bed and breakfast to warn them of our late arrival. It seemed ok, but when we got there, no one answered the door. I asked (begged!) our cab driver stay to help us to get in, but he didn't have any luck either. He and Kristin were trying to speak Spanish since he didn't know English and we didn't know Italian. To make a long story short, we hauled our luggage back to his car and he drove us around to four different places until he found a "room in the inn". I was so ready to hit the pillow that night. What a relief to finally be settled for the night. We think that our cab driver was an angel sent by God. We affectionately call him MARIO and will forever be grateful for his kindness.
Overall, we have found Italian people to be very nice. We have had to ask directions more than once and they have been so helpful. They are pleasant in restaurant and for the most part seem very polite. We like it here!!
I will post more as I have time. FYI - I tried posting some pics last night and couldn't get them to upload. I'll try again, so keep checking. Sorry if this one seems hurried and scattered. It's because it is! We are having some great adventures and I'll check in again soon!
2 comments:
Hey Mary and Kristen, enjoy every moment! Lots to remember including your "angel" cab driver.
Just to keep you posted on the rest of your family, Greta brought "lunch" for the boys and they ate it at 9:26 am. so , I still managed macaroni and cheese at noon. It was a great day! Enjoy your time. I am still reminiscing my time with Karla and Family. Love, Rox
Awww!!! I am so happy for you guys and it sounds like such an adventure. Tomorrow I am heading off to a new kind of adventure.. middle school substitute teaching. Let's just say, I'd rather be riding with you guys and the middle schoolers in the plane than trying to teach them in an unfamiliar classroom... in exotic Fridley. Hahah. ANyways, can't wait to hear all about your travels!! Have fun - Love you!
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