This has all been suspiciously easy -- what are the gods up to? Even though traveling stand by I got on both flights (Portland to NYC, then on to Madrid). Total luxe as they tossed me up to first class for the second flight! I watched a soon-to-be-forgotten-movie, had a lovely multi course dinner, and stretched out under an actual comforter!!! But never did manage to sleep.
I was first off the plane in Madrid and it was, without question, the FASTEST passport control ever -- I'm not sure I even stopped walking! Ditto luggage.
Out to taxi, handed him my hotel info and - . whoosh -- here I am! They let me check in early THANKGOD as it's not yet 10 am. The friendly front desk women quickly figured out that I can understand and speak Spanish so no . . . more . . . . English . . . . for . . . me!
It turns out I rented a one -bedroom apartment rather than a hotel room! Great location (can hike to the Prado Museum) and very comfortable, if not luxurious. And it has a washing machine -- got a load going already! (Though I think I may have put in dishwasher soap -- hope it works.)
It's a beautiful sunny day here -- but I really . . . I mean really . . need a nap zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz