Sunday, May 19, 2024

Day 0: Travel day

 Today is travel day. It started with the drive to the airport with Brandi and the kids. I found myself driving slower than usual, which is really saying something. While excited about the trip, I had been dreading this goodbye for a few weeks. There were a few tears and really long hugs. But Evelyn assured me she would help out her mama. And that made it easier to leave them and head to my gate.  

A quick flight from Cedar Rapids to Chicago followed by a 9 hour flight from Chicago to Madrid. We’ll arrive at 8 am Madrid time, which will feel like 1 am for me. I’ll be joined by 13 college students who I’ve only spoken to once prior to this. Based on our initial conversations, I’m guessing they will handle the late night arrival much better than I will. To be young. 

First lesson learned, food decisions may be a challenge. With 14 of us in a group, it will prove difficult to find something everyone enjoys. Making decisions with a group of strangers makes it even more difficult. For our first meal, we went with Mexican. Tacos seem to be the great equalizer. 

 Anticipating a fair amount of down time on this trip, I went to the airport book store to buy a new book. Choosing a leisure book was surprisingly difficult! I didn’t really know what to look for. I just wanted an enjoyable book that I look forward to each day. I ended up choosing a book the same way I choose my wine. Buy the cover. “Come and get it” by Kiley Reid stood out with its primary color scheme and a happy pig. Cheers. 

Adios Iowa.

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