FLIGHTS AND BARCELONA

    We left the lounge a little over an hour before our flight departure time and arrived at the gate an hour before departure.  They started the boarding process right away and we were about the first ones on the plane.  The business class cabin was amazing.  After stowing our carry-ons in the overhead bins I headed to the cockpit.  The Captain and two copilots were very gracious so I planted myself in the Captain's seat.

     The display screens were huge and even an old guy like me could see them plainly.  They were certainly not like the Boeing 777 flight displays I had used.  So I decided to let them fly the plane and I retired back to my cozy business class seat.

     We had our own little nest.  The seats could be made to lie flat which we did after drinks and dinner.  I had a filet for dinner and Rebecca chose the chicken.  Not bad for airline food.  I hate to bad mouth American Airlines but the apparently new service by the flight attendants is:  throw out one drink followed almost immediately by slapping down your food tray.  I couldn't even enjoy a leisurely cocktail before the food was sitting in front of me.  I left it there and asked for another Woodford Reserve bourbon.  She brought me on but did not seem happy about it.  I hope I get a survey.  Ok, enough of my bitching!  

     We departed the gate 5 minutes late and took off 20 minutes later for our 8 hour and 44 minutes flight to Madrid, Spain.  The flight was smooth and we both managed to get some sleep.  We each took a half of an Ambien to help that process along.

     We landed in Madrid 30 minutes early but it was an on time arrival by the time we taxied to the gate and they opened the door.  Getting through Spanish immigration was a breeze and took maybe 5 minutes.  Then we had to take a train over to the domestic terminal.  Here we had our Spanish Health QR codes scanned and looked for the Iberian Club,  Our Miami buddy, Mario Cano, told us about it.  As we were business class passengers we were allowed to use the club.  That is where I have started writing this post.

  

     Our Iberia Airline flight to Barcelona departs at 11:15am and is a short one hour flight.  Again, we were in business class on an Airbus 320.  Actually it was regular coach seats with the center seat blocked.  

     There were 6 rows so a total of 24 passengers in business class.  We departed the gate 5 minutes late again and taxied forever but was airborne by 11:40pm.  There were 4 flight attendants serving us as coach had no service.  

     We did not expect any food service on such a short flight but here is what we got.  We really did not need to eat but we had to try it.  No booze on this flight for us, just some ice water is all we wanted.

     Once off the airplane in Barcelona at 12:40pm we were kind of lost but followed the crowd.  Several authorities asked us where we came from and the key answer for us was "Madrid".  Otherwise we would have to clear again.  Our baggage claim was the farthest belt in terminal so it was a long walk.  We were very happy and relieved to see our luggage appear on the belt.

     Now we headed out of the secured area where we were to meet our driver.  There was a long line of drivers with names on boards but none said "Weiler".  There was Regent cruises guy greeting and helping other cruise passengers who called our driver and he showed up within a few minutes.  One of our perks that comes with our Regent "Titanium" status is a private car to and from the ship.  I chose it from the airport to the Hilton today.  On Sunday when we are to board the ship I will have to pay for a taxi to take us from the Hilton to the cruise terminal.

     Ivan was very helpful and a great guy.  Our ride was in a Mercedes vehicle.  We were at the Hilton Barcelona before 2:00pm.  Monica was the front desk person who got us checked in and upgraded us to a "skyview" room because of my Hilton "diamond" status.  We are on the 10th of 11 floors and have no traffic noise from the boulevard in front of the hotel.

     I wanted a photo of the hotel and this is the best I could get.  You can see the Hilton sign at top.

                                  This shows the busy boulevard in front of the hotel.
 

     Right across the hotel entrance is a McDonald's.  After getting partially settled in our room we headed a couple blocks down the boulevard to a big mall.  Our mission was to find some wine for the room.  On the basement floor was a huge supermarket.  We couldn't find any US wines so got a $10 bottle of Spanish chardonnay.  Back in our room we found the perfect place to chill the wine.

                              Never know what you're going to see in my blogs!!!!  LOL

     So now it is about 5:00pm as I finish today's post.  The Executive Lounge (which I always have access to as a Diamond member) is still not open due to covid.  Executive Lounges in international countries are great as they serve booze and hot hors d'oeuvres.  Monica said in lieu of the lounge we could go to the bar and have two free drinks each.  So now we're waiting on 5:30 for it to open.  We may order some tapas at the bar as neither of us feel like going out to dinner.  We have to stay up (no naps) so we can get our bodies on local time.  

     Worse part of our trip here was having to wear a mask for nearly 24 hours.  Ivan advised that masks here in Spain are required when inside but not out on streets.  We still will wear them anytime we are not in this room.

     BTW, we are now 7 hours ahead of ya'll in the States.  So it is about 10:00am there and 5:00pm here as I publish the post.