Reflections on Our Trip

 

Now that we're back home, what thoughts do we have about our trip?

First, it could scarcely have been better. It was everything that we hoped and more. We did have a few regrets, but those had to do with the fact that our plans were revised because this trip was supposed to be with our friends Greg and Kay. We had planned a trip to England with them in 2016, and we had to cancel, and then, in 2020, when we had everything booked, a certain virus meant we had to cancel everything. So we were sad that they could not go this time.

Our other regret is that we weren't able to see all of our friends who live in and near Europe, such as our Danish friends and my Italian friend, Fiorenza, whom I haven't seen in years. We also had hoped to meet up with our friend Kathryn, who lives in Morocco. But that's an excuse for further trips, right?

I almost titled this post, "We Haven't Lost It!" because Kevin and I both were pleased that everything went as planned. After five years of no travel abroad, we were anxious to know whether we could still handle our respective tasks. But Kevin can still drive those narrow one-lane roads in Spain and England, where you have to back up to let another vehicle pass, even when the road twists and turns up a steep mountainside where there are no guardrails (Spain) or where there is a stone wall jutting out into the road (England). Well done, Kevin!

As for me, I was glad I checked and double-checked all the reservations that I had made in advance for: 4 plane trips, 10 accommodations at rentals and hotels, 2 rental cars, 3 tickets to 2 museums, 4 cave tickets, and train and bus reservations. I haven't lost it either (yet).

I do have two big rants: Plane travel has only gotten worse! It's true, we did not pay extra as we have in the past to upgrade our seats, but we were surprised that British Airways economy seats were less comfortable than that of the budget airlines, Vueling or Ryanair. There was more legroom on the budget airlines too. But my biggest rant I am reserving for Dallas/Ft. Worth airport.

Because we were using frequent flier miles, we flew over direct on BA, but coming back we had to go to Dallas/Fort Worth and change planes. We were so pleased with TSA Pre-check in Seattle, which made it easy to get through security, and we were happy with the new passports that allow us to speed through immigration when entering the U.K. and Portugal. But after we landed at Dallas and speedily got through customs, we were directed to TSA Pre-check for our flight to Seattle. But the sign for TSA-Precheck was small and positioned where it was difficult to see when you entered the security. It almost felt like they had done it on purpose, because the unfriendly people who told us to turn around, were snickering as we--and several other people--turned back to where we had to go. 

That was only the beginning of our troubles! We had to wait in line 20 minutes to get to the TSA staff in the TSA Pre-check line, while the regular security line time was listed as taking 16 minutes. But we thought it would be faster to go through TSA Pre-check, because there we usually do not have to take our phones and laptops out of their cases. So we waited. But when we got to the TSA belt where we would normally place our luggage, we were asked (none too nicely), "Do you have any metal body parts?" Of course, both Kevin and I do. "If so, you need to pick up your bags and walk over to the regular line." (Which meant we had to squeeze in front of three lines of people with a yellow card in our hand that indicated we had metal body parts.) Then, when we got to the front of the regular line, we were told to unpack our electronics. I was mad! I guess I'm lucky I did not get hassled further when I exclaimed, "Well, damn it, I guess it doesn't do us any good to have TSA Pre-check then!" (It's all expensive window-dressing anyway. They aren't catching terrorists. They are just terrorizing older people.)

Then, we had to find our way to the train to the terminal where our flight was to leave, and the signs for that were confusing too. I don't think it's because we are older either! So if you can possibly avoid it, never come back from abroad through Dallas.

When I consider that was the only hold-up, I really shouldn't complain. If only people had been a little bit nicer, it really would have helped. But I am reminded of someone who once said, "Airplane travel is like a magic carpet that takes us half-way around the world in just hours. And then we complain about the food on the magic carpet!" Yes, that's because we're human beings.

I love to travel and hope to do more, but now that I'm older I appreciate all that I have been able to see and do. That magic carpet, with all of its flaws, still appeals to me. But it's good to be home too.