However, before we could get on the road, there was a challenge that had to be fulfilled. The question at hand… can Janet pick up her suitcase over her head? We always tend to overpack and this trip Tom was adamant that we would not be dragging suitcases across Spain. We have a winner! Janet met and exceeded the challenge. Go Girl!
The Fiat loaded, we headed north and once again when we reached Aquia Harbor on I-95 the traffic came to stop. Why do we listen to Google Maps. Yeah, the backroads are longer, but you constantly move.
Check in at Dulles (IAD) was a breeze. Very efficient and took very little time to reach Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant for a late lunch / early dinner and a glass of wine. Tempranillo of course 😊.
Our flight to Porto, with a change of planes in Madrid, would be on Iberia Airlines, which was a first for us. The plane was packed, but we pushed back on time and took off almost immediately.
We give Iberia a thumbs up on the entertainment package because we both found movies we wanted to watch and settled in quickly for our ride. Dinner was served, but we were still stuffed from the late lunch in the airport. The new Downton Abbey movie for Tom as he enjoyed his Tempranillo from VT Castilla y La Mancha, while Janet watched the Where the Crawdads Sing.
It was a 16:35 departure from IAD which was slated to land at 0630 Madrid time the next morning. We think the winds of Ian helped across the Atlantic because we arrived almost one hour early. There were times when the flight was pretty bumpy and when Tom checked the flight tracker app the aircraft was making 600 MPH ground speed!
Not getting much sleep, the lights came back on as we were crossing the Spanish coast. A mystery box was served for breakfast. On the outside of the box the words, “Sweet and Savory Dou” was embossed. What could it be? Not sure we have ever been more surprised with the contents for breakfast. A cold croissant with a strange meat and gooey cheese sat next to a Nestle Crunch Bar. Really??? Iberia definitely offered a breakfast of champions to all of those in the back of the bus!
Unfortunately, we had a 5-hour layover in Madrid, that was neverending. The airport itself is beautiful and there is lots to see, but 5 hours is a long time. It was time for a proper breakfast! Janet went with a classic quiche Lorraine while Tom went with an all-time favorite, Jamon Iberico De Bellota Bocadillo Sandwich! This is not just any ham sandwich.
At long last, we boarded the plane for our final leg to O’Porto. Both us faded off quickly without remembering take off or landing. Quickest hour ever! We hired a driver to take us from the airport to our hotel where we were greeted by the front desk with what else but a glass of Port. Our adventure has begun.
We are in Porto!
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