Sunday, August 11, 2013

Madrid!

Well, really just Barajas.  And actually I should not say "just" Barajas, because oh my how things have changed here since I last lived in Spain way back in 1996!

Barajas then was a smoke-filled dungeon of a place that seemed more like a seedy bowling alley than an airport, compared to the now gleaming ultra-modern facility with a high-end shuttle system between terminals, cool cafes and modern architecture.


And while this Lavazza espresso may be all that I am enjoying from this country right now (in addition to the stunning view of La Mancha from my window), I will be back at the tail end of my trip for one night in the old stomping grounds before returning to San Francisco.





For now, I will contemplate how a country with rampant unemployment and on the brink of financial ruin can have such a dazzling airport.  Yes, Terminal 2 at our own SFO is impressive.  But, come on, with our staggering 2% growth rate, why can't we get something like this?  Priorities, I suppose.

Well, another hour or so here, then a two hour flight to Palermo, where I will be met by my amici and hopefully my luggage!

Until then, adios amigos, y nos vemos en Italia!

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