WILL WE MAKE IT TO BARCELONA?

Previously I mentioned the problems we have had getting all the required forms for our Viking Cruise, repositioning the Viking Jupiter from the Mediterranean to South America.  Once I got all of them, I thought we had it made!  But, no.  Our troubles were just getting started.

Since we were not able to print our boarding passes from home, we got to the airport 3 ½ hours before departure.  That was a good thing because we needed all of that time.  At check-in, the agent informed us that our negative covid tests were too old.  The paperwork said that the test had to be within 72 hours of our departure, but they must have changed the rules, because, now it had to be within 72 hours of our arrival in Spain.  Never mind that the Spanish Health form accepted our results.  The airlines said that our tests were too old!

Fortunately, Brent, the gate agent had mercy on us and gave us the address of a place which would do a Rapid Test (10-15 minutes).  When he found out that we had no transportation, he bent the rules and kept our 2 big suitcases at the desk.  We found a cab which took us on a 25-minute ride down the freeway to the clinic.  For only an extra $25.00 he would wait for us to be tested and get the results before driving us back to the airport.  Fortunately, it was Saturday so we did not have too much traffic.

Back at the airport, we finished the check in, got our boarding passes and went to the gate –and, the other    for the plane, which was late, to arrive.  All went well until about 25 minutes out of Newark.  Then the captain came on and informed us that we could expect rough weather for the rest of the flight.  Everyone, including the attendants, had to be in their seats and firmly buckled in.  The rest of the flight was the smoothest ride we have had in a long time.

We arrived in Newark, took advantage of the restrooms and hunted for the gate.  By the time we found it, Group 1 (our group number) had already boarded.  Then they announced that the boarding passes must have “TRAVEL READY” stamped on them.  Ours did not.  Back to another line to show all the forms I had collected.  The agent gave them a quick glance, scribbled something on them and told us to board.

The rest of the flight was fine, except that Darrell said he had packed my kit with my medicine in the ”black suitcase.”  It made for a restless night, but no real problem.

Arrival in Barcelona was no problem.  We had the mini-safety briefing and went our room to await the 2 checked bags, including the ”black suitcase”. When they arrived, I searched the “black suitcase” and the other checked suitcase –No kit!  Then I checked the small black carryon with various medicines, and -Voila- it was there and had been just above our seats all the time we were on the plane.

Well, all’s well that ends well.  We both took naps this afternoon.