My month of being off reserve has been an absolute whirlwind of wonderfulness – if that’s a word…! I did pick up a trip to Paris, France, but I really wanted to drop it for a number of reasons: to stay home awhile longer, to enjoy Paris with my husband when we go in February, and to be home to celebrate our 4-year anniversary of the day we met. Instead, I picked up a later trip to Madrid, Spain!
Welcome aboard! Your dinner awaits!
I actually worked the D position which was the first class cook. How ideal is that since I love food! I really enjoyed prepping and plating the first class food and putting everything together. It was very enlightening and wasn’t too bad since first class was half full. Everybody wanted to sleep, so that was even better!
When we arrived to MAD (Madrid), we took about a 4-hour nap, then met in the lobby to go sightseeing and have lunch. We took the train to Plaza Mayor where we did some shopping and ate an an outdoor restaurant. What I love about Europe is all the history! This place was built in the early 1600s!! Everywhere you look, it seems as if history comes alive!
After the plaza, we continued on to the Royal Palace of Madrid. It was nearly reminiscent of Buckingham Palace – absolutely beautiful! We also toured the gardens located on the backside.
I’d love to write about what I ate, but I honestly didn’t know what I had. It was fried and delicious! My next trip is to Dublin, Ireland, so I’ll have a better chance of reading and understanding my meal… 😉 That will teach me to work on my Spanish… Gracias!
I do want to share a few trip tips for traveling to Europe:
– Be sure to carry enough cash to exchange in case your credit card doesn’t work
– Many hotels enhance currency at the front desk
– Carry an outlet converter and an extension cord
– Many hotels don’t provide wash cloths
– If you need to work the heating/cooling unit, make sure you turn the unit ON even if the temperature is showing
– Take a 4-hour nap upon arriving, so you have enough energy to look around AND get some sleep before you work the flight back
– Last, but not least – you have to place your key card in the slot by the door to activate the power. You may go into your room thinking your electricity is out!
I probably forgot many other important things to mention, but this is a start. Happy traveling and bon appetit!
Crew Chew 