Espana

We are in Spain! We were accepted on the flight from Wright/Patterson and enjoyed a lovely flight aboard a C17. Upon our arrival in Norfolk the pilot open the back hatch and let us enjoy the view from the aircraft as it was landing. The flight crew said he was just showing off for us. We were glad that he did and we were impressed by the view. We know that this is the only mode of travel in which this could have happened and its' splendor was not missed by anyone on board. It was a sight to behold!

When we entered the Norfolk terminal it felt as if we were in a huge airport. A lot of active duty families were being  deployed from this location with assignments to Spain, Italy, Greece, Bahrain, and Diego Garcia. They must be processed first and any remaining seats on the  Boeing 767 are available for Space A travelers. There were 99 seats available and 116 people vying for them. We were accepted early on and could relax a bit before our flight. We sat in the Distinguished Visitors (DV) lounge and enjoyed lively conversations with fellow travelers. I have to admit, this is one of the best parts of this kind of travel. I always enjoy the people we meet and the stories they tell. 

Now that we have landed we will spend a day of rest and then a day of preparation for travel. It was nice to be back in Rota and have so many people remember us and to take such good care of us. We will head into town tonight where we will eat with Antonio at Zamaritto's which is a  lovely local fish restaurant. There is nothing to order, he just cooks what is fresh and has been caught earlier in the day. It is phenomenal and we never go away hungry or thirsty. 

We will take the train to Santander along the Camino Norte. We will walk to where it meets the Camino Primitivo and then head south until we connect with Camino Frances. In a few weeks we will meet our dear friends the Martina's and head into Santiago.

We think of you many times while we are away.  In the quiet moments you fill our thoughts and prayers and we realize how much we have. I carry you with me...always.

Buen Camino.