People & Places

One of the things that never cease to amaze me is the people we meet on our trips. These flights are limited to military people and their families and include both active duty and retired personnel. Anywhere in the world the military flies we may also travel if there is availability (Space A) and at no cost to us. We flew to Spain on a C17 filled with ammunition and mortars heading to Afghanistan. The Navy pilots and flight crew looked like kids (I think everyone does these days) who were having the time of their lives as they flew this plane from one country to another.The cargo bay is open and we have accessibility to the entire plane and the crew during the flight. Here we learn the most interesting things and meet some of the most interesting people we might not have ever had the opportunity to meet. As we engaged in numerous conversations with a variety of people we were amazed at the different life experiences we met. Most of the people had lived and traveled all over the world thus acquiring a different perspective of life and living. We traveled with pilots, business owners,a physicist, teachers and people who been involved with the decisions and policies of world affairs. We were enriched by theirlife experiences and we never tire of hearing these stories and their perspectives on life.

Most of the people who fly Space A are retired and have the time to meander without a schedule to which they need to return. We did meet a young couple that were on active military duty and had three weeks to see Europe. So in their backpacks were a little bit of everything they might need in any country and in any weather condition. They hit the ground running in Spain and hoped to fly out of Germany for their return home. Everyone we met had this same sense of adventure.

And, you really must have a sense of adventure to fly this way. As we left Travis AFB we could see that the only flights from the East coast to the South of Spain were leaving from South Carolina. Unfortunately, the only flights leaving Travis AFB, California were headed to Andrews AFB, Maryland and then one to Langley, Virginia. Our theory is to always take the flight moving the direction you want to go so we marked ourselves “present” and ready to go to Andrews AFB, Maryland. Then we reserved a rental ca to drive the eight hours to South Carolina to catch the flight the next day. It is fall and the East coast is exquisite this time of year. Well, a funny thing happened mid-flight. The crew diverted us to South Carolina due to engine trouble that could only be evaluated at the base in South Carolina. This worked out perfect for us. For others, they had to readjust their plans. Somehow, there is always the opportunity to be flexible.

We met a couple that was traveling with their 35-year-old daughter. They filled us in on some of the loveliest areas to stay and visit. They had a vast knowledge of history and could tell you almost everything about every place they had been. We had a lovely evening with them when we arrived in Spain. We meandered the streets one evening and found a ‘bodega’ (wine house) that made some of the loveliest sherry we have ever had. We visited with the locals who also stopped here for tapas and olives. It was a lovely evening, stimulating and relaxing at the same time.

We often share e-mails and still correspond with people we met last year. This year, because we are now considered “seasoned Space-A travelers” we had the opportunity to help some new travelers out. Little details, like knowing that you should go to the local police department to get your passport stamped the first 72 hours you are in country to make your stay legal. Once it is stamped here you may travel anywhere in Europe with out having to do that again. Each country has a different policy and we happen to know the Spanish policy.

Things still catch us by surprise and while we like the adventure with experience comes wisdom and we are usually ready for what comes our way.

So we are here in Spain enjoying the warm coastal weather. Breathing again, resting well, and absorbing each and every experience as if it were our first. We are excited as to what each and every day will bring. It is a good life.