OFF TO SEE ERICA DAY #5 “Back to Madrid”

It was time to say goodbye to the wonderful people at the Fontecruz Lisboa Hotel in Lisbon and head back to Madrid.  Last night we had a incredible dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro.  The restaurant was recommended by a couple of friends and we were not disappointed.  We shared the shrimp and “edible crab” (not sure why they needed to add that adjective, I assume all their food is edible).  Both dishes were spectacular (see below).  When we got into the cab to return to the hotel the driver asked if we had eaten at Cervejaria Ramiro.  Apparently the garlic was a clear tip off.

After dinner we headed down to the Hard Rock Cafe to watch the Super Bowl. They charged for admission but for our 10€ ticket we were allowed to watch the game and receive a beer (as you know I am such a big drinker) and a hot dog (just what I wanted after coming here directly from dinner).  Patrice and Erica were great sports agreeing to come and keep me company.  As you know their kindness was rewarded with the first Super Bowl overtime in history.

After breakfast this morning it was time to return to Madrid.  Prior to the flight from Madrid to Lisbon, while waiting in line to board, Erica mentioned to me that she didn’t have her passport.  Immediately I started to think of alternative plans since no doubt they were about to refuse her permission to board the plane.  Much to my surprise not only did they not require her to have a passport but rather they didn’t even check her ID.  I figured we still could have problems when we arrived in Lisbon. Much to the contrary, we exited the plane and the airport without any contact with any airport personnel.  This morning was a bit different.  At the Lisbon airport Erica was asked to show her ID.  When she presented her card, the agent looked as if it was not acceptable but her co-worker said it was okay.  She then told Erica if she had another type of ID card she would have also needed to present her passport.  I started to wonder how often a problem occurs since no ID is being checked in Madrid upon departure and Lisbon on arrival but it is being checked in Lisbon when leaving?    If she had the wrong ID card would our daughter have remained in Portugal forever?  Would I have had to fly to Madrid to get her passport?  All very strange and potentially very inconvenient.  Lucky for us all went well.

I have made big plans for tomorrow but I can’t tell you yet because Patrice hasn’t told me what I have decided to do.

Until tomorrow.