We have landed in New York and now waiting for our flight home. Seeing Erica was wonderful in spite of the awful weather. I enjoyed seeing my old friends and making new ones. I am not sure the next time we will visit this wonderful country but I suspect it wont be in a February.
Since was my 9th trip to Spain I have been asked for travel tips to this country. I am certainly no Rick Steves but here goes.
1.) Pack light. For example do you really need that hair brush (see below).
2.) Take advantage of the local culture. Especially don’t be afraid to try the local food. (See Below).
3.) One last tip, WATCH WHERE YOU STEP! Madrileños are not like Angelinos. They do not walk their dogs with baggie in hand. I have a great picture to demonstrate this problem but Patrice censored that addition.
Lastly, a few hours into our flight (and luckily after my nap) they made an announcement asking if there was a doctor on board. After identifying myself to the flight attendant I was taken to a passenger in distress. Apparently he and his wife had just arrived in Madrid enroute to a vacation in Portugal when they found out that their 19 year old daughter in New York had committed suicide. The father had taken an Ativan and was feeling lightheaded. The flight attendant gave me a blood pressure cuff that did not work and a stethoscope that looked like it came from a “Ken and Barbie go to Medical School Kit”. Fortunately I think the patient just needed a kind voice and an empathetic ear. On our way to our connecting flight one of fellow passengers saw me and said, “You were the doctor on the flight?”. After confirming his suspicion he then said, “You have a great bedside manner”. I never get tired of hearing that.
Talking to a man and woman who just lost their daughter forever made leaving Erica in Madrid less painful. Sometimes we just need perspective in life.
That’s all for this trip but I hope to be talking to you again next month.
Roberto
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 