Last day in Europe

I've lost track of days.  It's Friday (I think).

I left off yesterday at a hotel near the Munich Airport.  This morning, I was up at 5:30 and made my way to the airport at 6 to drop off the rental car and then drop off my bag and go through the many stages of security.

The rental car drop off was interesting.  I pulled into the drop off garage and was flagged in by a worker.  There did not appear to be any separation for the cars by rental company.  Ok, I thought.  As I was about to leave the car, the worker reminded me to place the keys inside the car.  I did.  I then asked him about a return counter and he said "Just leave the keys in the car and you can go to the terminal".  Ok then.  Hopefully that was the normal drop-off process... lol.

I made my way to the terminal.  The BMX bike demonstration was torn down, likely getting ready for something new to be setup next week in the "quad" (at least that's what I would call the large open space between the terminal and rental car/services building).

That's a pretty cool food truck

Once in the terminal, I checked in my bag and went through security.  There were not many people at the airport, much less than when I was returning from Vienna a few months ago.  I cleared security in about 10 mins and then realized that I don't have to go through Passport Control because I am basically flying domestically (within the EU).  Total time from dropping off the car to getting through security was probably 20 mins.  Maybe 30.  I now had 2 hrs to kill.  Hmmm, guess I could have slept in a little more but then that would be when I get jammed with a huge line for baggage drop-off and security.

I did some wandering around the airport, checking out the shops that were open.  Bought a few things.  Then I made my way to the Lufthansa lounge, which I found out I have access to as I just got Air Canada Altitude Elite 50k status (meaning I've traveled 50,000 miles this year...) - this gives me and a guest access to any Star Alliance airline lounge.

In the lounge I ate breakfast, had a coffee and got some work done.  Then, I made my way to the gate and arrived right on time to board the airplane.  No Lola I wasn't late, it was pre-boarding.

The flight from Munich to Madrid was 2.5 hrs and took us over Switzerland and France.

That's a nice paint scheme

Germany, on takeoff

Germany again

Germany?  Or else Switzerland

Switzerland

A weather front

Spain

More Spain

These hangars look ancient

After picking up my bag in Madrid, I made my way to meet with my contact, Adolfo.  Adolfo then took me to his office (about 30 mins away) and we talked business.  Adolfo's office overlooks a small airfield used primarily by flight schools, the military and police.

I like airport towers especially against a blue sky

At 2:00, we went for lunch.  It is customary to eat mid-afternoon and then late in the evening (9-10).  I was fine with this, I was still pretty full from breakfast.  After lunch, Adolfo drove me to my hotel which is a 5 min drive from the airport I arrived at (and will depart from).

Fancy

A little bigger than my first hotel room

I can't touch both walls with my hands stretched out

Maybe I'll sleep sideways tonight?

The view

Adolfo mentioned that I could take a bus to the center of Madrid but I was pretty tired from an early morning and needed to get some work done.  After a couple hours of work, I made my way to the hotel pool for a short swim - I needed to move and cool down from the 35+*C heat.

I wasn't lying

After my swim, Lola was finishing up for the day so we were able to talk for about 36% of my iPad battery - maybe an hour or more?  I pulled a Dad and took a few pictures of the sunset, thinking each time "oh, this one is better".  Hahaha

It was then time for Lola to run some errands and I was starting to get hungry (at 9 pm).  I made my way to the hotel restaurant and enjoyed a very juicy grilled chicken breast with grilled vegetables.  And a Heineken (not very Spanish but that's ok, beer is beer).  The chef even brought out a shot of watermelon and mint puree "on the house".  It was very good and refreshing.

I'm now all packed up and ready to go home.  It all starts at 7:30 when I'm planning to get to the airport for my 9:30 flight.  This time I need to clear passport control.

It's been a long week but very productive.  I doubt next week will be as productive...