DAY 1&2, OCTOBER 6^th and 7^th, ORLANDO to ALCALA de HERNARES.  Normally for our overseas trips there is the normal rush to finish packing and then to sit and ponder what we have

forgotten to pack, so that it can be identified and hurriedly found and crammed into a side pocket or minute air pocket not yet occupied. This time however we had the added pressure of COMPLETELY buttoning up the entire HOUSE in advance of Hurricane Mathew.  Now as we sit in the Parador Alacala de Henares some 4500miles to the east of the storm and we attempt to breath a HUGE sigh of relief hearing all of the good news that Cocoa Beach that the hurricane stayed out over water and not on shore while passing to the north. Hence Cocoa Beach was on the west and weaker side of the storm. A neighbor from down the street checked over our house, saying that the house was fine. The huge flower pots on the front patio obviously blew around and over breaking the pots and the plants will not survive the ordeal. Power is off to the street as there is a line down

towards the river end of the street. So until FPL repairs that line, the street power will be off. ALL FRIDGE contents will have to be discarded (except the wine and beer)!! The major damage in CB was that Winn Dixie grocery lost their entire roof, Cape Canaveral Hospital had major damage and will not open for several weeks,  St Augustine and Jacksonville both cities had HEAVY damage. It is so nice being back in a Parador that we truly enjoy, we saw Lourdes at the breakfast this AM and also the younger cutie, Veronica as well from our last visit Explained the purpose of our return as we are heading up north to THE WEDDING. We are both experiencing phone problems getting the global SIM to function so Paul & I went into the city center to the Orange shop to buy a SIM that will actually work in Spain.  After nearly an hour with the young girl we got the voice calls to work but not the internet HOWEVER, guess who does NOT work the weekends. ORANGE Technical Support so I must wait until we get to San Sebastian to get that portion of the SIM card to function. Screw the technology, I say.

The town of Alcala de Henares has its annual Medieval Times fiesta.  So there are food stalls and barbecues pits at every tent. The aromas are to die for and it makes it hard to walk into town without stopping for food every minute or so.   

Jane here. Paul sounded quite mellow there. I am less tranquil! I am ticked at everyone and everything! I am waiting for my mellow to return, soon! We slept until 9.30 this morning! I just cannot believe that, I have not slept that long since I was a teenager. I felt as though I had been drugged!

Alcala is a beautiful, ancient , university city. Birthplace of the incomparable Cervantes. Wonderful old buildings and plazas which give you a sense of peace. Not today, this place is heaving with people. After spending a very frustrating time at the Orange store, I had to run back to the Parador to get Paul’s passport so we could buy the Sim card! We usually lock them in the safe as we seldom need them. I suppose it makes sense for security that they know who is buying Sim cards, you know, geriatric terrorists are tough! Finally mission, partially accomplished, we decide to take a drive, visit our old neighborhood and have lunch at our very favorite restaurante in the area, Las Moreras! It was pushing 3 pm by this time so we headed for lunch 1^st. I have to admit that I am still very wound up and it is going to take me a while to chill! Lunch was wonderful! We used to go there regularly when we lived in Spain. It was the last place we went before Alison was born. We really have to take you there Ali! White asparagos with two sauces, lamb and a lovely glass went a long way to improving our mood. It is on the flight path for Barajas Airport and we often wave to passengers as they go in to land! Lol!

We headed over to Parque de Cataluna for a drive around but it is hardly worth it. We loved living there but it is a totally different place now, even more built up and very crowded. We headed back to the Parador in hopes of a peaceful evening. Not a chance! There is a wedding set to take place in the outdoor terraza! What a nerve, we have to sit in here, in the bar with all the locals and noise! Damn! It is packed and noisy, as if that is not enough, all the wedding guests have the temerity to make it worse! I am only half kidding here, I am still pretty crabby as you can tell. Two small children are, as I write, creating havoc, running around and rolling on the floor. Tiny wedding guests. I think I need more wine and less whine! Forgive me!

Tomorrow will be better. I suppose I should stop reading the whiny stuff on FB it is affecting my mood!