Barcelona 2009 - Day 0

I have embarked on my Eurotrip 2009 which takes me first to Barcelona for a week of non-stop working followed by a week in Berlin of non-stop fun. I have arrived in Barcelona this morning after a sleepless flight ready to tackle Catalunya. Right now I sit in Hall 7 of the Fira Monjuic at the Plaza d'Espana in Barcelona. This city is just how I left it one year ago.

When traveling, people have a way, call it annoying, of carrying their belongings with them on a plane and somehow must fiddle with everything they brought before they can sit down. All the while you are standing right behind them in the aisle waiting to pass which you cannot do until they move.

First these people do a triple take to see if they have arrived at the right row, seat. I find 30% of the time they are wrong. Next they have to figure out the exact combo of clothing layers to wear for the duration of the flight. These are the same people who get up no less than 3 times in the flight to go through their stuff again and add/subtract clothing. What are they looking for? Do the have the right book? Right medications? Glasses, Did they forget to put on make-up? I never know what they are doing and why it takes sooo long.

I have one bag. I sit with it and I stay. I will get up once in the flight but it's quick.

Another observation: Flight attendants are very nice people to the people in the seats and through out the cabin. They smile, they laugh at jokes, and they'll happily fetch anything for you. If you stay in your seat and don't complain too much then you will be fine with the flight attendants.

There is a catch though. If you venture say to the back of the plane for a bathroom break and you encroach in their area, you will be punished. It has been my experience that the flight attendants drop the smiles and will try to persuade you to leave their area. They recommend alternatives to you standing in their space such as you know there are restroom on the other side of the plane. It's like you walked backstage at an Opera and you saw the heroine without any makeup - not so pretty anymore is she?

Look for more updates and observatiosn in my Eurotrip 2009.


Your Words Counting Crows:
"Or we could simply pack our bags And catch a plane to Barcelona 'cause this city's a drag"

from 'Holiday in Spain'