The Ninth Year of Trips to Spain Begins

Earlier this year Spain passed what it calls an “anti-tourism” law and I saw a recent newspaper headline that read “The Crackdown Begins,” so I figured it was a perfect time to head out there again. Spain is now the second most visited country in the world (ahead of the US and just behind France) and while being overrun with tourists isn’t great, I can imagine some mixed emotions – who wants to be second to France at anything? Even killer whales got in on the act two weeks ago by sinking a 45-foot yacht with a French name* off the Spanish coast. Like those Orcas, I’m going add my name to the list of Spanish tourists and do my part to teach those pompous beret-wearing baguette eaters a thing or two.

There is a very loud, talkative woman directly behind me on the plane who has befriended the woman across the aisle from her and my earplugs can’t drown her out. Not all bad; I’ve learned a lot about my new companion:

1. Ironing clothes on cruises – “Don’t even talk to me about that. I’m not going there.”

2. Weather - “Weather is weather.” 

3. Barcelona plans for tomorrow – “Shirley [the friend in the seat next to her] and I might stay awake all day, or we might take a short nap, or maybe take a long nap, or two short ones.”

4. Interpreting the Spanish announcements on the plane – “That one was something about kids. I’m sure of that.”

I could have listened to her forever but decided to try to find a movie to watch. Most of the descriptions aren’t speaking to me. Like “Prison Flowers – Top Sis was a successful businesswoman who after being framed for embezzlement, is sent to prison. There, she’s given newbie treatment by top dog, Mrs. Ball.” Honestly, I’d rather just read the in-flight magazine. But then . . . “The Shallows – a woman is surfing on an isolated beach and gets stranded twenty yards offshore on a buoy. What lies between her and the shore is a shark.” Now we’re talking. My vacation begins.

And next thing I know . . . 

*The Alboran Cognac