We were up early this morning to catch the Gatwick Express from Victoria Station. I've been really proud of both Miles and Emery for their ability to be self sufficient with their bags, getting on and off trains, etc. I've reminded them more than once that this whole experience is great practice for our planned summer rail cross-country. In the back of my mind I've also found myself hoping that this kind of early exposure to traveling through European rail stations and airports will be a confidence booster should either decide to return independently in the future. By the time we finished our London leg, Miles had become a walking tour guide/London Underground expert. He had essentially memorized all of the stops on all lines in Zone 1 and 2. As we were getting on the Tube one final time last night after War Horse, it struck me that Emery had not yet asked if SHE could be in charge of leading the family from point to point. I could tell she was quietly pleased that I thought to ask her, and sure enough she led us back to the hotel.
Our flight to Madrid was smooth and we arrived to bright blue skies and temps in the 50s.
We are staying at the Vinci SoMa Hotel. Staying in the same hotel is a marching band from Las Vegas that is performing in the parade Saturday night. Rooms are very comfortable, and we are on the second level with windows overlooking the main entrance to the hotel and the hustle a d bustle of Goya St.
Emery and Miles immediately noticed the change of architecture as we rode to the hotel, and later walked around the area to get our bearings.
Tonight we dined with the band from Las Vegas at a wonderful restaurant in the oldest part of the city, named El Arrozal Paella. True to the name, we enjoyed a multi-course meal with authentic Spanish paella.
Joining us tonight at dinner was friend and colleague Josh Thompson, who is scheduled to bring his Lake Zurich High School Marching Band to the parade here next year. It has been great to catch up with Josh (fellow NU alumnus) and his wife Ruthie a little bit on this trip.
