And I’m off again. This trip will include Madrid, northern coastal Portugal–a bike trip, Eurail to Munich to catch my flight to Tbilisi, and Budapest. Mike and I will add a couple of side trips to the Georgian mountains and wine country (again) during my time in Tbilisi. I will also catch a Christmas Market or two on my way back to Madrid to catch my flight home. October 7 through December 5.

So, American Airlines started a new service at Wilmington Airport, ILG. You book your flight from Wilmington, this allows you to go through TSA and check your luggage, then American Airlines shuttles you to Philadelphia. Voila, easy. I was on the maiden voyage from Wilmington today. It worked like a charm.

My flight departs Philadelphia at 7:15PM and lands in Madrid at 8AM. I am spending the next couple of hours in the American Airlines Lounge—AA needs to up their game, the lounge isn’t very nice. My first stop is Madrid. Here I will get to see Julie and Julian! So excited. I am staying at the Hotel Indigo Madrid Gand Via. I will be in Madrid until Friday.

Hotel Indigo Madrid, on the quiet, pretty Calle de Silva, is just steps from the Gran Via, in the heart of the city and cosmopolitan life of Madrid. It has a sky-garden with amazing views of Madrid. We are still enjoying the hotel’s infinity swimming pool annd amazing views of the city.

Tomorrow the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. They are only a stone throw away! I am hoping to see Julian for dinner. Wednesday, more sightseeing; Thursday I am meeting Julie and Julian at the Mercado de San Miguel market—a monument to Spanish cuisine. Yum, I’m hungry just thinking about.