Madrid to Rome

A budget airline is a budget airline is a budget airline. So, no-one should be surprised that Vueling Air left behind a whole container of luggage. 7 of our people were effected and fortunately we had 4 hours to wait for our connecting flight to Rome, so the bags and their owners were re-united within a couple of hours.

The concept of checking your bags with the airline was also, well, different. We arrived at Madrid airport and it was already packed at 5am. Our guide spoke to the Vueling official and they told us to line up at a particular desk, which we did. About 4 people had their bags checked and then the man behind the counter got up and walked away. We asked the person at the next counter if he would return. A shrug and 'I don't know' was the response. Once again we relied on our Spanish speaking pilgrim, Andrew, to hassle the locals. I don't know what he said but within 5 minutes another person arrived to check our bags. Again, she didn't last long and another 5 or so people made it through before she disappeared. Ah, Spain! So beautiful and so frustrating. Another agonizing wait, boarding time was getting closer, the lines were getting longer and then finally another person who saw us all through. Relief!

The flight was fine to Barcelona because after a 3:30 am start everyone slept. The same can't be said for the flight to Rome. We sat on the tarmac for what seemed like years while they went through 'safety checks'. It sounded like they couldn't get the engines to turn over to us. The flight was a rock and roll event through the sky and landing in Rome was most welcome.

The drive to Domus Australia was amazing. The buildings, the history, the streets where the early fathers of our church walked. The next few days promised to be a fantastic experience. The hotel is beautiful and the chapel is breath taking. It was once owned by the Marist Fathers until it was given its new life. And the rooms are air conditioned! Goodbye heat. It was hot in Spain, did I mention that before?

Mass, dinner, gelato, sleep. The perfect end to our first day in Rome. Tomorrow promises so much.