Return to Haus of Tolsty

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Madrid, Spain - Zurich, Switzerland

We decided to spend the 25 Euros for a cab to the airport as it had started raining, it was 3 blocks to the Metro station, and required 2 transfers with bags to get there.

Security at the airport in Madrid was more lax than security at the train station or even the museums of Madrid! We could not believe it. At the Reigna Sofia, we went through metal detectors and J was forced to check his backpack at the door (although we saw multiple people with cameras inside the museum). At the Prado, not only did he have to check his backpack, he had to turn on his laptop for the guards first. At the Atocha Renfe train station, we went through metal detectors before gaining access to the tracks. At the airport, we did not have to take the laptop out of the bag, take off our shoes, or empty our water bottle at security! My biggest pet peeve about security is the inconsistency. If liquids are banned in the US and UK, they should be banned everywhere. If you have to show your passport at security in the BVI, you should have to do the same in Madrid. Just standardize the process. Gaps in security are exactly what the terrorists are looking for. I'd rather they look at my ID again at the gate like they did for a year after 9/11 than make an announcement to "put your ID away as it is no longer required at the gate." I have nothing to hide, so check my ID and my bags as many times as you want. But I digress...

The saving grace of the Madrid Airport is that now that we're outside the US, we're allowed to use the executive lounges of the partner airlines. This Iberia lounge was the best we've seen. It had two full, open, self-service bars, plus a separate wine and snack bar. J cozied up on a nice couch for a little nap since our flight was delayed.

Upon arriving in Zurich, we were greeted by BK with Rivellas in hand! Although they have Fanta in Switzerland, we may have to suspend the Fanta count here in favor of a Rivella count. Rivella is the national soft drink of Switzerland. It's a little like Martinelli's apple cider...but has a flavor of its own ("milk serum" is the second ingredient). BK whisked us onto the train, then to the tram, and then to the apartment. It felt like coming home since we were here a year ago: Haus of Tolsty. Thanks to our gracious hosts for making us feel so welcome!!

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Photos

Sevilla Metro Stop
By our hotel and Wi-Fi cafe.

Comments

[anonymous]

Just a remark
Remember that a Madrid-Zurich flight is considered domestic since both countries signed the Schengen Agreement. Once you enter the EU Schengen Area you are free to move around and no border control should request your passport, even if you're a non EU citizen. About liquids and other stuff control...well you might be right.