Hell is the Barcelona Airport

Maybe I’m just too old and cranky to travel internationally (by air) anymore.  I was ready to mow down people, Rambo-style, after walking back and forth and up and down stairs (the escalators weren’t working) for hours. Our driver picked us up at 8:00 for a noon flight, the latest they would schedule. Since Easter Monday is a major holiday, there was very little traffic, and we were dropped off about 8:15.  Of course, the check-in desk for our luggage was in the exact opposite corner of a cavernous building. No one was there, so we checked online and learned that the counter only opens two hours before the flight boards, so 9:45.  So imagine having to spend 90 minutes in the outermost part of the Houston airport, with no food or coffee available. At least we found some seats.

We stood in line at the counter for a long time before it finally opened. The Fast Track security line was 270 degrees from the Aegean Air counter, but we finally fought our way back through the crowds and found it.  Once through Security, we had to get to Passport Control. We remembered that horror from two years ago, but the lines were even longer, snaking around and around for over 30 minutes.

Did I mention it was boiling hot?  We were sweating through our clothes by that point.  When we finally got through Passport Control, we tried unsuccessfully to find the lounge for business class travelers. After walking back and forth and up and down stairs we gave up, as our plane was about to board. A kind staff member finally led us to more stairs, where they checked our passports AGAIN.  Them we walked from gate 1 to gate 48.  Shortly thereafter we were able to board.  

The Aegean plane and crew members were all first-rate.  The menu in business class was quite different from what we’re used to.  The appetizer was puréed fava beans topped with caramelized onions.  The salad included shrimp atop thin, lengthwise slices of zucchini.  The main course was more shrimp atop orzo with tomato sauce.  And the dessert was something chocolate that was okay. I read a book on the 3-hour flight.

At the Athens airport we had to deplane via stairs, then ride a bus to the terminal.  Once inside, we walked to baggage claim and our bags were among the first few to arrive.  We didn’t have to show passports at all.  Our driver met us as we left baggage claim and soon were in the car for the 45-minute ride to the hotel.

The Athens Capital Hotel is very nice! Our room isn’t huge, but we have an outdoor terrace. I’ll post pics tomorrow.  We’re just back from drinks on the rooftop terrace.

Note Parthenon in the background 

Dirty martini and grape old-fashioned 

We’re so tired that we’re ordering room service for supper.  Tomorrow morning at 8:00 we have a four-hour walking tour about Athens’ history. I hope there’s not a test at the end!  More tomorrow!