The Volcano Erupts!

As we left the surreal bonds of the US airspace, bound for Madrid, Spain, on our Aer Lingus flight, little did we know that a volcano in Iceland had decided to start erupting. Fortunately for us, there was no impact on our flight as the jet stream had kept the ash plume in the Northern Europe/Scandinavia air space.

Britain Closes Airspace as Volcanic Ash Spreads

New York Times - Alan Cowell, Nicola Clark - ‎1 hour ago‎

PARIS - British civil aviation authorities said on Thursday they would close the country's airspace at noon to shield aircraft from a high altitude cloud of ash drifting south from an erupting volcano in Iceland.

Our flight was flawless and we sleep like babies -- twisting and turning and not getting a wink. When we arrived on the ground, there was a light rain and overcast skies. Everything went on schedule. Bags on time. AMEX Foreign Exchange was open. Our taxi driver - Joseph - was delightful. He gave us a great verbal tour in Castilian Spanish and English about Madrid, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and the Grand Inquisition.

We checked into the Melia Madrid Princess hotel and our room was ready -- and quite nice -- they really do know how to pamper guests and the room was attractively decorated in a modern "art deco" decor.

Off to sleep to make up for last night, then onward to Casa Botin's for lunch!