Malaga

Trip Start Sep 03, 2007
1
211
219
Trip End Jun 17, 2009


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Spain and Canary Islands  , Andalusia,
Tuesday, December 9, 2008

There was a two hour wait in the spacious modern T4 at Madrid airport, watching the pouring rain outside. We had no idea of our next gate number and were waiting near where we had arrived. The flight was put on the notice board and was at the other end of the airport and starting boarding in ten minutes time.

We set off with all our (portable) worldly goods and arrived at the gate after the start of the boarding time, with everyone just sat around. At the actual time of departure there was an announcement that there would be a delay to the flight and a further announcement would be made.

After half an hour we started to board and once everyone was seated the Captain apologized for the previous delay and told us that there was now a technical problem and another delay would follow. The Airbus A321 was again full and we all sat in our seats, having been told to unfasten our seat belts whilst the plane was refuelled and after half an hour the Captain explained that a GPS system had failed and also a deicer valve was stuck open. This was going to be a long day and our lack of sleep in Athens, the early start and our serious colds were starting to tell on us, although other people were coughing and spluttering all around us. Sometimes I think aircraft are not the most healthy environment, as all germs and infections get recirculated round the cabin for as long as you're there.

Anyway the little man on his platform under the wing did his magic and we were cleared to go, taking off two hours late into the rain and dense cloud of Madrid. We climbed out above the heavy thunder clouds, which were present for the whole of the (reasonably smooth) one hour flight. The cabin crew were serving a (pay for) snacks meal but before they got to us it was time to descend and they hastily scarpered as we started to come down through heavy clouds and got thrown around (quite) a bit more.

It wasn't raining as we dropped out over the Meditteranean sea at Malaga and turned in for our landing, which was a nice, smooth 'roller'. Mostly sunny weather, no immigration ('cos it's EU) and the baggage game? Out they all rolled - hey, it's Viva Espana! I love this country. (Trouble is there's getting a few countries that I love and there's only one of me to go around!)

The car hire people were ready and we collected our Renault Megane diesel, loaded up and set off into the (not quite yet) sunset.
 
Print this entry Málaga hotels