Ironic Annoyance at 2am

We are heading towards, but symbolically won’t get to, Valencia airport today.  It has a place in the general family history and it goes like this.


It is an October Friday.  We are about to use the shiny new Doncaster Robin Airport to fly for a week of half term sun.  As I am about to leave my Head drops by to tell me an HMI is coming in after half term to visit the Department - that is, me.  Thanks. I can do nothing with this information other than worry.



So it Sunday we are due to return. I haven’t printed off the tickets and this is in the pre-interneted phone days so the plan is, pop in to the airport to check the flight details and take the hire car on, into the hills, for a splendid lunch and relaxed afternoon.  We arrive. There are no staff from the company concerned.  Nor is there any sign of a flight existing.  No, the summer schedule ended yesterday.  What was to be a pleasant day turns into a ‘oh dear’.’  Shall we drive to Alicante to get a flight. If we fly to Stansted on a huge and over priced flight can we get picked up and can I get back to Doncaster to get the car.



Can I say, the average Spaniards tolerance, nay, indulgence of small children helped that day.  He was kept amused, with football and running around with bare and blackening feet. It was a relief when other people drifted in.  They too were expecting a flight.  I hadn’t got it wrong.  Their outrage was oddly comforting.




Airports are odd places.  On one level the place thrived and bustled  with Spanish families flying in home and welcomed by overjoyed families.  Eventually it became empty and quiet.  A floor above a number of Brits were placated, to an extent, with the announcement of a flight leaving around 2.30.  You know you are alone when the shops close.  No one can be even bothered to sell you trinkets.



We got on the plane and were urged, a little forcefully, that if we hurried up we could leave on time.  Was the uproar ironic or angry.  Both.  The Cabin crew were under the impression that this was an extra flight being laid on out the goodness of somebody’s heart.  The were quickly reorientated.  We got a free drink. It think we got home at six.  There wasn’t any point in going to bed.



Today we are wiggling towards the airport through suburban sprawl, allotments and industrial sprawl.  The cafeteria El Bosque gets a solid 4 stars.  https://www.restelbosque.com/el-bosque-manises  Lets be nice.  Enrique reckoned  ‘I recently dined at this restaurant and was blown away by the quality of the rice dishes. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the flavors were outstanding. The menu featured a variety of rice dishes, including paella and risotto, all of which were cooked to perfection. The service was also exceptional, with the staff being friendly and attentive. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family and friends.



We can pop out and gaze at landing aircraft.











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