We were the first ones to board our plane yesterday at 4:40 and got settled into our business class seats. Soon after that the F/A brought us a glass of champagne.
Of course I had to go up and checkout the cockpit and have a chat with the guys. On this international flight there were two F/O's assisting the Captain. Our flight time for this trip was to be 8 hours and 52 minutes. Flights over 8 hours require 3 pilots. It was 5320 miles from DFW to BCN.
We left the gate 15 minutes late due to late arriving passengers. No problem as we had a tailwind to make up the time. It was a quick taxi and we took off at 6:00.
When we reached our cruising altitude the F/A's began their cocktail and dinner service. I had Woodford Reserve bourbon and Rebecca had chardonnay.
Cheers!
You'll have to click on this photo of the menu to enlarge it.
We started with grilled artichokes and eggplant with feta cheese (on right side) and a romaine salad. We do not like eggplant but this was good.
I chose the braised short rib with lobster mac & cheese, and broccolini. The rib was excellent. Hot, tender, and juicy meat. Rebecca opted for pan roasted chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, and broccolini. She loved her dinner also. Bravo American Airlines, great chow!
For dessert I had the hot fudge sundae. Of course Rebecca passed on dessert.
After dinner it was time for some shut eye. Our seats reclined fully into a flat bed. Nice blanket and pillow. I went right to sleep but Rebecca went up to have a long chat with the F/A's in the galley before she retired. My back was not bothering me so I got some rest.
An hour prior to landing we were served some fruit, honey roasted sweet potatoes, blistered tomatoes, and a mushroom, leek, & asparagus frittata. Hot coffee also.
We landed early at 9:50 (schedule was 10:10). Unfortunately, we had to park away from the gates so had to use this stairs and then board a bus that took us to the terminal. It was not easy for us to come down the stairs with our carry-ons but we made it.
Once in the terminal we had to pass through immigration control to have our passports checked and stamped. There was a bit of a line but they had several officers and we were on our way to baggage claim within 10 minutes.
Now the wait began! It was over an hour waiting for our luggage to come out. Our Blacklane limo driver called us several times and I told him NOT to call us as I did not have an international cell phone plan. We were glad to see all 3 of our bags to come out finally. Our driver was waiting with a sign with our names on it as we departed baggage claim doors.
The Mercedes SUV was very nice for our 30 minute ride from the airport to the Hilton Diagonal Mar. We arrived at the hotel at 11:30. Joel checked us in and thankfully our room was ready. We have a view of the beach (not a great beach) and pool from the 13th floor.
View from our window of pool, and what they call, the beach??
This is the view from elevators out the other side of the hotel. We are in a residential area but just outside of the hotel is a mall. Click to enlarge. There is a McDonalds down there! Probably wait until tomorrow to check it out.
We normally stay at the Hilton closer to the city but wanted to try this hotel out on this trip. Glad we did as service here is incredible. The bellman brought our luggage up right away and got extra luggage racks for the room. Later I went down to get a couple electric plug adapters so I could plug our phones in to charge. There was one US type outlet for my computer. There was a long line at reception so again the bellman came to be aide and got them.
A couple hours after we got to the room there was a knock at the door and this box of candy was delivered from the hotel manager. We are Diamond status with Hilton so they do nice things for Diamonds. There is an Executive Lounge on the 15th floor that we get special access to. Happy hour there with drinks and canapes is from 5 to 7pm. Yes, we will be there!! Also, unlike Hiltons in the US, we will get a free breakfast buffet in the restaurant.
So it is now 2pm here but in Dallas it is 7am (7 hours change). I am going to publish this blog post now and lie down for awhile. Rebecca is snoozing already. More tomorrow!
OOPS! Almost forgot! Just prior to landing a F/A brought this bottle of champagne to Rebecca. I guess they enjoyed her visit in the galley.
