Back in Vigo

So here we are, back in Vigo after a hectic fortnight in the UK, trying, with only partial success, to see ALL the old friends we had promised to visit. Our final day there involved travelling across Greater Manchester by bus through the rain to lunch with friends.

But to be fair to the northwest of England, after the first few days of cold, wet and miserable weather, it improved considerably and the region showed itself off very well: lush greenery, wild flowers and even goslings on the canal!

Wednesday, however, was wet, not just rain but special Manchester torrential rain, creating huge puddles which the drains refused to swallow. Yesterday, by way of a total contrast, was crisp and clear for our journey back here and so we said goodbye to a sunny UK.

Now, Liverpool's John Lennon airport, our point of departure, is proving to be a victim of its own success and has difficulty processing passengers through security. Long queues of tense people fret because they are aware that their plane is almost certainly boarding while they are still on the wrong side of the security gate, despite having arrived at the airport in plenty of time.

Forewarned, we had sacrificed our principles and purchased peace of mind via on line passes which got us into fast track security checks. The airport promises to invest the money in improving facilities for all so our queue-jumping guilt was somewhat assuaged.

I suspect though that it was the slow passage of many through security that led to our plane being slow to board and so taking off a little late. A large party of Spanish schoolchildren were the last to board. Sleepy Spanish youngsters (it was not yet 7.00 in the morning) were looking for no longer existent window seats and equally sleepy teachers were finally snapping: No hay remedio. Sientate alli, Sara! Sara, por favor!!!

Then there were the baggage problems. Encouraging as many people as possible to travel with hand luggage only causes its own kind of chaos. Some of the "small" cases had to be taken off the plane and processed to go in the hold. A further delay!

Our plane was supposed to arrive at Oporto at 9.10. At 9.20 we started our descent to the airport. The Galizabus to Vigo was due to leave at 9.45, with a three hour wait for the next one if we missed it. So it was a case of grabbing our bags and running, just in time for the bus. Thank heavens we had only hand luggage!

We were "entertained" during our journey by an opinionated young man who kept up a running conversation with the driver at the top of his voice in a mix of Spanish, French and Italian, explaining to us all what is wrong with Spain at present: immigration, Chinese people who don't pay taxes, housing, schools, just about anything at all. It was a relief to get off the bus.

Finally back in Vigo, we walked home from the bus station in the afternoon sun, dropped our bags off at home and went around the corner to have a late (8 euro) lunch at the Cafe Cortes. Oh, the wonders of the Spanish menu del dia!

Checking out the city this morning, everything seems to be in order. The breadshop lady complained about the heat, there was the usual unemployed person asking for una ayuda outside the Eroski supermarket, there was a demonstration, complete with whistles, on Urzaiz and the wild girl greeted some of us by name as she asked us for money outside the Cafe de la Reconquista.

Oh, and the roadworks are still progressing. Mind you, the centre of Manchester is similarly in turmoil as they do things to the tram system - mellorando o futuro no doubt!