4 Days in Dover

Author Message   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4478 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 05:27 pm:    Thanks Margaret!   Margaret Scott New member Username: Margaret Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 71.197.109.212 Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 05:10 pm:    Hi, the name is Hostal Opera, Sant Pau 20, in Barcelona, it is about a block from Las Ramblas. I found it at Booking.com, email for the Hostal is info@operaramblas.com It was 58 E per room per night, our room had 2 comfortable beds, with private bath, no TV, very plain, no food, no fridge but very secure.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4475 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 04:43 am:    Margaret, Do you have contact info for the Hostel and was it 58 Euro "each"?   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2723 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.34.250.201 Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 02:21 am:    Margaret, glad you got back OK. I figured we would still be in Rota when you got there, like you said they had lots of flights, but many were broke. Lois and Jerry got home today, hope the Wentworth's make it out.   Margaret Scott New member Username: Margaret Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 71.197.109.212 Posted on Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 01:09 am:    Nice to get all of your good information, Phyllis, but we were one of the lucky ones I guess. After the cruise to Barcelona, we stayed 2 nights at a plain but very clean Hostel--58 E per night, Barcelona was beautiful on Sunday, Mothers Day, we walked and walked Las Ramblas,planning to do the tour bus on Monday, however, it was pouring the rain so we just took a city but to visit the church, that they have been building for years--still not completed--, we went to a travel agent and got airline tickets for Tuesday for Seville, Spain leaving Barcelona at 7:10 AM Up early, 3 am called for a taxi to pick us up at 4, arrived at airport at around 4:30. after checking in for our flight we had a bite to eat and off we went to Seville--an hour and 20 minute flight. Took a city bus to the interstate but terminal, and as luck would have it, we only had to wait about a half hour before getting the bus to Rota. Arrived in Rota before noon and after checking in at the gate, we started walking to the terminal, but a cab came by so flagged it down. There were the four of us, the Wentworth's and us. At the terminal they said that they had several flights stateside, but they were all waiting to be fixed, but would have word about one around 3 pm. So just in case I stayed at the terminal wiht our luggage, and Wayne and the Wentworths went to billeting, nothing available, so Wayne came back to the terminal and the Wentworth's went to the Navy Lodge. They got the last room, they called us to let us know so we wouldn't walk over and find nothing. It wasn't until 3:30 that the folks at the terminal said the plane was fixed and so we met roll call for a 6 pm take off, we didn't get away until nearly midnight, getting tired by now as we were up at 3 am. We had 6 space A's and 7 or 8 active duty. Had lots of room to lay down and sleep, flight was supposed to go to Pope and then to Dover, after a 4 hour ground time at Pope, on take off we were told that we had a 2 hour flight to McGuire and then back to Dover, so after landing at McGuire, we decided to stay there as there were several flights to Nellis AFB,NV and one to McCord. We wanted anything close to the west coast, had hoped for Travis, but we always take the first flight, whereever it goes. They didn't call roll call for the McCord flight so it went without us, around 5 am, they had told us it would be 5 pm. Anyway, we did get the flight to Nellis, took off--after 45 minutes something broke--so back to McGuire. After fixing it we took off about 4 hours later, arrived in Nevada around 5:30 pm, rented a car, got a motel and went to bed. Up the next day and after breakfast we drove home to Roseville California. Next morning took rental car to Sacramento airport and the back home. All in all we had a wonderful trip and now we are still trying to catch up on all the sleep we lost. Oh well, that's the way space a is, but the PRICE IS RIGHT. The Wentworth's went to Souda Bay and because of the volcano I'm not sure if they are still there or not.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2719 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.34.250.201 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 07:16 pm:    That is indeed it John, what would we do with out you??   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2607 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 01:47 pm:    Phyllis: Great Report. Thanks for taking the time and effort to write it up...fantastic detail and usable for future flights. Happy Travels, John   Bill Ward Senior Member Username: Dualrated2 Post Number: 719 Registered: 08-2003 Posted From: 76.169.178.107 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 04:42 am:    Thank you both.   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4471 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 04:23 am:    Ooops, I forgot to post the schedule! I got my 0100 mixed up with 1:30 (pm) so it looks like this is indeed the same bus as the schedule shows a 1330 departure. http://www.tgcomes.es/horarios_3_english.htm   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2718 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.34.250.201 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 04:03 am:    Bill, I'm sorry I don't, Marion was the one with that info, I have got rid of my copy   John D. Moderator Username: John_d Post Number: 4470 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 95.208.80.143 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 03:59 am:    Bill, From the Bus Web Site link (TRANSPORTES GENERALES COMES) on the Spacea.net Rota page here's one schedule but it may be a different one than Phyllis used as it doesn't show a departure at 0100 so there may be more than one option.   Bill Ward Senior Member Username: Dualrated2 Post Number: 718 Registered: 08-2003 Posted From: 76.169.178.107 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 03:36 am:    Nice report Phyllis. Would you happen to have a web site for the bus from Malaga to Cadiz?   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2717 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.34.250.201 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 02:51 am:    This was our 4th time to do the crossing from Galveston to Barcelona, and I think it was one time to many. The ship stopped first in Nassau, not an exciting place, but we did find a free wifi at the McDonalds. Walked around town a little, than back on board. Next stop was Ponta deGada, again, not an exciting place, since we had been there on 2 of the other cruises. We walked around town than went up to the public library and use the wifi there, also free. We had been thinking about getting off at Malaga and when Eileen and Marion said they were gong to do this we asked if they wanted company for the bus ride to Rota. Once the ship docked and the 4 of us were cleared to leave, we went out got a taxi for 10 Euro and .45 for each suitcase, to the bus station. We left the ship about 10:30 and the bus wasn’t till 1:30. The bus station, like most is not in the best part of town, but was OK. Jim and I left Eileen and Marion to watch the bags, as we went again to find a wifi place. The train station, very nice and close by had a place on the second floor that we could use. Checked the Rota flights and it looked good for getting back to the states. Our bus was about 4 hours with several short stops, NO WC on board and no time to use any at the stops. The ride was very pretty, went along the coast and we enjoyed it. We were to change buses in Cadiz for one to Rota. We arrived in Cadiz about 5:40 and didn’t know where the other bus station was, and it would be a couple hours before it left for Rota. Since we were across from the ferry dock, I said let’s do that. We did, and when we landed in Rota, I asked the boat crew to call a cab for us. The cab arrived and was big enough for the 4 of us and our bags. He charged us 8 euros to go to the base, he waited while we got our day passes, took us to the terminal so we could check to see what was going out, than we had him drop us at the Gate way. We had no reservation, while Marion & Eileen did. They told us no room, and they were sending active duty folks in town for rooms while we waited our turn. When I said I would just sit in the lobby till midnight when they give up the rooms of the no show, they called the Navy Lodge and got us a room, $75.00. We didn’t have to be to the terminal about 1800 on Saturday, so we had a nice day to enjoy ourselves. We were drinking our morning coffee out side at the Lodge and got talking to another couple who had been trying to get to Italy for several days. All of us had to be out of the lodge by noon, but the manager came out when she saw us and asked if we wanted to keep our room one more night, so we all say yes. This would be a good move for the two of us as it turned out. The other couple invited us to join then for lunch at a lovely place out side the gate and about twenty minutes away. It was right on the water, very nice, lots of condo type buildings and several place to eat. Parking was free and the beach lovely and free. We showed up for the flight to Dover-Memphis, got out boarding pass, they took our bags and we were feeling pretty good about this. Well that was short lived, about 2200 they called us all to the counter, said the plane was not going. We could leave out bags with them, go back to our hotels and be back at 0400 for show time. So that is what we did. Only this time when we showed up the plane was only going to Dover and not on after that. We all got on about 16 of us, so it was 3 seat each, we left at 0800, not sure why we had a 4 hour show time, but we did. Arrived in Dover about 8 hours later, the terminal was empty , but several flights were due in that look good to us. Two to Robert Gray in Waco and one to Kelly. We didn’t get a room just hung out in the terminal. Now this is when it get interesting. I learned that I do not ever want to be homeless that day. With no place to store bags, nothing to eat, except junk type food, we but our bags on one of the luggage carts and headed to Burger King. Had lunch, headed back to the terminal. When we got there checked to see if show times had changed, they hadn’t, so we took our cart, went outside found two benches, used our jackets for pillows and took a nap. The plane to Kelly took no one, the emergency lights didn’t work, on the plane to Robert Gray had troops returning , they had seats available, but the crew said no to our request to fly with them. That left the other plane as our last hope. It arrived and we got boarding passes, they took luggage and off we went to the plane, not a good idea. There were just the two of us and a civilian contractor who’s equipment was on the C-5. When we got to the plane, they said why are you here? Turns out the plane was broke, so back we go to the terminal. We were kept in the holding room for a while, till they said it isn’t going tonight. By now it is about 2300. A quick call to Eagle Rest and we get a room, one of the air man got a van and took the two of us over. The other gentleman was staying at a civilian hotel. They told us to back at 11:00 for show time. So a good night sleep. Breakfast at the golf course and we are ready to hit the road to get back. We had walked about a block when a nice young wife stop and asked if she could give us a lift. Back at the terminal we find the plane is still broke. About this time another couple come in and realize we know them and have flown with them before. They are wanting the same plane as us, so we now will be 5 trying to get a ride. We started this out on a cruise, now we all know you gain weight on a cruise, but I had been careful and didn’t. This about to change, as we spend the next 3 days in the Dover terminal. The USO is lovely there now, and it was good to see Bill on Monday morning. Much to my happiness one of my favorite pizza places has open on base. Grotto’s Pizza now is on base and delivers to the terminal. I may be stuck, but I can still eat some of my favorite junk food. Monday night we did leave base with Jim’s brother to go to still another favorite place, Sambo’s. Yes it was wonderful and if the plane had left, it would have been worth it. However the plane didn’t leave, about 2000 they say it’s a no go, come back tomorrow. So we call the Sheraton, they have room, $89 for the government rate and free shuttle to and from. It was a great room, nice king size bed and well worth the price. We went down for breakfast about 10:15, saw the lunch buffet started at 11:00 for all you can eat $9.00, so we waited. After a good lunch we got in the van and went back to the terminal. Now it is Tuesday and we are still in Dover, we wait all day, time for dinner we order from Grotto’s. Had the ravioli’s very good, the baked Ziti not so good. No plane out this night, so back to the Sheraton. Next morning, we have an early show time, so we go to the breakfast buffet, again $9.00 and lots to pick from. Dinner is from Grotto’s, now we have other folks wanting to order, so I order for all of us separate check, but only one charge of $1.50 to deliver it. About 17:00 we give up and use air miles to get a flight the next morning from Philly to DFW. We have family come pick us up, 20 minutes after we leave the terminal, I get a call from one of the other folks saying they are getting on the plane and taking off. It worked out well for us. We spent the night with family in Wilmington, they took us up to the air port in the morning, We rented a car at DFW drove to Ft. WJRB to pick up our car and by noon were on our way home. Can’t complain to much in all our years of doing this this is the first long wait we have had, so I think it was jus tour time to try plan Z. While it was not my plan to spend 4 days in Dover, we made the best of it and visited with some old space A friends, made a couple new ones and lived to tell about it. Sometimes you just have to make lemonade when in the world of space A travel you get a bunch of lemons.