It was one of those days that sounds simple when you plan it months in advance. Catch a bus to the airport, catch a plane to Barcelona, catch a train to the city. Job done.

We woke before 6am, packed quickly, took our last Darmstadt tram, and transferred to the Airliner bus to Frankfurt Airport. So far so good. We were deposited outside Terminal 1, one of two massive terminals.  Frankfurt is the second biggest airport in Europe, after Heathrow, so we weren’t too surprised by its size.  Terminal 1 had sections A, B, C, D, E and Z.  Eventually we worked out that most European flights go from A.  A long walk to the bag drop followed.  We lined up in a long queue (the first of several). Our baggage drop point was numbered something like 257!

That took half an hour. Next it was into the Security hall. After passing through a control gate, we plebs were separated from the first class people, and shunted into another huge queue. This one was simply the line to get INTO the security checking area!  Once in there, it was more queuing, then the usual procedure.  By now we’d been at the airport for an hour, to complete a process that normally takes about 15 minutes.

There was no passport control (as we were not leaving the EU). Instead we walked what seemed like another couple of kilometres to Gate 38, of 40. Yes, right at the end.  We’d arrived at the airport 3 hours early, and now only had 45 minutes before boarding. We were very glad that Margi and Ted had forewarned us.

We flew on a brand new A321. It was a smooth, quiet flight, the highlight being some spectacular views of the Alps, including the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc, recognised from our hiking there many years ago.  As we approached Spain, we flew over the Mediterranean, looking a picture from above.  Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the plane for the view over Barcelona as we landed.

Disgorged from the plane, it was onto a shuttle bus to Terminal 2 – the trains don’t go to Terminal 1 (yet).  Figure out the difference between the Metro and the Renfe trains, buy a 10 trip ticket, and receive instructions – stay on the Renfe for 3 stops then transfer to the Metro Line 3.  Are you still with me?

The Renfe is comfortable but inexplicably slow as it chugs along for 3 stops. We text our host with our ETA of 3.30pm, but I am starting to doubt this.  Alight at Sants station, which is MASSIVE and very busy.  Work out how to exit with our tickets. Follow signs to the Metro.  “University” is the direction we want, I said.  Take about 3 escalators and 2 sets of stairs, then find the lift to the platform. It’s on an angle. Fun!  About to board the train when Ian realises that University is NOT where we want to go.  Oops. Change platforms (more angle lifts). Shove onto crowded train, which gets busier with every stop.

10 stations later, arrive at Fontana and de-train. Google maps tells us to walk “south east”. Which way is that??? Soon underway, only 200 metres to our street.  It’s quiet and looks pleasant.  Find the apartment complex, and ring the bell. No response. Try again. Nothing. Message the host.  Nothing.  Hot. Tired. Thirsty.

After 15 minutes we finally get inside.  The apartment is small but has character, and seems very practical. Best of all, it has aircon!  We have settled in, Ian has shopped, and discovered Barcelonians to be polite and helpful. Gluten free food is available.  The bed is nice and firm.  Gaudi is on our doorstep.  La vida es buena.