My propensity for pre-dawn wanderings is irrespective of time zone. Just 48 hours ago, I grabbed book 4 of 4 I had taken on the adventure and quietly found my way down to the lobby. I love being the only one awake in my house and I love being in quiet hotel lobbies with the occasional third shift housekeeping staff to say “hello” to.
I finished the book in those early morning hours of our last day in Madrid. Good thing too. Arriving back home in the Great North at midnight, you’d think we’d fall into bed and sleep for a day or so to catch up. But still functioning in hotel mode, we had a quick turn.
A “quick turn” is when a hotel is at capacity and the same number of people checking out is the about the same number of rooms you need ready for check-in a few hours later. Thus, the staff is stretched and stressed trying to work as fast and efficiently as possible to keep everyone happy.
That was our day yesterday. I had about 5 hours to stretch out in MY bed – the one that is right on so many levels – before I was up doing two weeks worth of laundry that had to be put back in the Dr.’s suitcase within a few hours before his next departure. A few appointments, a few trips to restock depleted travel sized toiletries – and by pre-dawn this morning we were back at the airport.
I will probably enjoy this vacation as much now that I am home as I did when I was there. Pictures will be savored and shared. I will now begin to engage my brain and get back spending my pre-dawn wanderings with you. 
1eyedmonkee 