FINALLY!!!
After a year and four months of dealing with Covid no-travel-possible I'm back in the air again, and spending 8 days in Berlin. Back to doing home exchanges again (www.homeexchange.com) where I swap my home for theirs and vice versa which saves a ton of money by not spending it on hotels or Airbnb's. Last year, I had to cancel 12 exchanges (some of them were re-booked and cancelled again).
Let's hope this trend sticks and no more surprises!!!
This was also my first experience knowing and attempting to meet whatever Covid-related requirements existed (that hadn't changed in the last 5 minutes) so I would be allowed to enter the airport in Palma, travel on an airline, and be allowed to stay in Germany. I had read so many stories of people being held up in long lines, not allowed on and/or in, signficant monetary costs and, of course, it was all different based on where you're coming from and where you're going.
I had been vaccinated 3 weeks before...check. I read I didn't need a PCR or Antigen test...check. But, I got an antigen test anyway...fast and simple the day before departure, $30. I completed an online questionaire about my prior activities and whereabouts. The system responded that, based on my answers, I did not need to file a report. I printed it and brought it along with me, just in case.
I arrived at the airport at 7am for my 9:30am flight. Walked right in and up to security, passed security, and walked to my gate. No problem. Wasn't stopped and asked for anything. When our boarding passes were being checked at the gate, the agent asked to see my Covid test results. I didn't know I had to show them, I figured I'd have to prove it upon landing. So, I had to dig them out of my bag while others behind me waited. Sorry!!
Everyone wore masks in the airport and on the plane. The plane coming in to Palma was full...175...yes, I counted. However, our plane leaving Palma was only half full. With EasyJet you have to pay a fee to bring a bag on board and placed in the overhead. It also gives you priority (first on) boarding and up-front seating. Well, 70% of the passengers opted for this service which meant our 'first to board' line was long and the last to board, very short. We were also ALL sittng up front with only a smattering scattered in the back. Because all the people who purchased a bag-spot and upfront seating, it meant all the bins were full, which meant mine was stowed behind where I was sitting. Makes for a bit of jostling when its time to retrieve your bag by walking backwards against the people in the aisle waiting to de-plane. I had a window seat and, luckily, no one in the middle seat next to me.
Our 2 1/2 hour flight landed a half hour early. I fully expected to be channeled into an area where someone would be checking our documents. Nope. Sailed right out of the terminal and to the subway station.
My Berlin host met me at the train station to give me his apartment keys. Then, I hopped a bus and rode 3 stops to right smack dab in front of his apartment.
Most European cities offer some sort of 'City Pass' which includes unlimited use of busses, trams, and subways as well as free entry (or discounted) to many of the popular tourists venues. It's SO worth it not to have to buy a ticket at every venue or transit excursion.
By now, it was early evening and I was wiped out. I walked up the street to a small grocery store to get a few things. When checking out, the cashier informed me I was not wearing the proper mask. Huh? I was wearing the typical blue pleated mask you see medical professionals use all the time. Apparantly, here in Germany, you're required to wear a specific mask or risk getting fined. Wow...never heard of that! But, I pointed out to her SHE was wearing the same light blue mask I was wearing...how come? She said it was because she was an 'employee'. What does that have to do with anything? I didn't ask. I purchased an 'acceptable' mask.
While walking back to the apartment, I suddenly realized no one was wearing a mask. It was now ok to not wear a mask outside, but it's still required while indoors. Mallorca is adopting the same policy in a week.
My home for the next 7 days is very modern and QUIET!! In newer construction, they use VERY heavily insulated glass in their windows and patio doors. Most of them can open in more than one way (ie; slide and tilt). When you shut everything you can't hear a sound from the busy street below. I mean NOTHING!!!
That was my day.
Here's some shots from my flight!
EasyJet is easy to spot with their orange color.
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Leaving Mallorca |
Approaching our neighbor island, Menorca
Descending into Berlin
I noticed vast carpets of forest with few roads.
By the way, if you're interested in viewing any of my past entries about travelling around Europe and where I live in Mallorca, simply scroll down past my signature to the end. There, you'll see 'Blog History'. You can click on any Month/Year to see the titles I published at that time. Simply click on the title you're interested in and it will take you to that page.
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