Preparing for Our Trip- A Two Year Effort!

Marcia and I had this trip planned two years ago- down to the airline tickets in our hand.  We were celebrating Marcia's victorious fight with cancer and this trip to the Sun Coast of Spain was a wonderful treat for us both.  But we didn't figure on the nasty chemo side effects- it swept Marcia off her feet and into the hospital.  Thanks goodness for travel insurance!  With Dr. Ueland's affadavit, we were both let off the hook- total refund of our vacation expenses to be saved for another day. 

Now is the day!!!  For 2010, we have confirmed our itinerary with Grand Circle Tours, paid our deposits and balance, made reservations for accomodations and travel and now we are thinking about what to pack!!  It's finally going to happen!
Trip Schedule:  Marcia's spending the night at Ellen's on Oct 26th.  We depart Louisville at 7:40am to JFK Airport via Detroit on the 27th.  Then we wait for our connection to Spain!  Better waiting for awhile than miss our connection!  We're flying Alberia Airlines to Madrid and then raking a puddle jumper to Malaga.  Arrival time:  10:35am the next day!  Our destination:  the seaside resort of Torremolinos on Spain's popular Costa del Sol- the Spanish Sun Coast. 
Accomodations:  Bajondillo Apartment Hotel.  These lodgings are centrally located on the shore promenade just across the street from the beach.  We have a private balcony overlooking the ocean, full bath and kitchenette. 
Itinerary:  Our base is the Apartment Hotel- from there Grand Circle offers tours and optional side trips:
the picturesque Andalucian villages including a picnic hosted by a Spanish family!  We can choose to go to see the magnificent Alhambra Palace overlooking Granada, wander the ancient town of Ronda, which Hemingway dubbed "the most beautiful place on earth".  We can even take overnight excursions: romantic Seville- the home of flamenco dancing and world famous sherry.  Our most exciting trip will be across the strait of Gilbraltar to exotic Morocco!  We will spend two days there exploring the "kasbahs" and bazaars- and of course, great shopping!  Best of all, we'll learn about the Spanish culture and meet some very interesting people. 
26th more days to go!