Trip Report: 17 days in Spain & Portugal
Sep 28th, 2007, 11:34 AM
#81
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First just want to add to the chorus praising this trip report -- lots of information that was very helpful, so thank you.
But my question is for ams -- when did you have problems getting cheese into the US? My most recent trip back was from Spain in June of this year and though I too had the sniffing dog sit down next to my backpack, it was only because I had forgotten to throw out the two apples I had brought on the plane for snacking. I was left with my cheese and told it was no problem. Is this something up to the discretion of the individual agent, or is cheese now prohibited? Thanks.
But my question is for ams -- when did you have problems getting cheese into the US? My most recent trip back was from Spain in June of this year and though I too had the sniffing dog sit down next to my backpack, it was only because I had forgotten to throw out the two apples I had brought on the plane for snacking. I was left with my cheese and told it was no problem. Is this something up to the discretion of the individual agent, or is cheese now prohibited? Thanks.
Sep 28th, 2007, 07:06 PM
#82
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i/c, Like others, I wanted to tell you that you did a very good job with the report. Good details and a nice sense of humor. I think you had done a nice job researching the trip on fodors, and it showed in your experiencing a new place.
Best wishes for all future endeavors, including travel.
Best wishes for all future endeavors, including travel.
Sep 28th, 2007, 08:04 PM
#83
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Thanks Ireynold and Comfyshoes. Given below is the link to some pictures, for those interested.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14286024@N06/sets/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14286024@N06/sets/
Sep 28th, 2007, 08:09 PM
#84
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Mu Apologies to Indian Couple for hyjacking the post to respond to Ann & Ireynold:
Well I had this great big delicious hunk of Manchego with me on the Lufthansa flight back to CA from Frankfurt. I was told no food products by Lufthansa. So I left it on the plane. I did not want to risk it because on a previous trip to Spain I was nabed at US customs the little beagle and had to forfeit my coveted Jamon Serrano. I bought the ham at the eleventh hour as gifts at the Malaga aitport after being assured by the saleslady in the airport shop that since it was sealed it was ok. Not so. The doggie got me immediatly and I had to hand over my cargo while the customs agents went into a tirade about the inferior meat processing in Spain..(humpph...as if...el colmo!)
BTW I am a typical middle aged lady not a crazy looking person...
I think it does matter who the customs agent is. In any case, no risks for me
I have bad luck in customs you may recall from my own trip...
Anyway Indiancouple I will notforget the Flamenco link I am currently clarifying some confusing details on the website which are unclear before I share it with you.
Again GREAT report.
Well I had this great big delicious hunk of Manchego with me on the Lufthansa flight back to CA from Frankfurt. I was told no food products by Lufthansa. So I left it on the plane. I did not want to risk it because on a previous trip to Spain I was nabed at US customs the little beagle and had to forfeit my coveted Jamon Serrano. I bought the ham at the eleventh hour as gifts at the Malaga aitport after being assured by the saleslady in the airport shop that since it was sealed it was ok. Not so. The doggie got me immediatly and I had to hand over my cargo while the customs agents went into a tirade about the inferior meat processing in Spain..(humpph...as if...el colmo!)
BTW I am a typical middle aged lady not a crazy looking person...
I think it does matter who the customs agent is. In any case, no risks for me
I have bad luck in customs you may recall from my own trip...
Anyway Indiancouple I will notforget the Flamenco link I am currently clarifying some confusing details on the website which are unclear before I share it with you.
Again GREAT report.
Sep 29th, 2007, 03:15 AM
#85
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amsdon, thanks once again. And you can now hijack this thread to your heart's content, as I am done with it now, except to stand by to answer queries, and to acknowledge any brickbats and bouquets !
Sep 29th, 2007, 08:38 PM
#90
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marieparis, Mollie, angy400 and Beth, thank you all for your appreciation. It feels nice to hear it, after the hard work that went into writing it.
And angy400, lucky you to have a family in Seville. That was certainly the city that we loved most. We envy you !
And angy400, lucky you to have a family in Seville. That was certainly the city that we loved most. We envy you !
Oct 1st, 2007, 03:30 AM
#91
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Wonderful trip report. If you do end up returning to Iberia as you wish, do visit the north of Portugal. Porto is emerging as a great destination. See www.gooporto.com for ideas ;-)
Oct 1st, 2007, 07:26 AM
#93
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SonofLusus, we had heard a lot about Porto, and really wanted to go there, but alas the time that we can take off from work is limited, and sacrifices have to be made. If we ever go back to Portugal, Porto would be high on our list.
jjfern, thanks for your appreciation. Why not post your own trip report ? It would be interesting to read experiences of other recent travellers.
jjfern, thanks for your appreciation. Why not post your own trip report ? It would be interesting to read experiences of other recent travellers.
Oct 3rd, 2007, 03:42 AM
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indiancouple, I bow before this great report. After reading it, I have suggested to spouse that we convert to vegetarianism, on the pretext that it must surely give one more energy. 
The crowning touch was that you even considered partying all night before a 6:30 a.m flight to India. (Yes, I would have done such a thing, but in my twenties - but not now. Yet you, the same vintage as me, considered it....let's just say, if we ever get to India, I know whom to contact for a party!
Just one thing. Seville does have a fantastic bus system - one of the best I've seen anywhere. The buses on which we rode had live video monitors on which were displayed the route of the bus and where the bus currently was on the route - in real time. This was extremely convenient for us who needless to say, had a bit of trouble getting our bearings, especially after darkness fell. No worries about getting of at the wrong stop! (Granted, such buses do not ply the alleys of the you-know-where quarter in Seville. But I was impressed, just the same, especially since we once took a wrong bus in Florence, Italy late at night - and found ourselves walking, a LOT.)
The other thing is that you, unlike us, had the good sense not to try and learn both Portuguese and Spanish at the same time. When I finally finish my own report (the dog ate my homework) - I will relate some misadventures with respect to lingual confusion.
again, thanks very much!
The crowning touch was that you even considered partying all night before a 6:30 a.m flight to India. (Yes, I would have done such a thing, but in my twenties - but not now. Yet you, the same vintage as me, considered it....let's just say, if we ever get to India, I know whom to contact for a party!
Just one thing. Seville does have a fantastic bus system - one of the best I've seen anywhere. The buses on which we rode had live video monitors on which were displayed the route of the bus and where the bus currently was on the route - in real time. This was extremely convenient for us who needless to say, had a bit of trouble getting our bearings, especially after darkness fell. No worries about getting of at the wrong stop! (Granted, such buses do not ply the alleys of the you-know-where quarter in Seville. But I was impressed, just the same, especially since we once took a wrong bus in Florence, Italy late at night - and found ourselves walking, a LOT.)
The other thing is that you, unlike us, had the good sense not to try and learn both Portuguese and Spanish at the same time. When I finally finish my own report (the dog ate my homework) - I will relate some misadventures with respect to lingual confusion.
again, thanks very much!
Oct 3rd, 2007, 05:40 AM
#97
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Sue xxyy, glad you enjoyed the report. As regards the plan to party all night at Madrid, OK we are getting on in years, but would like to think we are still young at heart ! But alas, the heart was willing, but the flesh was weak, after the two weeks of pounding !!
Do plan a trip to India sometime; I am sure it will fascinate you, as it has so many others. And we look forward to reading your trip report.
We did realize that Seville has a good bus system in the areas of less tourist interest. And we did try their circular buses on a few occasions. But of course it would be impossible to construct a public transport system in Barrio SC or the historic centre, and our hotel was a bit away from there, causing much strain on our feet.
Do plan a trip to India sometime; I am sure it will fascinate you, as it has so many others. And we look forward to reading your trip report.
We did realize that Seville has a good bus system in the areas of less tourist interest. And we did try their circular buses on a few occasions. But of course it would be impossible to construct a public transport system in Barrio SC or the historic centre, and our hotel was a bit away from there, causing much strain on our feet.
Oct 3rd, 2007, 08:28 AM
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Your trip report, indiancouple, was truly a delight to read! Thank you for taking the time and effort to share your experiences with us. Reading your report brought me back in time - 35 years ago - when I made a similar trip to Spain & Portugal. Thank you so much for re-awakening those memories for me.
Oct 3rd, 2007, 06:49 PM
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easywalker, you are most welcome. You say you went there 35 years ago ! I am sure both countries have changed a lot since then. Would be interested in knowing from you as to which aspects seem to have changed most significantly.
