MIAMI-MADRID, SPAIN

By Cliff May
Osprey, Florida

Three days before my first courier flight was scheduled to take off for Madrid, a staff member at LHS called me and told me where and when to meet their representative. He was on time, wearing a burgundy polo shirt with the LHS logo. We bypassed the long line at the American Airlines counter; he gave me my boarding pass and wished me a pleasant trip. Fortunately I had been able to use frequent-flyer miles to book a seat for my wife on the same flight -- we even got seats together.

When we landed in Madrid, we took the train 250 kilometers north to Vallodolid for 2200 pesatas (US$19) where we stayed with my daughter, son-in-law and grandson. Cynthia, Jose and Daniel live in a large, condo-type apartment with a magnificent view of the city. I estimate the cost of living to be about one third higher than ours in southwest Florida. Vallodolid is a charming city of 300,000, has modern educational facilities, a Michelin plant, a Renault factory, and it is said that the bones of Columbus are buried there -- although Seville also claims that distinction.

While visiting we took two side trips. Jose drove us to a crossing point on the border of Portugal, a little town called Miranda do Douro. The town sits high above the Douro river where a hydro-electric dam has been built. We were amazed at the sheer walls of rock with the river, the dam and a beautiful lake far below. Our country-style lunch, overlooking this spectacular view, was hearty and plentiful, but quite expensive. We visited an interesting cathedral in the old part of town and saw a dozen buses loaded with shopping-bag-laden-tourists, so we decided to check it out. Soft dry-goods like towels, bedding and warm-up suits were available at good prices.

Another day our daughter took us to Segovia. We were really impressed by the remains of a huge, Roman aqueduct which spans a portion of the city. The cathedral, which stands out dramatically on the skyline, should inspire even the most jaded photographer. The local ceramics were of good quality at reasonable prices.

My Madrid LHS courier contact was Alejandra. I had called her when we first arrived, and she told me in excellent English where and when to meet Javier on the morning of our departure. He was there on time and gave me my boarding pass. In summary I'm pleased to report that my initial experience as a courier was pleasant and hassle-free.