Two things threatened to complicate my return from Barcelona today.
The first was industrial action by Aer Lingus pilots, which started last week. When the list of cancellations caused by the first stage of this ( a work to rule) was announced, I checked to see which flights were affected and found the Barcelona-Dublin route wasn’t among them.
The other matter was Taylor Swift’s residence of three concerts in her ‘Eras” Tour in Dublin this weekend, making flights very busy (and more expensive than usual).
Taylor Swift was performing in Sydney when I was there earlier this year and in the UK when I was there earlier this month. I think she’s following me around. I’m sure she only wants me for my money…
Anyway, owing to the combination of these circumstances, and the probability of escalation of the industrial dispute, I decided not to take a chance on Aer Lingus but instead to opt for an early morning flight with Ryanair. Although I had to get up at 4am (3am Irish Time) to get the plane back to Dublin, all went according to plan. The Barcelona airport bus, incidentally, runs all night.
My own personal ‘Eras’ Tour (i.e. sabbatical) is not over until the end of August, but I’ll be spending the rest of it somewhere a bit cooler and with less hustle and bustle. But first I have to get my laptop sorted…
It just remains for me to thank publicly the staff and students of the ICCUB, especially Raul and Licia, for making me so welcome in Barcelona for the past 9 months (off and on).
Now I think a little siesta is called for…
