Smooth wake up and trip into the airport from JP and Kathleen's place. Wet and windy in Nova Scotia, feeling a lot like the first inklings of spring at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. By the time we got in there was a bit of a line-up for luggage check, but the agent at the desk handled our crew well. Security folks were also polite and got us through as quickly as possible.

This was the first flight for the kids, they were pretty wired and the couple of lines we encountered didn't dampen their spirits! We boarded the plane on time, after chatting with several other folks from Antigonish that we saw on their way south.

All hands had a great flight. Watched "Secretariat", had plenty of snacks, and slipped into Varadero without any effort. Monica enjoyed the treatment she got on the flight and hoped it would be the same on the way back. The plane seating was six across and not a lot of room for moving. Everyone handled it well though... eyes ahead to vacation I'm sure. We had about 4 1/2 hours of airtime and settled nicely, to the customary clapping, at Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport in Matanzas.

Security was a fairly "no nonsense" procedure. Zero small talk and no place for smiles. We did, however, get processed quickly with the authorities stamping tourist cards and snapping a picture. Happily, beyond the doors was a grabbing of luggage, beer vendors in the parking lot, and a pretty young guide who kept us all company on the 30 min ride to our digs at Barcelo Marina Palace. We were struck by the landscape, the cars and the hoards of hitchhikers.

Upon arrival we checked in at our resort accommodation the Barcelo Marina Palace, relaxed with a drink, then located our "block". The rooms were fine! Eileen had a gorgeous view of the ocean with a warm breeze for good measure. Janie and I were located on the other side of the resort in a far busier section near a pool and multiple complexes.

Supper... Our first meal in the buffet hall. A smorgasbord if I've ever seen one! The kids went wild trying the different plates and around the ice cream bar. We all found something we liked, some seating which suited our group, and were served up with the friendly smiles of the waiters/waitresses that were in our section.

After supper we capped off the evening with piña coladas and a quiet walk home. The kids kept Eileen company and I think everyone was just plain "wore out" at days end. Really, for a start to our week in Cuba things couldn't have gone much more smoothly.