Rota, Andalucia (Spain)

Woke up this morning at 0600L to the realization that a Blackberry (provided by the detachment) can be very useful (nice alarm function). Had breakfast at the Galley and then met up with my crew at the hangar for a brief. Also waiting for me was a camera crew who wanted to go with us to Russia - they bailed when they learned we weren't going there. However, they did interview our crew about the fire-fighting equipment we were carrying. It will eventually get to Moscow - just not on our aircraft. Mission was changed again during our brief - to take us from Sicily to Naples to Rota (to pick up more equipment). Matt had been to Naples but never to Spain. Weather was pretty good and it looked like we would have a quick day - until we got hit with the first of several slot times (that's summer flying in Europe...). Fortunately, the time our schedulers gave us was adequate for us to arrive in Naples close to our scheduled arrival time. Feels like I just came here a few days ago, but it has probably been almost three years (see OCT 2007). I went in to see if I could meet up with Gabe (no luck) but bought some souvenirs for the kids before we departed. Flight over to Spain began with an unusual departure off runway 24 (usually we are too heavy) and some good views of Ischia, Sardinia & Corsica, and some barren areas of central Spain (rest was covered by clouds). We were intercepted (training) by a Spanish F-18 - first time I've had that happen. When we arrived in Rota we tried to get some training on the approach but it didn't work - landed uneventfully to HOT & humid conditions. Showed Matt around inside and picked up a great sandwich from the flight-line kitchen. Had problem with slot times again - and this time learned we had passengers just as we were starting our engines. What a mess! Eventually got off the ground again and headed home. Pretty standard flight until we crossed over Sardinia - then we got an unusual direct to Palermo pretty early. Some things are a little different from what I remember... Arrived at Sigonella around 1800L. Dealt with some folks who had heartburn we didn't take the camera crew, but it turned out not to be our fault. After getting a quick shower, had dinner in Motta again - this time at Donna Fortunata (insalate caprese, wine, D'Avola pizza). Owner brought out a drink he made (don't know the name) that tasted like a mix of linoncello and sambucha - very good (I even had two glasses, much to his pleasure). We were able to get gelato this time - right next door. Back in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn (2200), got some work done on email and watched TV. Bed late.