Day 24 - Tuesday 4 October Benalmadena – Malaga – Zurich - Amsterdam 25 degrees

We sleep in late and don’t head off to breakfast until 9.30, the temperature is 25 degrees. It is very quiet and most of the restaurants are closed. We find one that is open and have a lovely breakfast and coffees. One last round of shopping and then we pack and are ready to go by 11.30. First step is our pick up at 12.30, we take the bags down by 12.15 and settle in to wait with fingers crossed. Our shuttle arrives and we all breathe a sigh of relief. Step one accomplished.  Smooth ride to the airport and we have a 30 minute wait for check in to open. Check in smoothly and no overweight luggage – Karen is sooo relieved. Step 2 accomplished. We have a 90 minute wait until boarding so we grab a bite to eat and relax.

So far so good. Flight from Malaga to Zurich left on time and arrived early and we are at the terminal by 6 pm. Our next flight to Amsterdam has a 8.35 pm departure – plenty of time. Step 3 accomplished. Flight to Amsterdam leaves on time and we land at 9.45 pm and have a 10 minute wait until we get to the gate. Another 10 minute walk to get to the luggage carousel. All our luggage arrives at the same time. Can’t believe it!! We head outside to find the bus to the Novotel. Have no idea where it might be. We continue walking past the cab rank and see a van with Novotel Hotel on it, check with the driver and he shows us where the bus is. Walk across the road and board the bus.  We are the third drop off, check in to the hotel, pick up a few heinekens and were done. Step 4 accomplished. After the difficulties of our last flights, this has gone very smoothly.  Rooms at the Novotel are old, but spacious and comfortable and everyone is happy.