Although the BA flight to London was supposed to depart Nashville at 8:35 PM, it was delayed by two hours because they were waiting for a “VIP” to get through customs. A fellow traveler, Tyler Reeve (a country music singer), said it was a US Marshal. In any event, the special passenger decided to remain in Nashville and we finally left shortly before 11 PM. Dinner was served around 11:30. Fortunately, I was able to grab a few hours sleep on the nice business class fold-down bed. Once we landed at HTR, I saw that I’d received a text from BA confirming my seats on a later flight, so I decamped at the BA business lounge while waiting to board my flight to Lisbon. The BA staff were really great. Aside from the late departure, it was a pleasant flight.

I’d been a bit concerned about HTR, since they have an intrusive security clearance program; however, the line that I was in didn’t require opening bags or placing liquids in plastic bags. I was through security in less than ten minutes.

The flight to Lisbon went well. All I had to do at the airport was swipe my passport and I was out. I’m glad I opted for carry-on.

I grabbed an Uber to my Airbnb and met my host, Maria, at the front door. It was a steep climb up five flights of stairs to the apartment. An obese or elderly person would’ve had a hell of a time.

Maria was great. The apartment was on the top floor with sweeping views. Great bed and bathroom. I grabbed a light dinner at a little outdoor bistro next door and then took a nice walk up the hill to the viewpoint. Lots of tourists walking around at the late hour. After ascending the stairs to my place I took a shower and finally hit the sack. I closed the windows and turned the AC on and slept over nine hours. Very quiet.