September in Spain summary report

*We recently returned from a HOT time in Spain: Barcelona (6 nights), Granada (4 ), Seville (4), Cordoba (4) and Madrid (7 ) plus a day trip to Toledo. Overall a very good and enjoyable trip. Our long-time lists had many must-see and do places and activities. We accomplished most of our goals and sights, but the high temperatures and humidity limited our afternoon and evening activities. Especially hot in Barcelona - even baking in the metro. Buses much better. Masking required in ALL public transport including taxis and in some attractions & stores. Most people good about masking.
*We made most of our arrangements last January, expecting day temps in the 70s, not the high 80s & 90s! Naturally, the flights thru American & Alaska Air changed often including 2 weeks before departure. And 2 early apt reservations canceled before departure, causing a last minute scramble. I guess that was fair as we also had the option to cancel late in the game.

*Stayed in apartments with location, kitchen, 1 bedroom, moderate cost, and a/c as our main criteria. 4 apts were VRBO; one was booking.com - all very good. Been using VRBO/HomeAway for over 10 years in US & Europe with no problems and only 1 marginal apartment. Think it was easier to communicate with hosts thru VRBO.

*We like to eat "in" for breakfast and maybe dinner with lunch and a big dinner "out." This time, due to the heat, we ate "in" more often including "take-away" which was very common everywhere. The meals "out" or "take-away" were often very good and moderately priced with a few exceptions of mediocrity, e.g., Arzabal restaurant at the Reina Sofia. (By contrast, the Prado cafe very good). We missed the frequent gelato of Italy, Greece, etc. Ice cream was common but it just ain't the same.

*Most of our travel was by foot, hence the location criteria. 3 of the apts were in central locations with easy walks to most everything. The Madrid apt was in a mainly residential area but very close to metro and buses. The Barcelona apt was in a nice "suburb" but also close to metro, buses and taxis. The central locations were handier but also nosier. All were near restaurants, mini-marts and, most importantly, bakeries.
*Purchased tickets online as soon as available for Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Mesquita, and Paseo del Arte. Others online a few days before entry with no problems. Wish we had bought tickets to Casa Batllo. Purchased train tickets as soon as available for Seville -Cordoba and Cordoba-Madrid. Vueling Air to Granada and Granada-Seville bus bought online 2 weeks before trip.

*Lost 1 of 2 bags LHR-BCN. Iberia Air found it at LHR and delivered while British Air was befuddled - still is. American Air 787 business seating much better than British Air. British Air charged for seats; American Air did not. No other flight problems.
*Just about everywhere we went, so too did others. Of course the attractions were crowded but so were the main streets and all of the central and shopping areas - all day! every day! This was September - aren't these people supposed to be working, in school or something?
*We don't think as many Spaniards speak English as other tourist places. But with only one exception, everybody was friendly, polite, patient and tried to help. We often resorted to French or Italian and lots of "charades". To our amusement, nearby locals would often chime in with their opinion of what we were saying. We loved them all. We doubt that we will be back as we lost 2 years of travel. Time is running out and still too many unvisited places.

*We do recommend Spain but avoid the hot times. Details upon request.