“Flamenco, Friction, and Flight Levels”
Block Time: 1.6 hours, with one unnecessary holding pattern due to Eleanor trying to duet with Madrid Approach
Cargo Manifest:
- 1,000 high-speed rail schematics wrapped in Iberico ham for protection
- A prototype diplomatic fan that only opens when someone lies
- 42 “culturally neutral” tortilla de patatas (no onions, no debates)
- Wattles McFreedom wearing a matador cape and a very small beret
Diplomatic Purpose:
Strengthen ties with Spain by offering transportation plans, cultural fanfare, and absolutely no unsolicited dance performances from Eleanor… again.
Crew Notes
- Adelyn:
Insisted on full ATC readback en español despite knowing only the phrase “nivel de vuelo.” Declared the arrival into Madrid “entirely too scenic for IFR.” Mildly offended that Madrid offered them runway 36L and not “a runway with more emotional dignity.” Wore sunglasses to emotionally shield herself from tapas-related chaos. - Eleanor:
Choreographed “Flamenco of Descent” and performed it in the galley while Adelyn briefed the approach. Later attempted to lead an impromptu flashmob in the customs line. Was told “por favor, no” by at least six officials. Added castanets to the PA system. - Noah:
Downloaded a local tapas rating app, rewrote it using AI, and now it recommends dishes based on how emotionally supported the user feels. Claimed “the croquettes taste like trust.” Got adopted by a band of street performers.
Passenger Vibe Check
- Dr. Moretti:
Demanded 7 hours to “fully absorb Spanish wellness infrastructure.” Was last seen booking a flamenco-yoga retreat and diagnosing herself with “jamón-induced euphoria.” - Raj:
Created a crypto token called “TapasCoin” with the slogan: One Bite. Infinite Value. Tried to tokenize churros. Spanish Treasury issued a shrug. - Colonel Hawke:
Saluted a bull statue. Tried to debrief a local mariachi band. Threatened to annex an olive grove before being distracted by a nap. - Yuki:
Built a temporary exhibit in the Prado using airport luggage carts and shadow puppets. Called it “Barajas: A Terminal Condition.” Art critics called it “a moving security violation.” - Camila:
Narrated the taxi-in with, “And so, the steel bird kissed Iberia’s soil, bearing secrets wrapped in jamón and unresolved tension.”
Flight Highlights
- Eleanor attempted a “reverse corrida” by walking backward to the cockpit while clapping.
- Adelyn landed smoothly despite Wattles pacing like he was about to give a TED Talk.
- Noah changed the EFIS labels to Spanish mid-descent. Adelyn nearly ejected him.
Mission Summary
- Success Metrics:
- Touched down with all cultural cargo intact and only two minor dance injuries.
- Tapas enjoyed. No diplomatic incidents reported (officially).
- Wattles McFreedom was named honorary “Chicken of Castile.”
- Diplomatic Outcome:
- Spain accepted the rail schematics and returned two in tapas-stained envelopes.
- Eleanor was invited to perform at an underground cultural center. Police were not amused.
- Raj accidentally bought a vineyard using TapasCoin. It may be a real vineyard. Unclear.
- Crew Rating:
- Adelyn: 7/10 – distracted by rail diagrams, emotionally dehydrated
- Eleanor: 16/10 – now identifies as a professional castanet influencer
- Noah: 9/10 – started rating jet bridges like Michelin restaurants
Debrief
Wattles is currently sleeping inside a paella pan. Yuki’s shadow puppet luggage cart piece is trending in Barcelona. Camila’s latest cut is narrated entirely in whispered Andalusian Spanish. Adelyn’s blood pressure is equal to the Spanish GDP. The flight deck now smells vaguely of sherry and broken expectations.
Next Stop: LPPT – Lisbon, Portugal
Objective: Navigate ancient streets, taste test bureaucracy, and stop Eleanor from shouting “Saudade!” in emotionally inappropriate contexts.
Ready to head west and flirt with the Atlantic?
Around the World in MSFS 
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