And we made it to Madrid!

.. And we made it to Madrid! 

-7 degrees in the skies, +4 inches of ice on the ground, continuous snowing and a wind chill factor that made -7 feel like -12... Santa Claus for sure had a beautiful christmas present for us. The chilling winds reminded me of the cold 2010. The year I almost wished had never come in my life.
Will we, won't we make it? It had been snowing all night. Two lost souls with a forlorn look sletching heavy luggages through ankle high snow  at 4 in morning was a good start to the big challenge that lay ahead. Economizing our budgets, we had planned a low cost carrier to Madrid. The economic saving proved to be a promising nightmare. The Charleroi airport reminded me of Old Delhi Railway Station. Delayed flights, cancelled trips, long queues, chaotically charged atmosphere at the airport was quite a roller coaster. Every five minute update on the screens, would bring a new ray of hope for some, a great disappointment for many. It was not just about financial stakes, it was about the long Christmas holidays that we had planned. All flights leaving before 9 had been cancelled due to the heavy snowfall the night before. We were saved by just a couple of minutes! So it seemed promising. However, due to bad weather conditions the plane had been diverted to Cologne. Delayed, stranded at the airport for over 4 hours already, but we still had a chance. The ray of hope made me visualize Santa in the misty snow. Santa please! Please! We must make it to Madrid. 9, 10, 11. Only one plane had been boarded since morning. But due to bad weather conditions, the passengers had to be disembarked. If we were to leave for Madrid, ours would be the first flight since morning to take off. Finally at 12, we boarded our flight. But for another two hours that we spent in the plane, waiting for air clearance to take off. At 2 we finally managed to fly.  Using all possible and thinkable forms of transport.. First by feet, then by car, taxi, bus, train, plane and again by train! in twelve endless hours!!, we reached our destination. And we made it to Madrid!