That reminded me of an unhappy hour once spent waiting in the hot Roman sun to gain entry to the Colosseum. It was a fabulous thing to see, but the discomfort of getting in was as memorable as the place itself.

The European Union now has a process at the border called the Entry-Exit System. What it does is subject non-EU visitors to a more exhaustive identity process. The goal — to stop foreigners from sneaking into the Schengen visa-free travel area — is understandable.

But it ends up subjecting visitors from the U.S., Britain and other non-EU-countries to endless waits to get through passport control. One survey found that negotiating the longest airport lines took over three hours. (Then it’s off to baggage claim.)

The post-pandemic inflation that Americans complained about was worse in much of Europe, and that’s reflected in the prices for restaurant meals, hotels and airfare. Making it still more expensive is a dollar that has weakened against the euro. Its buying power is down about 4.2% from two years ago.

Back home, we have shade trees, a bed of zinnias and cardinals splashing in the birdbath. Life outdoors is good or at least not miserable. When the temps pass 90, we retreat into the AC.

I was once determined to visit part of Europe every year or two. It’s now been three since I’ve been back. Sure, I’d like to see Barcelona. But I’m going to do myself and the Barcelonans a favor by not going, even though I’m a nice person and can speak Spanish. Save the microwaved paella for someone else.

Harrop, who lives in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, writes for Creators Syndicate: fharrop@gmail.com.  

 

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