While waiting for our connecting flight, we took the time to check emails, grab a newspaper and scope the cafes for espresso.
Twenty minutes of sleep and an impulse buy explain why I now own several pairs of Swiss flag monogrammed socks.
One three hour flight later and we finally landed in Lisbon. Having been in the air for nearly eleven hours across two time zones, safe to say nobody knew the local time, and the hunt began for baggage claim and a clock.
At 10am (apparently) we found our way to the BMW Welcome Centre inside Lisbon International Airport, where our genial hosts explained the day’s undertakings over a glass of OJ and bitesize sandwiches.
Fed and watered we examined the route map, which covered an extensive 148km and would take over two hours. Our Middle Eastern contingent was champing at the bit to sample some high-speed twisting roads again.
Downstairs we buddied up and were shown our respective steeds for the afternoon. Each Mini Coupe Roadster, powered by a 122hp four-cylinder engine, would be capable of 199kph and hurry from 0-100kph in 9.2s. We’d be doing our level best to see if these figures passed muster.
Five members of our group divided across several two-seaters meant one of our group would travel solo. In the end it was BMW PR girl Meabh who chose the short straw, and would thus join our convoy in a Mini Cooper One. A John Cooper Works Special too no less.
With everyone sitting comfortably, our route map front and centre, and the roof stowed accordingly, we headed for the light behind the exit sign to begin our journey.
