Sunday 30th April. Ourence Spain.

 Not sure how this blog will turn out. I'm sleep deprived and having a shandy on an empty stomach. I left my room this morning at 3.30am for the 4am shuttle bus. Once at Schipol I navigated myself around and found my gate. Had to put the luggage tag on with a machine then off to wait at the gate. A full flight and when we arrived in Madrid the thought of a bus to terminal 4 then the metro to the main Charmatin station was too much trouble esp as the taxi was a set price, no haggling just driven in comfort.  That meant I had hours to wait at the station. But read. Chatted to people, esp those heading to do the Camino. Then found some of my COST friends. On the train I met some girls heading to the Camino. Rhonda spoke English as a Canadian(actually from New Foundland) and has married and settled in Spain.

Train travelled at over 225kms an hour. Arrived to sunny weather and shared a taxi to our hotel with COST friends. Have been for a walk and love the atmosphere.  Some places reminded me of hotels we stayed in Rutts and the plazas in Barcelona,  Jude. Even found a coal cap for you Rutts. Ohhh time for bed I think.










Knew something would happen. I forgot to press publish!! I've just woken after a glorious 10 hour sleep!!!

Comments

  1. abroadabroad1 May 2023 at 00:55

    Good on you Smith! From Rob and Judy

    ReplyDelete
  2. abroadabroad1 May 2023 at 00:57

    Love the special photo of the manhole cover. Thank you. And the hotel and park pics bring back some great memories. Enjoy the conference.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karyn 1 May 2023 at 02:02

    Can imagine your exhaustion but 3 cheers for finding the energy to write the blog! xx
    Ahhh! Lovely sunshine, a little warmer and that Spanish ambiance. Don’t you love both vibrant or quietly picturesque European piazzas. Xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Juju's away.blogspot.com1 May 2023 at 02:29

    Oooohhh yes your photos bring back find memories! I bet you are relieved to be with your COST friends. You done good! Loving living through your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anne1 May 2023 at 15:13

    I wondered what happened. You'll love Spanish and Portuguese trains.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jenny2 May 2023 at 07:18

    Fantastic negotiation on your journey and good to see great weather.Fast trains are excellent.Enjoy your conference

    ReplyDelete

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