Avignon to Madrid

Hello to all

Here we are again. Such boring people we are. We left Avignon this morning at 9.15 to go to Nimes then the 10.14 train to Figures then the 1.03 train to Barcelona. Met lots of lovely people on the way a couple from South Dakota at Nimes and a couple from Assieland in the train on the way to Figures. All trips really fine no dramas. We arrived in Barcelon at 2.50 and our train to Madrid was scheduled for 3.00 but alas we missed it. We had to go thru a bag xray etc. and lots of people so we missed the train. To do. We went to a desk no English mind you, explained the situation we were sent off to these four chaps, no English again, explained the situation again, they made many phone calls, Sam and I looking very bewildered, anyway they let us thru some gate sent us to an office, sort of indicated where to go and what to do, finally got some chap who stamped our booking forms with any number of stamps and signatures then told to go to 27-33 off we go again find a tickret office with at least 100 people waiting in line but ticket office 27-33 stay in line, finally get to a window,still only Spanish, he does any manner of processes, hands us back our booking forms we have a quick look, he has booked us on the 4.00 o'clock train to Madrid, off we go again,thru the xray down the lift to the platform race onto the train, beautiful train go to our booked carriage and seat,sit down and think thank heavens,Sam goes to the Bistro car and goes to buy a drink, the waiter says No we feed you etc 15 mins after the train leaves, we relax. Amazing really, so helpful and kind to you, beautiful journey whatever we want to drink, by this time I need wine, a light meal,then they ask would you like champagne, of course I would like champagne, Sam has 3 beers, this train is travelling at 300ks per hr. Arrive in Madrid at 7.25 catch a taxi to our hotel which is lovely, Sam has a sleep and I email a number of people. We wander out for a walk at 10.00 find somewhere to eat, beautiful meal, now we are home and completelyh exhausted, but a lovely and funny day. I think we travelled about 1500ks today. Madrid does look lovely, beautiful architecture, we will not worry about a tour tomorrow, just admire the beauty and then off to Malaga on Saturday. All the best Sam and Sabine.