After delays due to slow luggage loading in Melbourne (1 hour) we had to rush to make our connection in AbuDhabi. Through security again then a run to gate 45, about 30 gates away! We caught the last bus to the airplane only to wait almost an hour here too on the tarmac for luggage transfer. I was very relieved I hadn’t book a close connection from Madrid to Valencia because we didn’t get in till after 7 am and Madrid is such a huge airport it must be well over a kilometre’s walk to get to customs then the health check point. After that it was a train ride to the baggage collection!While efficient it took over two hours. So many people shuffling along. My backpack arrived intact and I immediately stripped off my winter fleece. It is deliciously hot.
The flight was uneventful but the food was pretty average with mainly stodgy pasta or noodles so when I finally got to Madrid Chamartin train station I was craving fresh food and promptly ordered a salad with goats cheese and a beer! It is 9,00 am but feels like lunch time. The train from airport to here was only €3.10 and only a bit more into the heart of Madrid. A taxi is € 30. Brilliant service.
I had a long and tedious wait for my 3pm train. The seats were hard, there wasn’t a lot to do apart from read and stroll the shops but eventually our train with COMFY seats arrived. I was so tired that it wasn’t long before I fell asleep safe in the knowledge that when the train stopped I would be in Valencia!
The country side looks so parched and the crops had been harvested though there were lots of olive trees and several vineyards amongst the wheat. When i arrived it was so hot that the 15 min trek to the hotel resulted in me looking like a Valencia tomato. I showered and set off to explore. Everyone is just getting out and about now after siesta. The hostal Antigua Morellana is a small pensione style right in the heart of old Valencia. Surrounded by charming narrow streets and plenty of bars and restaurants as well as shops. By now I am fading fast. After a dinner of delicious squid a la planchs – ( plain) I crashed. Satisfied that I at least made the local 9.00 pm dinner time.
Love the little and large plazas that emerge at the end of winding streets. Can you see the flamenco dancers decoration on the building?
fleetfootkath 
Life feels almost normal to see you on the road again. Good for you! BTW, old friend of mine (in Aust) has booked himself onto the Oviede to Santiago bit of the Camino (he’s got some health issues so will be doing it the ‘someone takes your bags to the next hotel’ way). If you have free time, pls send me any advice you might have about this route. Thanks and have fun!
Eileen
LikeLike
Eileen I believe that it is quite hilly but if his pack is being carried that should make it much easier. So many ways to Santiago! I almost wish mine was being transported too. Those skinny shoulders now need a bit of padding🤣🤣
LikeLike
It’ll be plain sailing now Kath! When you wake up tomorrow it will be warm and sunny and your smile will be visible from here, Nine xx
LikeLike
Hi Kath
Sounds exhaustingly wonderful
Love these blogs
Feels like I’m there
Bit chillier in Helsinki
LikeLike
Yes I thought so by the blanket🤣🤣 very hot here and I was wrecked but Excited to be on the road again.
LikeLike
Hi again Kath,
I hope you had time in Valencia to see the wonderful collection of buildings that constitute the City of Arts and Sciences by local hero Santiago Calatrava. Well worth the effort..
And if you keep walking to the sea, you can have a drink (and a meal!) in one of Earnest Hemingway’s favourite bars!
LikeLike