Day 13: Mon 26 Sep - Seville to Madrid, 2.5 h by train

14-22 deg C, quite chilly compared to last week

I was awake at 6am, and decided to wait until breakfast to have a brew, so spent the time doing some more packing and talking to Greg. I thought I would have a leisurely breakfast, being my last; however, when I got downstairs, there were two bus loads of Americans doing "The best of Southern Spain" tour, so you can imagine the noise and chaos. And as a number of them were coughing, I decided to expedite the breakfast consumption process and was back in my room about 25 minutes later, with a coffee to go.

My train was not until 11:43am, so I passed the time by reading, pacing and doing a final pack. I checked-out at 10:15 and 10 minutes later I was in the taxi heading for the train station. I found a spot to wait until they opened the platform my train was on, then joined the queue. After a ticket check and luggage scan, I began the long trek to the other end of the platform to Carriage #1 and seat 6C. I thought the train would be choccas, however, there were about six seats free in the 'First Class' carriage. Not sure about the rest, however, looking at the number of people who got off, it seems it was not full, despite the website saying there were no ordinary tickets left on that train when I booked. Anyway, 2.5 hours later we were in Madrid. Made it into a taxi and 16 minutes later I was checking-in to my hotel: AC Hotel Avenida de America, and what a contrast of a room. This room could sleep at least six people, and it has a coffee machine, however, the view is not as nice.

After unpacking a few things and setting up the room, I had a short snooze, then went for a short walk to find dinner. Didn't have to wander too far as I came across a LIDL and bought some cooked chicken and separate salad, and a couple of beers. Took that home then went for another short wander.

Will do another wander tomorrow to try and find a tourist info centre as the hotel could not give me a decent map.

I am looking forward to getting home, as whilst these places are interesting, it is better to see them with someone else, especially Gregory. Madrid is a big place, with lots to see and do, so I will only be able to scratch the surface tomorrow.


Room #218, H U G E


Have a proper shower this time and don't have to climb in/out of a bath to shower

My not so salubrious view


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