We tiptoed out of Paris this morning, wheeling our bags along the cobblestones to the métro and then to the train station. Our train was already docked when we eventually found the hall we needed and managed to scan our tickets.
Steve and I have differing viewpoints on train travel. He imagines someday we'll travel across the country on the train. I imagine I would never do that. This particular train ride puts few points on my odds. Part of the problem is that I booked us a window seat at a table; for a 6 1/2 hour trip, I figured it would be nice to have the table. I didn't realize we'd be across from each other or that our floor would have a raised side, or that the table would be too low for Steve to actually fit. These are not the seats for long-legged people. It was cramped and we were stuck for most of the ride. We did get to see the countryside whizzing by--fields, vineyards, and eventually the sea! It was a pretty rainy day, so a good day to move along. But seriously, if anyone is looking to travel by rail, Steve is looking for a companion.
We opted for a cab from the train station as we weren't sure of the metro system yet. We were greeted and checked in by Diego, who brought us up a tiny elevator, 4 levels to floor #1. The floors are not marked and there are two apartments on every floor, numbered 1 and 2. So if we take the stairs, which we likely will, we'll need to count to get to the correct floor...
The apartment is enormous in a very old building. The woodwork, doors, brick, and floors are absolutely amazing. The pictures make it look luxurious, but really it's a bit quirky. For example, there is a blinking light over the kitchen sink that feels like we're in disco; there's a washer/dryer--one machine that does neither very well; the beautiful shutters require muscle to move, and Steve needed to fix the weatherstripping... but then again the building is 200+ years old.
We headed out to find some dinner and walked along La Rambla, chock full of restaurants and stands. (I'd love to shop but I don't have room to bring anything back!)
We landed at a cervecería for a drink and tapas. I ordered a sangria (because Spain) and Steve tried for a martini. Spain has a different vision of martini--his first clue should have been when the waiter asked if he wanted white or rosé... we left after the codfish fritters because the cigarette smoke was overpowering. We ended up grabbing falafel and kebabs before calling it a night.
I'm up early, listening to the street sounds of the party people wrapping it up.
Waiting impatiently for Tony and Heidi to arrive!!
Add comment
Comments
We are enjoying every day of your blogs…traveling along with you and our memories. Your apartment in Barcelona puts ours to shame. All we had were two twin beds with a sink at the end of one bed and a toilet at the end of the other. Mistake for sure. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PAELLA1. You can save it for Madrid if you’re going there. Go to the Park Guell ….I’m sure you will. Looking forward to tomorrow!
We are trying to get to the park—we got thwarted by rain and thunder today!
What a great apartment, and what a miserable train ride!
Yes—poor Steve—he wishes I’d live the train but I keep getting rides like this!