So we got up "early" (730) and even made it down in time for breakfast, which Olivia was pretty thrilled with. Don't know why but this girl is all excited to eat breakfast out! Of all things..
To the train station in Madrid. A pretty well oiled machine. Waited at the boards where departures are listed, and about half hour before your trains time it posts the track number and off you go to the right level and gate.
Security is noticeable and luggage gets screened but it's not like the airports. Honestly felt a little exposed given the state of the world but you're committed and you just keep moving along!
I read an online article today about the trade off between efficiency and security at the train stations in Europe. What to do... The lineups and people move quickly but you can't help but look around a little and wonder "hmmmm"
Kids were stoked about the train. Jesse lit up when we started moving, face glued to the window. Train got up to 300km/hr. Impressive.
Lots of countryside and rolling hills between Madrid and Malaga. A few towns in between. Lots of ruins of old factories or houses from log ago. Spotted a few castles on the hills and wondered what their story was.
The walk to the cafeteria was about 6 cars... But you have to do it, right. Greg commented that last time we took a train in France (before kids) we polished off 2 bottles of wine... This time we shared a beer and closed our eyes.
Got a nice little Audi A4 in Malaga. Did circles around Malaga train station, went the wrong way down a one way... But thanks to google maps on the iPhone we found our way to the highway south and east.
Seeing the ocean again was a highlight of the day. Ahhhh the Mediterranean.
Our new place is a 2BR condo, about 2 blocks from the beach. There's 5 pools in the complex, one heated. Guess where we'll be?! Marriott hotel next door... I'm sure we'll sneak in a visit.
Drove east in search of a market and dinner... This place reminds us of Maui. Similar vegetation, shops and restaurants along the highway that runs along the water. We even found a centre so similar to whalers village, for those who are familiar.
Good old Italian dinner and a quick run down to the sand to dip our toes in the sea. Rock of Gibraltar in the background. Kids are tickled that Africa and Egypt are just across the water. Jesse is intrigued but "definitely does NOT want to go there" because his big sister has convinced him that people are killed there when they get married. Seriously. Says she read it in a book. I think it's from Mr Peabody and Sherman.
Everyone tired. Off to bed "early" tonight.
Tomorrow is jesses day to plan. The next is Olivia's. Then me. Maybe we'll give Greg a turn but I think he'll be happy with the beach and a beer.
Xoxo