Madrid was great. We both really enjoyed it there despite the rainy weather. Each day that we were there we were lucky in when we timed our outings. We generally missed most of the rain and always caught some sun. The hotel there was probably the nicest in which we’ve ever stayed and checking out today with a zero-balance due (thanks to the many hotel points we’ve accumulated) made it even more incredible.
Plaza Santa Ana on our last night in Madrid
Taberna Alhambra … where we had our last dinner in Madrid
We shared a plate of delicious paella on our last night in Madrid.
Today, though, was a day to move on. We boarded a fast train bound for Malaga, on the Costa del Sol. The train, called “El Pato” or “The Duck” in English, did look a bit like it had a duck’s bill. It sped through the Spanish olive orchards and grape vineyards at about 300 km/h, which is about 180 MPH. In just about two and a half hours we arrived in Malaga on the Mediterranean coast, picked up our rental car (surprised to get an Alfa Romeo as a rental), and made our way to Calahonda, where the condo we have for a week is located.
Clint is a bit under the weather with a nasty cold, so we had dinner in was in order. Ryan’s homemade chicken soup with lots of garlic and pepper will hopefully get him back to his old self.
We are looking forward to our week here. We have some loose plans, but mostly we are looking forward to having some time to relax.
Our Renfe train’s engine does look a bit like a duck.
Our coach for the trip south
Spanish countryside, taken from the window of our train
Onboard the train bound for the coast
The car nut in our family was pretty pleased to get an Alfa Romeo as a rental. Here it is in front of our condo, right on the beach.
Bluer skies than we had in Madrid greeted us on the Mediterranean!
The beach was pretty empty, except for some fishers. Temps were around 70F.
Looks so beautiful. Hope Clint is feeling better now. Thanks for taking me with you via blog