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The only way I can summarize and describe our trip was that it was a whirlwind of sightseeing complimented by sweet treats, café con leches, tapas and wine filled nights. Our goal was to see three cities in five days. We are Goodins. Each armed with one carry on bag. (All I can say is that I am a very creative packer). We got this!
We started our trip in Mardrid. We arrived a little jet lagged but that did not deter our enthusiasm. A hot shower, a diet coke and my trusted guide book...we were out the door to explore our first city. This would be our shortest stay, only one night. We walked the streets and winded our way through a local park. Just taking it all in. We stopped for a lite lunch on a sidewalk cafe. Navigating our first menu....what I really needed? A good cafe con leche.That night we found ourselves at an outside cafe full of spirited people. We were amused that we were eating dinner at 10 pm. Needless to say, we slept well that night. Our final afternoon in Madrid was spent on a tour bus in order to maximize our time before our first train ride. All the sights to Madrid were as bustling as one could imagine a blend of modern architecture peppered within beautifully lined architectural wonders of the past. I missed being in a place that rewarded walking and was a city designed to intertwine with the residents.
Before we departed, we stopped a a local super mercado to gather supplies of wine, cheese and meats for our train ride to Valencia. The one thing we wanted for our first European train ride was for it to memorable. At 300 kilometers an hour, it didn't take long to get to Valencia. Adventure took hold trying to get our hotel. Mr. Goodin has a unique way of convincing me that things are closer than they appear. A short walk was a little longer than we anticipated but once we got to our hotel all our trouble melted away. A charming little hotel just a short walk from the historic city center.
Valencia was a little calmer than Madrid and I was definitely more comfortable with the laid back lifestyle. We headed to the city Center for a walkabout. After a few hours of seeing the sights, we stopped for a late dinner of tapas. Two cities and one train in one day made for two tired and happy travelers.
Later that evening, we decided to explore our charming neighborhood. It was obvious that people were familiar with each other by their casualness and lively conversation. I spotted a alley way with a few restaurants. Our very sweet waiter convinced us to try the tapas tasting menu. Seven courses later of some of the most amazing tapas I have ever eaten, I almost popped. Literally popped. It was at that meal that I decided wanted to live in Valencia. It was the perfect big little city for me.
The next morning we packed up for our slow train to Barcelona. Excited, we were headed to our final destination spot. A wonderful four hour train ride along the coast. We napped and played Scabble as we gazed out dreaming about the days when we could do this for longer periods. This was just a taste of what is to come. I purposely picked a hotel so that we were close to a metro and that we would be in the middle of everything.
Our destination was the famous La Ramblas. Again, perfection. With a balcony room overlooking thebusy pedestrian street filled with tourists and cafes. We sat on the balcony and enjoyed a glass of wine before we took to the streets with our map. Barcelona like Madrid is a unique blend of old and new. We we mesmerized by the open plazas and fountains. Old churches and historic buildings wrapped around lined streets winding all about. Our day ended with a nice meal down by the seaport....off the beaten path. I learned that La Ramblas never sleeps and earplugs are a good thing.I had one goal for our last day in Spain. Head to the top of the mountain via the funicular that would overlook the city. It took a metro, a bus and a tram...but we made it and it was spectacular.
Mr. Goodin and I ended the day at the fabulous outside market at the end of our street. It was a photographers dream, I didn't want to leave. The pictures speak for themselves.
How do you end such a wonderful vacation? With a final meal to celebrate and reflect on our experiences and time together. Mr. Goodin did his research and found a place around the corner. Our only crime, we went before 9. So we told the owner we we be back in a while. We strolled about and came back when there were people. An unexpected and joyful discovery was Botero's El Gato. We dined on food that could only be described as a gastronomic experience to top off the perfect week....two words....eggplant chips.
And just like that, it was over. We walked over 45 miles in 5 days. Precious memories, dreaming of our future together, cherishing times that we have together, and remembering the importance of stolen moments. We only come by this way once. This will not be our last time in Spain.
