Fast Train to Barcelona, Spain

 We got up to catch the AVE train to Barcelona.  We did not anticipate any problems after scoping it out on Saturday and, indeed, everything went perfectly in catching a taxi and getting to the Renfe train station which was only about 15 minutes from our hotel.  After checking our suitcases, we were able to just hop on and go to our seats without any problems.

     The train is just great!  The ride is very smooth and sooo fast.  We could see our speed, outside temperature and location on a digital display at the front of each car.  So we watched the screen as we traveled and were awed by the speed.  At times we were going over 200 MPH.   The cars are ultra modern and clean.  There was a movie and music at each seat just like the airlines.  The track was laid just for this train so it was new and so well built that it seemed like we were just floating along.    It takes about 2 ¾ hours to get from Madrid to Barcelona.  When you factor in the time to get to the airports and the time it takes to go through security, the fast train is almost quicker.
     The country outside our windows looked a lot like Wyoming – mostly bare of trees, brown and dry.  We were on the high plains.  The temperatures were about 10 C. and windy.  We saw some herds of sheep, some very old stone towns, and lots of stunted little olive trees.  It was interested, but not beautiful to this Minnesota lakes and trees girl.
     Barcelona industry goes out a long way from the port so we knew we were getting close to the town for a long time as we started to see big commercial buildings.  We had no problem finding our luggage in the train station and found a taxi quickly too.  Our new hotel is called the Petit Palace Barcelona.  It is very high tech.  We were put into a conference room which has pull down screens, a movie projector, and a computer as well as two beds.  It is odd, but quite big and perfectly workable.  It has tall windows which open unto a courtyard.  Across the yard is a school with lots of kids on the playground.  Sort of noisy now, but it should be quiet at night.
     We went out walking for a bit down the main avenue and Arik and Jennifer found us.  They had gotten to the hotel at 11 am and slept all day.  They said that they hadn't been able to find Matt and family in the hotel.  We went out to eat at a sidewalk café and then returned to the hotel where we found Matt and Amanda.  They were listed as Nesbitt Matthew so they did not have anyone else whose LAST name was Nesbitt.  Ah well, at least we found them and we are all in place to start the cruise together.  I was worried with all of us arriving at different times that someone might not make it.
     Carter has an upset stomach – sick on the plane and now here.  We are hoping that he will be better tomorrow.  I stayed with him while they went out for some dinner.  Carter was not interested in eating anything, but seemed to be very happy to see Grandma.