Austins go to Europe!

This is the first for Laureen and a repeat from years ago for Sean. Planning for months, we departed from the Asheville airport on 6/19, each with a backpack for 4 weeks. Traveling like youngsters with enthusiasm, but with older backs/knees, and staying in Airbnbs. No hostels.

First stop – Madrid, Spain

Stayed in a charming rooftop apartment in a lively Las Letters neighborhood in Madrid, boasted as the quintessential tourist area. Many bars, restaurants, night life and people. Like true backpackers, we traveled via feet, metro, high speed train and only one taxi. No ubering for this daring duo.

Day Trips – Our first day trip was supposed to be Segovia. Got to the train station in time (they leave on the dot), and the lady said our ticket was for tomorrow. What a bummer! Laureen messed up, only because she bought the ticket online after midnight. Where can we go now? Switched gears and traveled to Toledo, 30 minute express train ride (240 kph). Walled city only to get to by foot, over an old bridge and up some 120 stone steps. Sean killed it! Laureen’s heart pumped hard, but her brain handled it very well. Long walks, skinny cobblestone streets, beautiful views of surrounding hills, tour of huge cathedral. Linner at a locals only place, Taberna Skala, with no menu offered, only suggestions from the waiter – pork tomato-based stew with peas (cargamusa), mushrooms with garlic/olive oil, bread, sangria, coke – $29 US. Event of the day was the rainstorm right before we left to go home. Flooding steps, gushing down on our feet, heads tucked under an arch. Romantic? No. Wet? Yes

Tips for the day:

Don’t buy tickets online after midnight for the next day.

Don’t get caught in the streets of a walled city in a rainstorm without your kayak.

If you live in Florida (flat), walk up some stairs to get ready for hilly terrain.

Connections:

Met a nice man from Indonesia at the beginning of the trip, and at the train station. He said, “we meet again?” Meant to be?