Nov 13 brought us to the end of our 2 week stay in Estepona. It was an interesting two weeks. The fact that we both had head colds our first week that laid us low really impacted on how much we did. Also, a huge impact, from my perspective, was the fact that we did not have reliable internet. I never realized just how much I used it to plan our comings and goings. Typically, I would sit in the evening and source out places to see and things to do. I was not able to do that this time. Also I had brought no guide books or maps with us, as I usually do, to supplement my internet search (this was all part of my strategy to not monopolize what we do and see on our trip). Maps especially were missed, as a GPS can only go so far in helping you get around (without specific addresses we frequently got lost even with her help). After a couple of attempts to find maps locally, I just gave up.
Our accommodation was okay, as far as size, comfort, etc., but the fact that it was about 6km from town, meant that we could not go out for an evening to have tapas and drinks (it would have been nicer to just walk around the entertainment area), because we would be driving home under the influence. Next time we will book closer in to the town center. Estepona, itself, because it is a British holiday resort area, was too British for my liking. I wanted to get more of a taste of Spain. That we experienced a bit more when we did our little road trips towards the interior of Spain.
As is our usual pattern, we left Estepona in plenty of time to make it to the train station and turn in the car. As a result, we had about a 2 1/2 hr wait for our train departure.
Maria Zambrano train station in Malaga.
The station was very bright and clean. I have noticed in the train stations in France and Spain, you cannot go onto the platform until after your train is announced and you have gone thru security. Then before you board, your ticket is scanned to assure you are legitimate and on the right train.
This is very different from the train stations we have been through in England and Italy. In England, once you have your ticket you go thru the turnstiles and can be on the platform for hours before your train. Only once you are on the train are your tickets checked, so in theory, fare evasion is a possibility.
In Italy, at least from Rome Termini, it is like the wild west. You are supposed to validate your ticket at a self check kiosk before getting on the train. You then may or may not have your ticket punched by conductor. Fare evasion is quite common I think, especially by scam artists and pickpockets, which we have encountered. Everything is pretty loosy goosy in Italy, even our passports did not get checked when we entered the last time.
our train arriving on the right
just like an airplane they had steward/ess for these trains
the top speed I saw posted was 272 km/h
The ride to Madrid was uneventful. Just like (it used to be) on a plane, we got served complimentary meals and beverages on our trip and had stewardesses making the rounds, offering items for purchase as well. I tried getting some pictures along the way, but between the reflection on the windows and the fact that the sun was on my side of the train, they did not turn out very well. Having said that, the scenery was beautiful, and I would like to return again sometimes and explore the countryside a bit more. We passed thru mountain ranges, across passes, thru tunnels, across broad valleys, thru villages.
Here are a few of the somewhat better ones to give you a taste of what we saw
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