Real Madrid?

Another day, another city and another language – although to be honest apart from the absolute basics we have stuck to English. The short time we were in Madrid, we were quite impressed although it was somewhat of a paradox. It was certainly cheaper food wise and very friendly – the cab driver gave a full running commentary in Spanish on the way from the airport on all the sights of which we picked up on the odd word here and there. It seemed we were back in Italy with churches on every corner – well in the centre of the city where we were staying anyway. You could even buy all your chalices, vestments etc at any one of a number of shops – just what every house needs. Perhaps this was needed to balance the seedier side of life. On exiting the airport where once again customs was a non-event (so far we have not actually spoken or shown our passports to anyone from any government department anywhere in Europe including Italy when we first arrived) we were handed a card for a ‘Lesbian show’ in the city, then we were offered a condom while walking up the street arm-in-arm and also in the middle of the afternoon there were hookers about every 5m in the square including outside of McDonalds. They were almost as frequent as the lottery stands and with beers for 50c all the vices were covered!

With a minimum of fuss travel arrangements have gone according to plan although a moment ago the phone did receive a message from Telstra warning us about data plans in Portugal. We do know that we are on the correct train but didn’t realise that we actually left Spain during the trip – hopefully we will make our way back to Spain and to Sarria otherwise the train is lost.

The weather has been fine – unlike what we have heard from home, however it is supposed to be wet on the Camino. Looking out the window of the train, the clouds are starting to get heavier so the predictions may be accurate. Will just have to see what awaits, however we could be doing some ‘walking in the rain’!

Made it to Sarria safely, had a huge dinner for 8 Euro each including beer so definitely much cheaper than France and Italy. Off walking tomorrow with all the other pilgrims who hopped off the train this afternoon.

Love to all

S&E