We decided to take a train between Porto and Madrid instead of flying. My initial thought was the distance was not that great (230 miles), so it should be faster than having to navigate through security and everything else. I was wrong. There are apparently no direct trains, and no high speed trains that run between these two cities. First we ran north on a local train to Vigo just across the border into Spain. We had to change trains (and stations) in Vigo, but had 1.5 hrs to make this transition, so no problem. However, our train from Porto didn't quite make it to Vigo. It came within about 30 mins, then they de-boarded us, put us on buses, and took us to the Vigo station. Still no problem, we had time.
We arrived at the first Vigo station and started looking for signs on how to get to the 2nd station, but there was no signage. Google maps got us there, but we were on top of building with a playground and gym equipment (hilly city put us at the top with more building below us). We figured this station was down, but had to figure out how to get there. Eventually found our way into an empty mall (every shop closed for an unknown holiday, but with a few cafes open). We ate our packed lunches and boarded our second train.
This train continued traveling north (away from Madrid) for another hour before making a stop and eventually heading southeast. 9 hours later we made it to Madrid.
I was so surprised by the cars on the second train! They had two seats on one side and 3 on the other instead of the usual 2-2. I think the seats and aisle were narrower to squeeze in one more seat in each row. I definitely didn't like this option. It's just like airline seats where you can get stuck in the middle seat between two people you don't know. At least with the 2-2 arrangement you are either on the aisle or window.
The train tracks were very smooth and the train was quiet, so it was not a bad ride (just long). There were a lot of dirt berms along the side of the track, so I didn't get so see as much countryside as I wanted, but still got to see a lot.
I had never given much thought to whether the climate in Portugal differed from Spain. Both are on the Iberian penninsula and neighbors, but there were definite differences between Porto and Madrid. Both were experiencing record heat, but with Porto being on the coast, it was cooler. Madrid was 95 degrees the day we arrived. What we saw of Portugal had more green, trees, etc. What we saw of Spain in the train ride was quite arid. It reminded me a bit of New Mexico.
Some agriculture
Some orchards with evidence of irrigation
We eventually made it into Madrid and took a long metro ride to our apartment. Thank goodness it was air conditioned because it was HOT!
No comments:
Post a Comment