Travelling to Valencia

Sad to say, we had to bid adios to Madrid this morning and catch our train to Valencia for the next part of the trip. 

Atocha Renfe is the central station for the intercity rail hub. And it is beautiful. It is a shiny new and ultra modern replacement to the older station to service the shiny new trains and rail system of which Spain can be justifiably proud. But rather than trashing the old Atocha station (Atocha Antigua) they landscaped it. Yup, they planted a veritable jungle in the centre and with the old curved roof restored and rejuvenated turned the whole darned thing into a giant terrarium. It is a very pleasant and relaxing place to sit with a snack and a coffe and await your departure.

The train itself was comfortable and modern, even had USB outlets at every seat so passengers could spent their time productively working during their travel time. Unlike us, who had our noses glued to the window like school kids on a day trip and attempting to take photos of the passing scenery.

And, boy, did that scenery pass quickly. Most of the trip was spent at around 200 kph.

We rolled into Joachim Sorollo station dead on time and took a taxi (only 4 euros) to our hotel in central Valencia.

Oh, one slight hiccup. I don't know who the Einstein was who decided that a 0.60 euro correct change entry machine to the toilets at J. Sorollo was a good idea, but it darn near did for me. Fumbling for change while standing cross-legged and having coins roll back out and have to be reinserted, it was a touch-and-go moment I can tell you.

Is this another shot of the Parque Retiro?

No.

How about this one then?

Nope. Not the Parque Retiro either.

They are both taken within the main Madrid train station at Atocha Renfe.

Seriously, they have a jungle growing in there.

Here is a shot from the entry concourse overlooking the planted spaces.

Here is the more traditional, though thoroughly modern, railway station entry.

Aboard our train to Valencia, clean and comfortable.

They get there in a whisker over 2 hours and travel at around 200 kph most of the way.

It makes taking pictures tricky as the subject is usually gone before the camera shutter closes.

I did get some shots of the passing scenery however.

This lake wasn't quick enough to escape.  

And this orchard. Probably a replanting of fruit trees.

Hey, this is Valencia we are going to after all.

Our faithful steed in repose at Joachim Sorollo station in Valencia.

Thank you for a silky smooth ride at over 200 kph, Renfe. 

Note: We will be taking a ride on one of their super fast 300+ kph trains later on in our trip, so be ready for that one.