European Train Trip

A 44-day adventure by Sue & Paul Read more

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Day 27
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 12:15 PM
☁️ 11 °C
Altitude: 53 m
France Palais des papes 43.950897, 4.80706743°57’3” N 4°48’25” E
Avignon day 2
December 11, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C
Grey but dry so back to yesterday’s plan A. The Popes’s Palace, cathedral and gardens.
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Day 27
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 2:12 PM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 16 m
France Pont d'Avignon 43.953609, 4.80474543°57’13” N 4°48’17” E
Pont D’Avignon
December 11, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Walked down from the gardens on top of the rock along the ramparts and went on the bridge. Only 4 of an original 22 arches left.
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Day 27
Monday, December 11, 2023 at 7:37 PM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 30 m
France Ancien Collège de Cisterciens de Sénanque 43.949001, 4.80594743°56’56” N 4°48’21” E
Avignon Bears
December 11, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
This place seems to have a fixation with bears here is a few!
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Day 28
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 10:23 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 33 m
France Avignon 43.943916, 4.80685943°56’38” N 4°48’25” E
On the Move Avignon - Narbonne
December 12, 2023 in France ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Short train trip today. Been out for breakfast; found a place serving bacon, egg and cheese muffins. Not McDonalds but a lovely French cafe on a square.

Having a last cup of tea before heading out to the station.

Arrived around 2.30 this afternoon. The house is great. Went out for a walk and then later for a meal. Narbonne a lot easier to navigate than Avignon.Read more
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Day 29
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 10:27 AM
🌬 12 °C
Altitude: 10 m
France Narbonne 43.181198, 3.00520443°10’52” N 3°0’19” E
Narbonne Day 1
December 13, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 12 °C
Paul still suffering with his cold so a slow start. Short walk to the market hall for a look round and breakfast.

No walking tours here today so got a suggested walk from the tourist office yesterday and will wander around that.

Enjoyable day. Bright but very windy. Went to the cathedral and the palais-musée des archevêques that included the dungeon tower of Gilles-Aycelin. I found the staircase difficult but worth it for the views.

We bought sausage and potatoes from the market this morning and really enjoyed our sausage, mash and beans. Even though the beans were a tin of plain haricots with a small jar of bolagnese sauce. The welcome bottle of wine from our host was a nice extra.Read more
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Day 30
Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 9:43 AM
🌬 7 °C
Altitude: 100 m
France Carcassonne Railway Station 43.217209, 2.35186343°13’2” N 2°21’7” E
Narbonne Day 2 Day Trip to Carcassonne
December 14, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 7 °C
9.00am Eating pastries waiting for the train to pull out. Still strong winds now and some rain expected later.

9.44am yes rain arrived right on cue. Having a coffee before venturing onward.

Managed to dodge the worst of the rain showers and even saw some blue skies. Biting cold wind though. The walled city and fortress are very imposing perched on a hill overlooking the river and wider town. The earliest fortifications go back to roman times but most of it dates to medieval times and it has been majorly if carefully restored.

Having a rest and a warm before going out for a bite to eat.Read more
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Day 31
Friday, December 15, 2023 at 4:16 PM
🌬 13 °C
Altitude: 14 m
France Narbonne 43.185898, 3.00819443°11’9” N 3°0’29” E
Gruissan - a day at the beach
December 15, 2023 in France ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
As in our previous post, we took the number eight bus to Gruissan and we were pleasantly surprised. We took a second bus to the plage. The sea was out so there was a great long beach. We then walked back to the village and were surprised to see actual flamingos. They hadn’t actually flown away for the winter. Finally, at the village, we climbed the ancient fortress, which was built to claim the land for France.Read more
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Day 32
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 10:34 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 12 m
France Narbonne 43.181118, 3.00498943°10’52” N 3°0’18” E
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On the Move Narbonne - Barcelona
December 16, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
A later train today so, having packed, we are back at the market for a pain de raisin and coffee. They have live jazz here this morning so listening to a few tunes and chilling.

Caught the train and reserved seats all good.

Barcelona is a shock after the smaller places we have been in. Standard travel lodge room as expected but the view out the window is onto a building site. On the plus side the street outside is lively and only a short stroll from the beach. Been for a walk and after a beer will go for a paella.Read more
Traveler Local bar for a first estrella
12/16/23Reply
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Day 32
Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 1:19 PM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 15 m
France Narbonne 43.183845, 3.00412243°11’2” N 3°0’15” E
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Thoughts on Avignon and Narbonne
December 16, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Two medium sized French towns both with historic centres. Of the two Avignon with its complete city walls, bridge and palace is the more celebrated. Maybe that is why to us Narbonne seemed the friendlier and more relaxed of the two. Think visiting in winter was good as the palaces etc were less busy. Against that both would have boat trips in Summer.Read more
Traveler Top of the dungeon tower, Narbonne
12/16/23Reply
Traveler Place du Palais, Avignon
12/16/23ReplyTranslate
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Day 33
Sunday, December 17, 2023 at 10:17 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.399864, 2.20120141°23’60” N 2°12’4” E
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Barcelona Day 1
December 17, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
View out of our window. Not great but the the sun is shining, the bed is comfortable and breakfast was help yourself and varied. Even a sort of approximation of a full English.

Today going to be a getting to know Barcelona sort of day. Playing on the metro and mooching about. If we’re lucky we might find the game later on.

A good day. Played on the metro. Found several official Barca stores and bought Paul’s soon to be born great great nephew a Barca kit as requested by Cameron. Reserved our seats for Thursdays trip to Zaragoza. Bizarre that this can only be done in person at the station but cannot travel without. Bit of a Spanish scam as €10 a seat.

Lovely walk down by the harbour and now a rest before going out to eat.Read more
Traveler Tapas restaurant- very generous portions and gorgeous prawns
12/18/23Reply
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Day 34
Monday, December 18, 2023 at 10:27 AM
☀️ 8 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.399803, 2.20128541°23’59” N 2°12’5” E
Barcelona Day 2
December 18, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
Been out for breakfast. Plenty of small cafes locally doing breakfast which we prefer to do.

Think buying a kettle is in our plans for today. We have teabags from our travels and will make life that bit more comfortable.

Pic is the bar just down from our hotel. Serves 10 craft beers on tap including St Peter’s Ruby Red from Suffolk.

7.30pm We bought that kettle so in the room having a cup of tea.

So glad we have the transport card. Barcelona is big! Went to the cathedral (not Sagrada Familia which apparently is a Basilica). This much older and full of beautiful side chapels. What is nice is that it holds a full series of services. Paul went right up on the roof but I couldn’t manage the metal spiral stairs.

Going to SG on Friday. Getting tickets that can only be done on line was a right pain.

Also went on the harbour tour just as the sun was setting.Read more
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Day 34
Monday, December 18, 2023 at 5:15 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Spain Platja de Sant Miquel 41.363462, 2.1947841°21’48” N 2°11’41” E
Harbour Trip in Barcelona
December 18, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Well guess what we went on a Barcelona harbour trip today, last one of the day at 17.00. The sun was setting and it was cold but it was brilliant. As well as going out to sea it also took us to the working harbour as well. This was well worth the 10 euro’s we paid.Read more
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Day 35
Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11:46 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Spain Platja de Sant Sebastià 41.374737, 2.1900341°22’29” N 2°11’24” E
Barcelona Day 3
December 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Seems warmer today. Down at the beach before going in the Admiral’s Cup Experience. Beach here goes on and on.

America Cup Experience interesting but would have liked a few more physical exhibits. It is going to be a fantastic experience in Barcelona next year but not one for your casual fan. We’ll watch it on tele.

This afternoon went over to the football stadium to check it out before the game tonight. Not so nice a shop or personnel as AFK Vienna. Couldn’t buy the tickets so Paul getting them online. Game starts at 9.30pm so having a rest before getting something to eat locally. Tapas was good.

11.42pm On the train to catch the tram home. Good open game 3-3 in the end. Modern stadium more like an English one all steel poles and concrete. The ground was no alcohol so fans stayed outside till the very last minute.Read more
TravelerLook at the sunshine and blue sky 😍
12/19/23Reply
TravelerYes, slightly overdressed today.
12/19/23Reply
TravelerStill , it can turn chilly pretty quickly I would imagine
12/19/23Reply
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Day 36
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 9:33 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 35 m
Spain Fort Pienc 41.399467, 2.17876641°23’58” N 2°10’44” E
Barcelona Day 4
December 20, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Well what a to do. After a late night we started slow and at around 11.30 were sitting down just off the harbour waiting for our English breakfast to arrive. So far so good. Then up pops a reminder on my phone that the visit to Sagrada Familia starts in half hour. We somehow had convinced ourselves it was Friday! The cafe packed our breakfast to go and a mad dash ensued. Ate breakfast waiting for one of the trams. Made it just.

SF was brilliant now eating pizza in a small cafe and deciding on what next.

Went to Ciutadella Park and then home for a rest. Off out now for tapas and beer.Read more
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Day 36
Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 12:51 PM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 36 m
Spain Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família 41.403473, 2.173941°24’13” N 2°10’26” E
Sagrada Familia
December 20, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
Last time we went was more than 20 years ago. Our memory was shuffling round a building site and being underwhelmed by the experience. Today was so different. After getting through the airport style security, which jarred on the way into a religious building, the experience was amazing. The light and space inside was wonderful and despite the hundreds of people it still had an air of peace. The audio guide was clear and informative. The visit to the Passion Tower gave an up close view of the decoration on the pinnacles and towers. So glad we went back.Read more
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Day 37
Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11:27 AM
⛅ 12 °C
Altitude: 31 m
Spain Barcelona Sants Railway Station 41.379128, 2.13922241°22’45” N 2°8’21” E
Barcelona Day 5 Day Trip to Zaragoza
December 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
Waiting for the train. Very busy and again airport style security. Oddly it is less strict than for SF yesterday. Very busy. We are on a later train than we wanted as no seat reservations when we booked. Looks like a lot of people going home for Christmas.

Zaragoza was ok but wouldn’t rush back. Some beautiful buildings and a quirky deli/coffee shop/restaurant. Also the largest nativity scene so far. Once again with baby Jesus in situ. However not the prettiest place we’ve been overall. Not helped by having to take a later train. Much of it (except hospitality) was closed from 2 -5pm.

Once back in Barcelona tried a new to us craft beer bar. Again ok but preferred the one close by our hotel. Dinner at a repeat restaurant. Tapas last time and burger and chicken this time. They have Boxing Day menu so might see if they can fit us in.Read more
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Day 38
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 1:14 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 16 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.400452, 2.20149441°24’2” N 2°12’5” E
Barcelona Day 6 Washing Day
December 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Couple of well deserved beers after getting all our washing done and dried. Drinking Nos. 3 and 8.

The laundrette was very good. Completely automated, could pay by card and it came with English instructions.

Much later. Back home after an unexpectedly full day. After the beer went for lunch and ended up having the two course lunch menu in a very pleasant restaurant on the strip. Followed by a walk along the front until it was time for the Damm brewery tour. Very interesting and some unusual beers to try.

Wending our way back across the centre came to SF all lit up.

Eventually caught a tram back and had dim sum to keep away the munchies.Read more
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Day 38
Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10:41 PM
🌙 12 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.399822, 2.20075941°23’59” N 2°12’3” E
Sagrada Familia - Nativity light show
December 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 12 °C
As we were near it Paul thought it would be nice to see if it was lit at night. When we got to the Square it was lit and Paul took a couple of photos. There were a lot of people hanging about with phones out so we waited and there was an amazing light and sound show. Couldn’t understand a word but obviously the story of the nativity. It used the front of the basilica which has figures from the nativity and music to illustrate the story. A very special Christmas moment.Read more
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Day 39
Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 11:44 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 5 m
Spain Platja de Sant Miquel 41.372318, 2.18703841°22’20” N 2°11’13” E
Barcelona Day 7
December 23, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
Breakfast was a long time ago. Waiting for a toasted sandwich after walking from the top of Montjuic back into the City. Went over from the Port to halfway up via the cable car. Wonderful views on the way up to and at the fortress at the top. Coming down walked through the old Olympic village.

Later. Paul fancied fish and chips and we found them in the Green Room. An Irish bar so they were accompanied by Guinness naturally.Read more
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Day 40
Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 12:55 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 74 m
Spain Sant Gervasi - Galvany 41.39798, 2.14819541°23’53” N 2°8’54” E
Barcelona Day 8 Christmas Eve
December 24, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Neither of us feeling so well today. Paul had heartburn in the night and I just feel a bit bleugh. Too many strong coffees. Decided to forgo an early drink in the craft beer place before it closed for the holiday and caught the metro to check out our restaurant for tomorrow. All good, they are expecting us and it looks very nice.

With no last minute shopping to do will take the day easy and enjoy the sunshine. Hopefully later will be recovered enough to find a Christmas Eve curry, a Whitehead Christmas tradition.

Found our curry though it was not as good as Sweet Chillies. A walk along the beach and now all tucked up to watch a movie.Read more
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Day 41
Monday, December 25, 2023 at 1:15 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 3 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.395714, 2.20800541°23’45” N 2°12’29” E
Barcelona Day 9 - Christmas Day
December 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Well it’s Christmas Day and we are sitting on a bench at the beach. The Spanish are doing what they do best, promenading. Sue still not very well but we thought we would come out for a stroll. We are off to the restaurant tonight for our Christmas dinner, it should be nice. We went to the restaurant and it was brilliant, Sue wasn’t really drinking so I had a whole bottle of wine ( included in the price). By the end of the night Sue was starting to recover.Read more
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Day 42
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 10:21 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.399967, 2.20085541°23’60” N 2°12’3” E
Barcelona Day 10 - Off to the Park
December 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
Just had breakfast with a slow start to the day. Going to a park in the north of Barcelona which is designed by Gaudi

Reached the park but tickets to the inner park sold out. Sitting instead on a shady outer terrace enjoying a beer.Read more
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Day 43
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11:58 AM
☀️ 13 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.398018, 2.19855741°23’53” N 2°11’55” E
Barcelona Day 11
December 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C
So, on our way to the seafront decided to investigate the cemetery that was hidden behind a long, tall blank wall. Nothing like an English cemetery but very peaceful. The reason for the wall became obvious but it also cut off the noise of the City.

Never reached the seafront as off now to see the Catalan Parliament.Read more
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Day 43
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 1:21 PM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Spain Palace of the Parliament of Catalonia 41.387829, 2.1888541°23’16” N 2°11’20” E
Catalan Parliament
December 27, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
Couldn’t pass up the chance of a Parliament tour. This one particularly interesting because of the ongoing tensions with Spain for greater independence. They have had some degree of autonomy several times, most recently from 1980. The guide was very good and enthusiastic about the Catalan cause. They work hard to connect with the young and to promote the Catalan language. Nerdy photos are committee rooms, the chamber and recording paraphernalia.Read more
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Day 44
Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10:13 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Spain Platja del Bogatell 41.399193, 2.19967241°23’57” N 2°11’59” E
On the Move Going Home
December 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Done the packing so a last breakfast at our favourite boulangerie.

We don’t fly back till 7ish so have arranged a late checkout and a transfer early afternoon.

Had a last walk to the sea. Cloudier than it has been during our stay.

17.55 Bags checked, through security. Plane currently 20 minutes late.Read more
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