Perpignon, & eventually to Figueres

Today, we started by figuring out how to escape France. There was an option of a bus, but that looked slightly confusing. Instead, we discovered we could pay a wad of cash for the ONLY train to Spain in the afternoon. This reminded me about much of my working career: “every technical problem has a commercial solution”.

Although this was nearly £80, the alternative was spending out on another night in Perpignan and missing our first night in Figueres, so we took the hit: day 2 and we are already into the contingency funds 😱

On the bright side, it gave us a chance to leave our luggage at the hotel and spend the day taking a look about town, where we started by discovering we could watch a small demonstration from safely across the river. The Police looked bored, and heavily over staffed for the small number marching: I think I could have controlled that rabble🤣

We headed up hill to the Palais des Rois de Majorque - we didn’t have time to pay to get in, but there were some lovely views from the top, and it turned into a nice relaxing day 😎

We headed back down and got aboard the Escape France Express.

At Figueres, we had a good walk towards town to find our cheap Airbnb. Hosted by Paulina, she left her lovely mum to deal with guests….it was a nice spot!

We wandered down the hill to Bar Caballeros we had spotted on the way in.
The landlord, Fernando, appeared surprised - this was a “locals bar”, unused to tourists dropping in. He enjoyed our conversations via google translate, & we asked him to “surprise us” with some snack food.
In the garden at the back, the smiling waiter brought a seemingly endless stream of snacks….some obvious (olives), some less identifiable (perhaps bulls *ahem* private parts 😳)….all well received, and washed down with cool lager 👍

After a while, we heard “Oh Flower of Scotland” ringing out from inside the bar. It was clear we should investigate, & we discovered Scotland were playing Spain in the Euro qualifiers. We moved inside, & managed to get the locals (Catalans!) supporting Christine’s beloved Scotland, as they beat Spain 2-0: what a memorable evening 😎👍

Back up the hill later to retire for the evening.Read more