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Destination: Spain

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Traveling in Spain’s Fast Lane

We hear so much about Europe’s problems. Traveling here, I see its successes. Spain, with one of the most miserable economies in Europe, is now laced together by bullet trains so good that you hardly need to fly. Here’s a quick peek at the ride from Madrid to Barcelona — nonstop with speeds ranging from 250 to 300 kilometers per hour (around 180 mph). It’s so nice to zip from downtown to downtown without having to deal with airports in 2.5 hours. And my train ticket included subway rides on either end, which made it even better. On the plain in Spain, the AVE train puts you in the fast lane. (You may want to turn up the volume for this video — I’m whispering so I don’t disturb slumbering passengers.)

This is Day 11 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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Croquette Happiness with the Two Javiers

My Spanish friends just love croquettes — croquetas in Spanish. To me they taste like soggy tater tots. But at Madrid’s Restaurante Palacio de Cibeles, when restaurateur Javier and tour guide Javier share with me their love for these morsels (and a little historic/cultural context), they suddenly become much tastier. As Javier reminds us: Life is good — especially with good food and good friends.

This is Day 10 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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Feeling the Pulse of a Great City

Walking down Madrid’s delightful pedestrian boulevard enjoying the paseo with my local guide, Nygil Murrel, I learn some fun insights about Spain’s capital city.

This is Day 9 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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Majestic Munching in Madrid

You know I love industrial-age market halls rejuvenated into trendy food circuses. Come along with me as I follow local Madrid guide, Nygil Murrel, on an appetizing stroll from cod, cheese, ham, and olives to “Spanish” French toast for dessert. We hear a lot about the struggling Spanish economy but here in the capital city, all I feel is energy.

 

This is Day 8 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.

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How to Get Away with Breaking the Rules in Spain? Go Swedish

Fun phrases survive from the un-fun days of Spain’s fascist dictator, Francisco Franco. Standing in front of Madrid’s Royal Palace, local guide Nygil Murrel explains to me that, when a Spaniard suggests playing dumb to get away with something, he or she says you should “make yourself a Swede.”

This is Day 7 of my 100 Days in Europe series. As I research my guidebooks and make new TV shows, I’m reporting on my experiences and lessons learned in Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Romania, and beyond. Find more at blog.ricksteves.com.