All posts by chaput@live.com

Spain

Madrid via high speed train

We headed to Madrid today by train. We decided to go by train instead of by plane for several reasons. The cost of the train was about $50 Euros cheaper than a return flight, the scenery is nicer by train and finally to fly requires about 2 1/2 hours one way and luggage is extra. The train is also only 2 1/2 hours and there is no major hassle with luggage.

The Alicante train station is close to our apartment and we were able to easily walk there in a few minutes.

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Main entrance to the Alicante train station

The train station is a modern building with numerous stores and facilities inside.

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Inside of Alicante train station

The security for train transportation is more liberal than for airport security. We were only required to be at the train station 15 minutes before our departure. Security only scans luggage and you are not personally scanned, liquids are not limited and the line up to be processed through security is only a few people.

Once we were through security we headed to the new high-speed train.

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Shelley going towards the train

Renfe incorporated high-speed trains in Alicante on 26 February 2005. The trains travel to Madrid and other long distance locations. The high-speed trains can travel up to 300 kilometres per hour and are electric powered with 8 motors. They are self-drive, three-phase synchronous motors and operate on 25 kilovolts/50 hertz and 3000 volts direct current. The top of the train connects to the required current through a simple contact system.

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Electric contact point for high-speed train

We got on the train and put our luggage on the overhead storage area. This area is also a lot larger that what is available on a plane. We then settled in and relaxed for the trip to Madrid.

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Ray settled in for the trip to Madrid

Seating and leg room was great and there are plug outlets for any electronics you may have. Some seating is equipped with a central table for added convenience.

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Seating for group of four with central table

There is one of the train cars dedicated as a cafeteria and is set up quite nice. People gathered in there to socialize or have a beer, wine or food.

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Cafeteria on train

When we left the Alicante station it was amazing how quiet the train ride was. There was no sound of the engine and no train whistle throughout the whole trip. The train tracks are separate from the road system and we did not see the train tracks cross any roadways. We were able to enjoy the train ride  and look at the countryside. There were lots of farms and olive trees along the route. We really enjoyed the train ride and will definitely be taking the train again.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dias”

Spain

Lottery ticket sales in Alicante

One of the many unique differences in Alicante Spain is the lottery system. In Alicante there are individuals ticket vendors that bring a portable table and set up outside of busy areas of the city. Many people will approach the vendor and buy their tickets. You can also buy tickets at certain lottery stores and other locations, but the majority of people pick up their tickets at an outside vendor.

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Vendor selling lottery tickets outside a store in busy section of Alicante

We have seen some vendors all over the city. Some of them pin a lottery ticket on their shirt as a form of advertising and walk along the sidewalks trying to sell the tickets. Other vendors set up at a stationary location.  Most of them carry their portable lottery stand with them on the bus to their particular area. I have seen people walk up to a vendor before they even get on the bus to buy a ticket. It seems that the lottery is very popular here in Spain.

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Once Lottery Logo

The lottery system is called Once and it has been  in existence for over 75 years. The proceeds from the lottery go to help support social needs and in particular the blind. Apparently over 230 million euros annually are provided to social needs. There are different tickets that you can buy from scratch tickets to full lottery draws. They also have special lotteries that have large winning pots available. One of the special lotteries is called the “Dia de la Madre” Mothers Day lottery and is drawn on May 1st.

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17 million euro prize for Mother’s Day lottery

The ticket price for the special lottery of “Dia de la Madre”  is 5 euros. The ticket has a chance for one winner of 17 million and runner-up prizes of different values from $40,000 to as small as $5. euros.

I know some of you are avid lottery players, so I took a chance and bought a ticket. The vendor was happy to pose with me and my “tentative winning ticket” Hey you never know!

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My first lottery ticket in Spain

The ticket itself is the same size as a Euro 5 dollar bill. It is made of a thick paper and has a little image of the special draw on the front.

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My Lottery Ticket

Lottery winnings are taxed in Spain and if by luck I win the 17.000.000 euro draw, I would need to pay around 3.5 million in taxes. (I am ok with that)

“Adios y que tenga un grand días”

Spain

too funny some of the stuff that happens…

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There are things that happen to us from time to time that make us laugh, or cringe depending on the situation.  I thought I would share an example that happened to us yesterday.

We went for a walk and stopped at a cafe for a coffee and a tea. The waitress asked for our order and  I ordered a “cafe con letche” and then Shelley ordered a “te minta” which is a mint tea. The waitress said “vale” which is ok and left. She returned a short while later with the order pictured below.

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Shelley’s order for mint tea, not quite what she ordered but still tasty!

We enjoyed the ice-cream and carried on with our day. Communication is still a challenge from time to time.

“Adios y que tenga un grand días”

Spain

Another trip in the works…

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We booked a trip and will be heading next week for a 12 day excursion to the Madrid area. We have been doing some research and decided to take a trip to the third largest city in the European Union and spend some time exploring the city of Madrid.

After spending time in Madrid the plan is to take a tour of some cities in the area such as Seville, Toledo, and Segovia.

Until then we have been enjoying some down time. We took a walk along the beach on Sunday.  It was a beautiful day and we spent most of it outside walking around the old quarter of Alicante.

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Yesterday we enjoyed the day relaxing and taking it easy. Shelley has started doing some creative relaxing with an adult colouring book. They are becoming quite popular here in Spain.

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Shelley colouring in her adult colouring book
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The view from the sun room

Today I am relaxing and doing the background research for our next adventure. When and where is yet to be determined. Overall a very enjoyable time.

“Adios y que tenga un grand días”

 

Spain

Fruita, verduras and carne

There is amazing fruits and vegetables in Alicante. We live approximately 100 meters from an indoor market which sells everything from soup to nuts (literally).

We go every second day or so to the indoor market for our fresh vegetables, fruits and meats. They have an amazing assortment of different fruits and vegetables.  We also buy our meats and cheeses at the market which have various vendors who specialize in specific items and products. The cost is very low for the produce because most of it is locally grown. It is also extremely fresh and plentiful.

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Celery from market

The first time we bought celery we could not believe our eyes. The stock was over two feet long and was very fresh. This celery only cost around 1 euro.

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red peppers nice and big and very juicy and tasty

You can get broccoli or cauliflower for under a dollar.

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We go to the same vendors each time and have developed a report with them. Our favourite place to buy chicken and eggs is from a very friendly vendor named Christine.

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Christine at her Market Stall. Specialized in poultry products

We can get a whole chicken with or without the head.

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a whole chicken

The market is one of our favourite places to shop for groceries. We can get almost everything we need in the one market and we know it is fresh and quite inexpensive to buy.

“Adios y que tenga un grand días”