The royal botanical gardens in Madrid is located in the center of the city. We were able to easily walk to the royal botanical gardens and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Botanical gardens Madrid
There were lots of different plants and trees in a beautiful setting of pathways and fountains. There were some Species that date back over two centuries. It was very impressive.
Old species of treeTop of old tree in botanical gardens Madrid
We enjoyed a leisurely walk through the gardens looking at the vast array of plants, and flowers. Some of the ones we really enjoyed were the tulips which were in full bloom now.
Shelley enjoying the tulipsBeautiful flowers in botanical garden
There were also flowering trees in the garden that not only looked beautiful but also smelled great. It is too bad we can’t put the smell and sounds in the blog. There were birds singing throughout the entire time we were there. It was very nice and relaxing.
The walkways and trails were beautiful and made an enjoyable walk.
Walkway in botanical gardens
Walkways in the gardens
One of the interesting trees we found during our walk was this Kiwi tree. We have never seen a Kiwi tree before.
Kiwi tree in botanical gardens in Madrid
we took our time walking through the gardens and enjoyed the beautiful smells, sounds and scenery of the gardens. It was truly a beautiful spot.
We arrived in Madrid at the Atocha train station which is the largest and oldest train station in Madrid.
Ray at Madrid Atocha train station
This station which was destroyed by a major fire and then rebuilt in 1892 and is the main train station for regional, local and long range trains. The station Is quite large and it took us time to navigate through the station. We also wanted to visit the original section of the station which was converted to a concourse with an array of shops, restaurants and a tropical garden.
Tropical garden inside the Atocha train stationSome of the stores and shops in Atocha train station
There is also a memorial monument at the station to remember and honour the 191 people who died as a result of bombings on trains in Madrid on March 11, 2004. The monument is a roof structure and is visible at street level. The monument is a circular glass tower and the scene of remembrance services each year.
View of monument (on left) from outside of the Madrid Atocha train station
The memorial was closed at the time we were there and unfortunately we were not able to get inside. We will be going back and checking it out before we leave Madrid. When we tour the memorial later this week additional photos will be added to this blog posting.
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.
Main entrance to the Alicante train station
The train station is a modern building with numerous stores and facilities inside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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)
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.
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.
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