Compartamento #41

After the initial shock of boarding the train, realizing we were the only Americans, and the only people under 70, we were lead to our living quarters. For the next three nights and four days, Compartamento #41 would be our home. (Note: photo does not do justice.)

Enter shock part two: The living quarters on the train are 6x6, (John is 6'4"). The two single bunk beds were going to allow for no intimacy--heck, we weren't even sure if John could fit on the bunk to sleep!

This calls for alcohol. Where is the bar on this train?!

Churros con chocolato!

The hot chocolate in Spain is rather thick--almost like pudding. A great place to try this yummy dessert is Avemay Cafe.

No more Pintxos!

Throw all ideas of what you think Spain is like, out the window. You've arrived in Basque Country! No tourists. No flamenco dancing. No sangria. The wine list is simple, "red or white." And the local white wine is "txakoli". And if you think "tapas" is a type of restaurant--think again. "Tapa" means "cover" and it's a way of serving the food. And they don't even use the word "tapa"....in Basque country it's "pintxos". (The "tx is pronounced like "ch") And after eating these "pintos" for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days, you may never want to see a pintxos again! And if you're a fan of fried eggs, you'll be happy to know they are quite popular at breakfast time and you'll notice straight away that the yolks are very orange.