Stranded in Algecires
Trip Start
Dec 26, 2005
1
191
285
Trip End
Jan 25, 2009
Algecires,
Spain
Monday, August 28, 2006
I am stranded in Algecires because the express afternoon train to Madrid is full. I should of guessed.
It would of been ok if Algecires had of been a good town to stop over in for half a day. But, to say the least Algecires is a horrible town with unfriendly people, temperatures in the 40s, limited internet access between 2.30 and 5.30 and over inflated prices. My current mood doesn`t help matters.
This means that my only option is to go on yet another horrible overnight train in a second class seat. My train leaves Algecires at 9.45pm and arrives into Madrid at 8.36am (11 long hours), giving me just over 3.5 hours to get to the airport to catch my plane to Quito... thatīs if it runs on time. I was suppose to meet Gabbie in the airport early so we could sit next to each other but now I face the challenge of getting to the airport at all given that I have no idea of how to get from Madridīs train station to the airport. But Lonely Planet mentions that the underground goes to the airport which is good. Iīm undecided as to whether I should get a taxi (in peak hour Madrid traffic) or battle it through with the inefficient underground. The bad thing is that if I miss my flight, I risk missing the start of my next Intrepid tour through South America. To say the least, I am in a really shitty mood today.
Last nightīs overnight train was awful. The trip lasted 10 hours and there were six people in the compartment, facing each other with very little leg room. I didnīt get up once given that I was next to the window and basically trapped for the entire journey. To think that I have to do this 2 nights in a row, without a shower or change of clothing etc. is probably the toughest experience that I have had this year. Iīve been very fortunate in that Iīve had very little problems up until now (except losing the passport). I absolutely stink at the moment and will wrench by the time I get to Quito... the Hammam I had in Eassouira is so needed but yet so far away.
Given that I am dripping in sweat from the temperatures of Algecires, I feel sorry for the person who has to sit next to me tonight, and on the plane tomorrow. I just hope that Madridīs airport is as efficient as KLs and they have showers so I can at least freshen up for the marathon 11 hour flight... but given limited time etc. I doubt I will be able to even change the clothing that I have had on since yesterday morning.
It will be interesting to see if I make the flight and my next travelpod will be from Quito. My tip for fellow travelpodders is BYPASS Europe in Summer. I wonīt do it again.
