High Tech Train, Old Tech Elevators

After 3 days in Madrid, it was time to take the high speed train to Seville in the south of Spain. We arrived at the train station, went through security which was similar to that at the airport except for a shorter lineup. When making our way the to boarding platform, we got our first look at the sleek machine. It was streamlined, shining, and sitting in silence. No motor noises and no fumes.

We had been assigned car number 8, so we boarded. It was totally modern inside; spacious, the seats were comfortable, most facing forward, but a few reversed to give seating for 4. While waiting for departure, there was no safety drill like on an airplane, just a little information on the amenities.

The train started moving on time, and away we went. It was an electric train, and we felt and heard almost nothing as it smoothly accelerated. By the time we reached the outskirts of Madrid, we were travelling about 300 km/hr, slowing just noticeably for the gentle curves.

Travelling through the countryside, things near the tracks were just a blur, and I needed to focus in the distance to prevent motion sickness. There were rolling fields, many under cultivation, small towns, wind farms generating power, orange and olive groves. Unfortunately, as much as we tried to photograph the experience, by the time we saw something of interest, it was gone.

After about 2 hours and a very pleasant ride, we arrived in Seville. Our accommodation for the next 3 days was the Alfonso XIII hotel. It was built for the 1929 World Expo, and totally renovated with completion just a couple of weeks before we arrived. Its elevators were the originals, and even though very interesting, we were challenged by the old technology, and chose to take the stairs.

Click here for our experiences in bicycle friendly and innovative Seville:
http://travellingwithsteveandmarlene.blogspot.ca/2012/04/enjoying-seville.html