After the craziness of Pamplona we continued on with Ben and Gem through the Basque region of Spain to the beautiful beachside town of San Sebastian (or Donostia in Basque). As coastal kids we were all happy to be by the water again - those inland towns start to feel a little claustrophobic after a while. San Sebastian is one of the cleanest towns I've come across in Europe - everything is neat and tidy with manicured lawns and beautiful flowers...a bit of a res...

It's a question of ethics and where to draw the line. The four of us sit in a bar in Pamplona, and debate the festival of San Fermin aka Running of the Bulls. Time for a little controversy. Mark and I had earlier refused to attend a bullfight in Madrid. We are on the same page that 'Tradition' is not enough to justify what occurs in that ring (and some parts of Spain, such as Barcelona, agree and have banned it). I'm certainly not a vegetarian, I believe in the ...

Arriving in Madrid by train during the afternoon siesta, we caught the metro to Anton Martin station and walked down the deserted streets past shuttered doors, construction fencing, homeless people and a seedy looking strip club. So, this is Spain's capital hey? I really took a bit of time to warm up to Madrid, especially after vibrant Barcelona. We stayed in a beautiful hostel - a converted 18th century palace with a stained glass ceiling and a cushion covered...

If you discount the minor incident involving a puddle on the platform which culminated in my third and biggest stack in three days, attempt number two at our overnight train or 'trenhotel' was successful. Mark detangled me ("three slips you're out - time to buy some Jesus sandals." Ugh, not likely!) and we climbed aboard the Granada bound train. Mark had turned into Mr Paranoia at the thought of an overnight train, and clung to the bags with a fierce glint in hi...

It's our last day in Barcelona :-( Boooo! So, we head to La Sagrada Familia for the third time, determined to finally get inside. The first time we were on the bike tour so only saw the outside, the second time we rocked up late, the line was a mile long and we were due to meet Raissa. You'd think this time we would have a better game plan? Nahhh. Our night with Bob caused us to sleep in, we arrive to the same huge queues and slap our foreheads in disgust that ...