Rain Rain never on the plains of Spain.

So that explains why we got some of our coldest weather yet we travelled via the mountains to get to Madrid.

Crossing into Spain a number of features became evident.

Fuel was some 30-40c per litre cheaper then France where we often paid 1.70 euro per litre or over $3 per litre, even filling the bike was a $50+ exercise at least twice daily.

We were also excited to find out that road tolls on the Autoviv were also much lower often costing only $7-10 compared to some at $59 in France.

The roads too are well maintained and relatively light in traffic volumes.

Language is a little more of a puzzle compared to the French, Italian 7 Greek I have used so far.

One note worthy stop was Medinaceli where we left the main road and climbed up a narrow winding road to the town perched on the top of the surrounding mountains but not as high as the snow cap peaks. However it didnt disappoint us in that as we were getting off our bikes to seek a waarm drink it began to lightly snow adding to our already frozen wet state.

Our Madrid hotel had us all puzzled as whatever address we put into the various GPS's we carry none could offer any help. However an email from the hotel gave directions and major nearby roads so with only one wrong turn we arrived via the service road to the Medical Research Centre near the University and saw The Dr's Residence anhall ways and a friendly Security gate keeper assured us Yes the hotel was located in the grounds down the back and around the back?

What we have is a real gem. Much of this award winning hotel is also a Art Gallery using the hallways and reception as the exhibit areas,even the toilets are worth a visit as they too are objecta da arte with their fully marbaled walls & floors. The photo's will show you what we encounted.

The real joy is that not knowing this treat we had booked for two nights and despite some facilities being closed on our arrivial due to a bank holidays we were more then happy to sit in luxury and enjoy meals from the auto vending machines where any of the 12 different coffee's are 50c to accompany your salad $5 or a beer for $2.