Train to Tarragona

April 16.

This train trip, short as it was, proved to be the most interesting thus far: we actually had to go through security! Yep - place all of our bags on the conveyor belt just like in the airport and have our tickets examined before we were allowed to proceed down into the bowels of Girona's station for all high-speed trains. Our designated platform - 12.

But everything went smoothly and before long we were on board, found our seats and settled in for the hour or so ride to Barcelona. Once at the major station we were met with no small amount of confusion. In order to find our connecting train we had to pass through turnstiles but since we had no ticket per se a staff member let us through manually, acknowledging our Eurail passes. Then it was down to the platform level where there was yet another staff member answering questions as to which platform our train was coming in on? 11 or 12? At the last minute - 11 wins!

Phew! We were safely aboard our train to Tarragona.

After another hour or so of travel, much of it right along the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, we got off at the Tarragona train station. Our hotel was a short distance from the station but it was all uphill! Fortunately, the city had seen fit to add a large gradual-incline ramp that crossed over a road and double-backed onto itself before getting us near the top. Once there we had a handful of steps to navigate as we neared the hotel.

Unfortunately, the directions given via Google (not always 100% reliable) had us walking all around the back of the hotel before finding the main entrance.

Checked in, we settled in and then headed out for a stroll in the afternoon sun.

The hotel: H10 Imperial Tarraco

our hotel right rear, Roman amphitheater far left

Across from our hotel are Roman ruins, reportedly an ancient circus, and also a Roman amphitheater. 

remains of the Roman circus

the promenade directly in front of our hotel

View of amphitheater from the promenade

our hotel in the background

We returned to the hotel and decided to check out the rooftop bar and plunge pool. Lovely views of the city and the Roman ruins, but the bar was not open. We were informed they had limited hours since it's not high season just yet.

Back down to the ground floor we settled in to the bar and had a glass of wine, eventually joined by a pair of club sandwiches for dinner. We turned in early as I bounce back from the cough and fatigue. Here's to a full recovery!

Next: The Yellow Train!