Valencia to Madrid
Goodness me these travel days are so tiring. I managed to start the day off beautifully though, by heading to Valencia beach for sunrise and a quick swim. Super shallow water so wasn't in for long but so lovely down there at that time - a few groups exercising, super soft sand, bars and cafés getting ready to open up for the day. Packed up the Airbnb and Lewis and Max headed off in the car (and us girls for the train station again...). I had a final quick walk through the old town with her, taking in a few more plazas and wishing we could stay all day, then to the station to catch our train. She was very popular on board - smiling and babbling away to everyone, she got lots of attention. She then had a sleep in the carrier without any fuss which gave me my only downtime of the day (even though I was stood up, but still). We then got to Madrid, navigated the next lot of trains thanks to Lewis' instructions (although I made a mess of it first time and took us in the wrong direction for two stops) and ended up in downtown Madrid. It looks incredible but the two of us were all hot and bothered so we stopped for some food at a random Italian with aircon and then made our way to the new apartment. Max and Lewis got on well in the car - good halfway stop with a playpark and Lewis did clever city centre parking/unloading bags. Our new Airbnb is spot on - big open plan space for them to roam around, super modern and clean for us, nice equipment to do some cooking, all great especially considering we are in the middle of the capital. After a bit of unpacking and usual bath and bedtime chaos I am wiped - Lewis has popped out to get some essentials and it'll be an early night so we can get going with our sightseeing in the morning. Grateful for how adaptable the two of them are on days like today - they really are taking these long journeys and change of home in their stride.