I’m in the train to Tarragona, watching the sea slide by in the glorious sunshine. What an exquisite way to travel!

Trains here used the wide gauge, which allows for wider rails, which means more inherent stability, wider and comfier carriages, and the potential for higher speeds (although, bizarrely, European high speed trains actually use narrow gauge). At the station I saw my first double decker train! Such things are impossible on our narrow Victorian tracks.

Brunel, Bristol’s engineering hero, wanted to use the wider gauge for those very reasons, but was overruled. And Britain is sick with cramped carriages and slower trains as a result.

Talking of trains, and stations, the acoustics in the station were bloody awful (like most stations). I wouldn’t have known what they were saying – even if it was English! Thankfully there were good signs.

Things I noticed about Barcelona:

Look up (or get high and look down) because rooftops can be quite beautiful here. Ceramics are used to add shape and colour to something moist little will never notice. And this is on any old building, not just the Gaudi pieces.

Graffiti everywhere. Most of it ugly tagging, but assume extremely artistic.

Public transport is easy.

Travelling by foot isn’t that difficult – wide pavements, with frequent crossings that are safe to use. Like in the UK, you can nip across an empty street without getting into trouble.

Drivers seemed polite and patient (but then I wasn’t in the car with them).

And mopeds parked everywhere – usually in dedicated areas that protect the pathways and cycle lanes.

Cycle lanes are wide enough and protected enough. When I come back to Barcelona, I might rent a bike.

Lots of shops selling plants. Nobody has gardens, but you can see verdant balconies.

I was less aware of poverty than I am in Southampton. There are beggars, but in a city of that size they seemed to be less common than in Southampton. Barcelona feels prosperous. Is it a face put on for tourists? I do not know.

Without measuring it, Barcelona, a city of about two million people, looks to have a similar footprint to Southampton, a city of a quarter of a million people. There weren’t nearly as many parks or quiet places as I’d like (or need).

Pride flags were up everywhere. That felt good to see. It’s a major part of the city’s calendar.

I felt safe in that city.

It is a metropolis with people of all colours and faiths – and genders and sexualities.

As somebody who doesn’t confirm to gender or sexual norms, homogeneous humanity scares me, but variety is safe and thrilling.

I must say, the train from Barcelona is an absolute joy! Comfy with incredible views of the sea. It was a good travel choice!

I wonder what Tarragona will be like?