Unlike Barcelona, which I’d been to a couple of times before, or Tarragona which I knew of from it’s ancient history, I’d not even heard of Zaragoza until a work colleague mentioned it as being a lovely town and worth a visit.

So I included it in my trip for no better reason – beyond starting where the first convenient plane would take me and leaving somewhere else convenient, the only stop I’d known I’d wanted to make was Tarragona.

I caught a high-speed train from outside Tarragona. The station was more like an airport, including scanning one’s bags. This wasn’t the same station that I’d come into Tarragona on, but their equivalent of a “parkway” (out of town) station.

The train ride was comfortable and cool, and I enjoyed watching the countryside whizz by the window.

Zaragoza was a shock. Firstly the heat – the breeze itself was hot!

Then the walk from the station to the hotel. I didn’t much like what I was seeing. The first two places I’d stayed were architecturally fascinating, beautiful, and historic. This was brutalist without even trying to be.

I didn’t feel as warm towards this place as the others – nor as safe, as yet.

The hotel was a treat. Twin bedroom, large bathroom, a separate desk area, TV (not that I’ll use it). There is also air conditioning, which I rarely use, but this year is crazy and I’d like to be able to sleep – not that I know how you work one anyway.

The room also has a bidet. When I first travelled abroad (I was twenty), I didn’t know what a bidet was for … so I used it to wash my laundry! 🤢

This is the nicest room I have stayed in so far: I’ve gone from sharing with thirteen others, to my own single room, now I’m in a double. I’ll be in a suite in the palace by the time I get to Madrid.

After showering, I walked into the historic centre. I was intimidated by the buildings at first, tall and ugly. Things improved a little as I got into town.

I wanted pizza. I needed pizza. Not your horrible doughy kebab shop pizza, but one with a thin base and decent toppings and cooked in an oven that leaves a charred taste to the bread. I found one opposite the cathedral. And very good it was too! My disposition towards the city improved a little.

After pizza and a beer, I went in search of churros. I found a churreria, but as I went in the woman cleaning the floor said “cerrado” and I said “bugger” and moved on. I made do with ice-cream.

Then I walked down to the river, broad, fast, and green. I liked it, but didn’t feel an urge to put my feet in it. The bridge was beautiful. I love bridges, but you can’t really appreciate them when you’re on them.

I walked back to the hotel, passing a tiny section of Roman wall, which made me feel connected to something timeless – and familiar. At the hotel the air conditioning had made the room bearable. I felt even more kindly towards the place after pizza, beer, and an ice-cream.

I hadn’t set the air conditioning right. It’s making noise, but the room doesn’t feel much different from when I left. I’ve twiddled the knob, so let’s see whether that does anything.

Tomorrow the exploration begins!