is that harsh or just an over generalisation

still waiting for the AVE to arrive here but its coming

but understand what you are saying, especially for 2 adults 2 children, having a car does work out more cost effective, you can leave home when you want, leave destination when you want - there isnt the rigid regime of being there for a departure.

but unless you are really used to driving then even with ac then 6-8 hours driving in a day can be a bit of a bind for the driver.
then of course it isn't just the fuel cost it is the wear and tear cost on engine, tyres etc etc.

like everything, its all about personal choice at the time and if you have to reschedule that is also simpler with the car.

rgds

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...c_Islands.html

Interesting old railway in the West of Mallorca as well, attracts quite a few tourists, so lets hope it doesn't have to pay the price.

Nice place! Never stayed there, but we often stay quite close to there so pop in for something to eat. They seem to have it spot on. James Stuart, (no, not the actor) and his Spanish partner haven't done bad at Casa Del Califa either, we were there for 4 nights recently. Another success story.

We were hoping to have a meal at the casa de Califa, only had week and a wedding to go to so didn't have time, great food and setting

nice to see the usual gripers running off topic once again despite their complaints when others do


Train Development News
(in case you have forgotten)

at least 7 dead in Train Crash near Paris
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/w...rails/2512431/

was it an AVE ??

The little I have seen on the news is very similar to Potters Bar

that was exactly my thoughts when I saw it, just from a different angle

was wondering if it was AVE as it has a 350m (km?) journey

http://elpais.com/elpais/2013/07/14/...92_483958.html

Operation Chamartin Derailed in Madrid by building restrictions.

maybe some good news for Stevie...air passengers drop 15%, rail users increase 1.1%

http://www.diariosur.es/rc/20130710/...307100959.html

I usually fly within Spain perhaps 4 or 5 times year

In the past 12 months, the prices have increased no end. I wonder if the local governments have taken off the subisidies they used to pay

A return to Malaga or Barcelona from Oviedo nowadays is often 200 euros per head, more if you travel first thing in the morning. It used to be easy to find flights at half that price

Sad news. Looks like there have been up to 20 killed in Santiago de Compostela after a derailment.
http://www.euronews.com/2013/07/24/s...de-compostela/

Edit. A later bulletin, 24 at least now.
http://typicallyspanish.com/spain-ne...Santiago.shtml

At least 35 dead according to BBC and Sky news.

200 on board when it derailed.

Apparently train was packed and on the way to a Festival.

http://www.rtve.es/noticias/20130724...o/723720.shtml

Latest reports suggest as many as 45 dead.
The accident happened on a curve on a stretch of new line.

Jeez, this is a really terrible tragedy.
BBC is now suggesting as many as 56 deaths.

Looking at the overhead view of the line, the curve is exceptionally sharp and I would have thought a very low speed limit would be the norm,...........yet, so many casualties.