Zzz...Zaragoza

After Barcelona, stopped by Zaragoza - the 5th-largest city in Spain and the capital of the state of Aragon. Remembered this place as my Spanish teacher Ana told me she was from that state. As it turned out, the journey there is more interesting than the city itself. Sorry, Ana! (I know you are reading this blog).

Must say that it was quite an experience taking the train from Barcelona to Zaragoza. The Spanish transport system really leaves much to be desired, especially after what I have experienced at Barcelona airport previously. The train was no different. For some reason, the train could not leave from the Barcelona train station and I did not even know it until about 30min before the train was supposed to leave. It was then that I asked a Renfe (Spanish rail staff) lady about my train. She gave me a horrified look and quickly ushered me to another line of passengers obediently queueing up behind another Renfe staff holding a placard of our train number. Imagine the consequences had I continued to wait at the waiting area for my train to arrive. Am going to be really screwed if I miss my train.

Seriously, I did not know what I was waiting for. Despite the friendly reassuring smile from a Spanish lady next to me who was trying to be helpful, seeing me with my luggage and all, the language barrier was real and I thought I was going to be screwed this time. (Damn, wish I had been more industrious with my Spanish lessons...Am inspired by my travel difficulties to hit the books again...RITE!)

Finally made our way to a bus outside the train terminus where we were unceremoniously ushered into a bus and then driven off. At first, the silly me thought that I was going to be driven to Zaragoza. But after considering the distance involved, this didn´t make sense. Wanted to desperately ask my fellow passengers what was going on, but knew that it will simply be a pursuit of futility.

Just when I resigned myself to the possibility of being lost in some weird Spanish city, the bus stopped us off at Tarragona - somewhere south of Barcelona; and we then embarked on our train ride. Phew! Never knew that this could be possible. In Spain, it seems that when your ticket tells you that you are to embark on a train from a certain station, it might not be the case. When in doubt, always ask! No shame in doing that (especially for you guys out there, take note)

Anyway, not much to say about Zaragoza other than this one main attraction which I really like - the Aljaferia. This is Spain´s finest Muslim-era edifice outside Andalucia, though not in the league of Granada´s Alhambra or Cordoba´s Mezquita (Lonely Planet). Not sure about this but have already gotten a pretty good idea of what I am about to see in Granada and Seville when I am there; the Muslim architecture is simply beautiful! All these little intricate motifs in the carvings, the beautifully landscaped gardens, nicely contoured ceilings, etc, conveys a certain elegance but yet not opulent.

Most of my time in Zaragoza was spent in taking long strolls through the main square where the most beautiful church was - the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Had quite a bit of church fatigue so did not spend too much time admiring the church but just wanted to chill out in general. Quite a nice feeling actually, since it was not crowded.

Think the fatigue must have gotten to me and would have enjoyed this place more had I had more sleep - too much running around in Barcelona catching the sights and the early morning train. Anyway, hope I do better for the rest of the trip!