Travel with Rick Steves 788 Spain by Train; Foreign Correspondent; The Lines on Our Maps
Apr 12, 2025
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof, known for his impactful reporting from conflict zones, shares gripping anecdotes about the realities of foreign correspondence. British journalist John Elledge reveals how borders, shaped by history and often arbitrary, affect identity and global politics. They delve into the elegance of Spain's high-speed rail system, transforming travel, and discuss practical tips for navigating cultural challenges abroad, emphasizing the importance of human connections formed through travel.
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Spain by Train
- Travel throughout Spain using its extensive high-speed rail network, starting from Madrid or Barcelona.
- Access major cities within a few hours and explore scenic routes on tourist trains.
Franco's Rail Disruption
- Spain's railroads used to have different gauges than France, causing travelers to switch trains at the border.
- Franco's fascist regime did this for isolation and control.
AVE: Spain's High-Speed Rail
- The AVE, Spain's high-speed train, was introduced in 1992 during the Olympic Games and World's Fair.
- It showcased Spain's modernization and dramatically shortened travel times, like Madrid to Seville in under three hours.
