Old friends... and new

In Madrid we made a new friend when we were hosted by Jesus (no relation) who we met through an international peace activist network. He kindly showed us around his home town of Getafe and Madrid city.
In Lisbon, we met with our old, good friend Marta who, as luck would have it, was visiting her parents in Lisbon. We went on an 'alternative Lisbon' tour where we saw lots of urban art.

High culture in Santander!

We did enjoy a visit to an art gallery and museum in Santander but as you can see from Steve's face,  the highlight of our cultural tour was this boardgames cafe also serving vegan options! 🤣 Now heading by train to Madrid 

Ferry nice crossing: shame about the smoke

We're relaxing in Santander following a comfortable crossing. Sadly, the ferry still produces lots of greenhouse gases (though significantly less per person than flying).  Meanwhile Mel keeps healthy with yoga on the deck. 

First sea journey

Boarding the Pont Aven. Next stop Spain in just over 24 hours. 

Don't forget you can track us on the link above. 

We're famous... and we haven't even left yet!

For those who didn't see it,  here is an article from the Leicester Mercury

Last coffee in Leicester

After farewells with other friends yesterday,  we were seen off at Leicester station this morning by our friends Shelagh, Pete and Paul. Back in 6 months (hopefully more interesting posts from here on in!)

Mel and Steve will be sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Islands. We will leave the UK on 16th October and will be travelling to Lisbon via Santander (the place in Northern Spain, not the bank in the High Street!) and Madrid. We will (all being well) board a clipper ship (fast sailing ship) that will carry us to Barbados. The plan is to travel on to Puerto Rico and then to Saint Martin, where we need to catch the boat back again in April 2019.

On this blog, we will try and share stories and photos for anyone who is interested.