Jerez - Day 1

Backblip
Manuel arrived on the dot of 9.30, just like we asked him to.  All rental properties should read the Manuel manual,  he treats his guests so well and the apartment is like stepping into your own home with everything provided, down to plasters in the bathroom which I needed one day.  He had the most pristine white towels neatly folded in the airing cupboard which he told us to use if needed extra ones.  Anyway,  he gave us detailed instructions of how to reach the bus stop to take us to the train station for our high speed train to Jerez, and we arrived at the station in plenty time.

The Renfe train was absolutely brilliant.  You cannot get on it without a ticket which has your seat boooked.   Big adjustable seats, wide walkways.  Air con, large fold down tables, clean, window blinds and immaculate toilets.  A joy to travel on.  Forty mins later we were in Jerez station, and walked the 20 mins to our apartment where we would meet Paco, the rep for the owner.  Air con was ramped up again as it was another hot day in the high 30s.  The apartment is in the old town area and had a massive rooftop terrace with views over the Jerez skyline. Unpacked and headed out for some refreshment and to get our bearings.  

We wandered down the pedestrianised street and found a bar selling drinks and Tapas and sat outside in the shade to enjoy them.  More wandering brought us to lovely little plazas some with fountains and old buildings with beautiful architecture.  Jerez is not so touristy as Seville and English not as widely spoken.  We found the Andalucians we met to be friendly and patient with our lack of Spanish.  

After a siesta we headed out again for some food and loved the atmosphere of families sitting outdoors for the evening meal with street entertainers at every square.  

We didn’t stay up as late as the Spanish and it was reasonably early to bed as tomorrow was the highlight of the Jerez trip - The Spanish Riding School!!