#11 A Surprise Encounter with Lidl??? A Relaxing Train Ride to Peñíscola — Back After 28 Years!

🚉 The Mystery of the “One-Hour-Early” Morning To catch the 11:15am train from Tarragona, I somehow ended up at the station at 10:15am. Yep, way too early! But that’s my Japanese DNA in action — always five minutes early, no matter where in the world I live. And today, I took it up a notch: one full hour early. 😅 I couldn’t help but think of my dear friend Elsa back in New Zealand. She’s the total opposite — cutting it close every time. She’d probably still be at home sipping rooibos tea at this point. I chuckled at the thought… which probably looked a little strange to people around me. Oh well!

🎫 Return Ticket Adventures & My Spanish Mini-Challenge

With time to kill (of course), my worry-prone self decided to go ahead and buy my return ticket in advance. This particular line? Not always available online. Sometimes it’s purchased at station counters only, in person. Spanish? I don’t speak it. But thank goodness for Google Translate and my ultra-limited “Spanish survival kit” (hello, thank you, sorry, please, and “ocho” — see blog #9 😆). At the ticket window, I showed my phone screen to the very serious-looking gentleman. He told me the return train would be at 5pm. Wait — 5pm!? I’d get back after 7pm?? But checkout is in the morning… No morning train? → “9am.” Anything before noon? → “No.” 10-something maybe? → “10:15am.” Perfect! “Entonces, por favor,” I said — and just like that, I had my return ticket in hand.

🚂 All Aboard! New Train Friends

Next hurdle: which platform? I asked a curvy red-haired station lady, “Hola! Do you speak English?” She smiled kindly, “No!” But no worries — I can gesture and toss around key words like “train” with the best of them. She pointed and told me, “Platform dos (two)!” Thankfully, stations here use Arabic numerals. Uno, dos, tres — I got this! 😎

The train arrived fashionably late (classic abroad), and I double-checked: “This train goes to Peñíscola?” Thumbs up — let’s go! Seats were unassigned? I guessed so and sat down. If someone got upset, I’d just say, “Lo siento!” (Sorry!) Behind me sat a couple. I asked, “Do you speak English?” “Of course!” They were Puerto Rican Americans, super friendly. She was decked out in a pink dress with perfect makeup — totally Instagram-ready. He was lovely too. Talking with them made the ride so much fun. I asked, “Are seats free to choose?” They laughed, “No idea — we just sat here.” Love that. Same energy.

😱 Almost Missed My Stop?! The Train Panic Moment

Unlike 28 years ago, trains now have digital screens showing the next stop. Back then, I’d hold up my ticket and ask other passengers, “Is this my stop??” and someone would yell “¡Aquí!” Tech is amazing… until I got distracted. I chatted with the couple, enjoyed the views, and kinda lost track of time. Then suddenly, the girl said, “Wait, isn’t this your stop??” WHAT?! No announcement! I panicked and asked someone nearby, “Peñíscola estación aquí??” “¡Sí! ¡Sí!” OMG. Grabbed my stuff, dashed off. A fellow passenger held the door open — bless them! I couldn’t even say a proper goodbye to the couple, so I just shouted, “¡Gracias, gracias!” and waved like crazy from the platform. 🙏😂

🚌 A Bus Stop Encounter & Lidl Comes to the Rescue

I checked the station name again: “Benicarló — Peñíscola.” Yup, right place. Bus stop? Just out front to the right. It was still early, and Uber was €20–30. The local bus? Only €1.45! No brainer. At the bus stop, I met a family from Mexico. They didn’t speak English, but their teenage son did — thank you, school system of Mexico! He kindly helped look up times and explained everything to me. Just then, his grandparents showed up carrying tons of grocery bags. “Wait, is there a supermarket around here?” I asked. There was. And since I’d be in Peñíscola for three nights, I figured now was the time to stock up on the essentials — wine first, of course! 😉 I followed their lead to Lidl. Amazing selection. Super cheap. Wine, yogurt, jamón, cheese, salad, bananas, water — check! Back to the bus stop, ready to head to town… …except, whoops, missed the bus. Next one? In 40 minutes. But the bench was shaded, the breeze was nice, and I didn’t mind one bit.

🌍 Kindness from a Colombian Angel

Next bus came. Many passengers. Driver spoke zero English, but that was fine. If I got off at the wrong stop, I’d just Uber it. Then — enter my seatmate: a kind young woman from Colombia. She told me, “I’m learning English and want to speak one day.” She helped me confirm the last stop was mine. And then — she stayed on the bus all the way to the end with me, even though her stop was two before mine! She literally rode farther just to make sure I didn’t miss it. I mean… angel status. We exchanged WhatsApp and promised to grab coffee during my stay.

🏰 Finally at the Hotel… But One Last Twist?

I wandered up winding streets like a sweaty little GPS-less warrior and finally found my hotel. Not the same one I stayed in 28 years ago, but close enough in feel — old fortress vibes on the outside, modern white and clean inside. A/C? Check. Spacious shower? Check. Mini fridge? Ohhh yes. Everything was chef’s kiss.

…Except. There was no wine opener. And since it was self-check-in, no staff either. So… wine: sitting on the table. Me: staring at it longingly. This is Spain. Corks are the default. 😭

📝 That’s All for Today! Coming Up Next…Did I ever open that bottle of wine?, Did I meet up with the sweet Colombian girl again? And wait — what?! I passed out and hit my head!? Bleeding….Am I okay?? …Stay tuned!