Spanish News - Water Shortage.

The water shortage in Spain is now at its worst for 50 yrs, so much so that the beaches in Barcelona have had their showers shut off, and of all the public gardens and parks only approximately 18% are regularly watered.
Drastic measures are been put in place if there is no change in the near future. This will be the the delivery of water to the port by large tankers from other regions of Spain and France. These deliveries are due to start early May. Also if necessary water will be brought by rail.
A hose pipe ban is all ready in place, so all car washing and watering of gardens by hose pipe is not allowed.
The latest news is saying that people found breaking the ban will be found up to 3,000€.

Lloret de Mar - Parrots

Green parrots are quite often seen in Lloret. Usually in the woods at the back of the resort.
You don't realise they are about until you hear them squawking, as they are so well camouflaged against the palm trees.
In the photo above if you look carefully there are four, all collecting material with which to build their nests.

In Barcelona they are very common in the parks, and even on the Ramblas where there's hundreds of people walking about.

Birds of Spain.

One of the most common birds to be found in Lloret is the Jay, this one was spotted in the woods between Lloret de Mar and Fenals.
We also saw a red squirrel in the same area, but weren't quick enough with the camera.
May be we'll catch him next time!

Barcelona - High Speed Train.

A new train service started between Barcelona - Madrid on the 20th Feb. The new AVE route has three classes, either tourist, first or club. Prices for tourist class (the one I travelled!) is approx 101€, 1st class 152€, club 182€ one way depending on the time chosen to travel. If a return journey is booked there is a 20% discount on the return journey.There are several trains through the day, roughly every hour. The journey time is 3 1/4 hrs travelling at 300 kms per hr.
For more details see the RENFE website.