A drama trying to leave Madrid via Moncloa Intercambio bus interchange on Sunday as the ticket office is closed and the only vending machine is not accepting cash and declined my credit card. Eventually I ask a lady for assistance. I ring the ALSA the bus company and they do not accept foreign credit cards, luckily she is happy to use her credit card in the machine and I pay her the cash, tickets are printing as the bus is loading to go. Scenery to Leon is flat wheat belt country with occasional vineyard. After Leon the bus passes through very dramatic mountains, The Picos Europa, quite stunning. I wait for 50 minutes in Gijon for the bus to Villavisiosa arriving at 1630. A small interesting town at least in the old part with many sidera bars, this is the apple and cider capital of Spain. A good meal in the Sidera Emporium and off to bed.
the art of pouring cider
