A high‑speed train, a tiny hotel room, a botanical garden, a wrong turn into an industrial estate, and a lift from two kind strangers, all before Texas delivered a brilliant show in Albacete. A chaotic, funny, unforgettable weekend.
While browsing the internet, I spotted that Texas were performing in Albacete. I’d never been to the city, and I’d never seen the band live, so I decided to fix both of those in one go. A simple plan: train up, hotel, explore, concert, sleep, train home. What could possibly go wrong?
Journey to Albacete.
I woke before my alarms at around 07:00, had a coffee, showered, shaved, and packed a small rucksack with clothes, a wash bag, my laptop, and tablets. After killing some time, I went outside at 09:15 to wait for my neighbour John, who kindly drove me to Balsicas for my 10:30 train.
The first train was clean and straightforward. At Orihuela, things got more serious, the station felt like an airport, complete with baggage scanners and body scanners. The second train was a high‑speed beauty. I watched the speed climb past 300 km/h before the display gave up trying to keep up.
First Impressions of Albacete.
The Albacete station looked like another airport. I walked the short distance to my hotel, but the room wasn’t ready, so I went for a wander. I tried to get a beer at a café, but after being ignored for 20 minutes, I left and found a bakery instead.
When I finally got into my room, it was … tiny. Clean, but tiny. No fridge, no kettle, no USB sockets, and a shower so close to the toilet that I had to open the shower door just to sit down. I decided to rest for a bit before exploring.
At 18:30, I went out in search of an Italian restaurant I’d seen earlier, only to discover it didn’t open until 20:30. I walked through a park, cooled off by a fountain, admired an old train engine on display, and then stopped at Consum for two cans of Budweiser (61 cents each, a bargain) and some pastries. Back at the hotel, the Wi‑Fi finally worked, and by 21:00, I was in bed, exhausted.
Exploring Albacete.
I slept well and woke at 08:00. Breakfast was … basic. Ham and cheese straight from a multipack, one roll, one croissant, and a coffee. I may have smuggled an extra slice of cheese under the ham when the staff weren’t looking.
After breakfast, I showered, using shampoo and gel bottles so tiny I couldn’t read the labels. I’m fairly sure my hair was clean, but other areas may have been unexpectedly glossy and full‑bodied.
I walked through the city, but everything was closed. Eventually, I reached Abelardo Sánchez Park, which was lovely and shaded. From there, I headed to the Botanical Garden of Castilla‑La Mancha, stopping frequently because of the heat and my legs. The garden was worth it, cacti, succulents, and a giant spider wrapping its prey like something out of a nature documentary.
By the time I walked back to the Italian restaurant, I was shattered. Thankfully, it was open. I ordered a Fruits of the Sea pizza, which was excellent, and drank a cold bottle of water like it was liquid gold.
After another Consum stop for water, I returned to the hotel to rest before the concert.
Texas in Concert.
Feeling slightly revived, I set off for the venue. Google Maps told me it was a straight walk. It lied.
After 3.5 km, I found myself crossing a motorway bridge into an industrial estate. Google proudly announced I had arrived, at a Spanish vehicle testing centre. My legs were done, and I was starting to panic.
Then, like angels in a hatchback, two young women pulled up and asked if I knew where the Texas concert was. I explained I was just as lost as they were. They thought they knew the way, and I asked, with my best harmless‑old‑chap smile, if I could ride with them. Miraculously, they said yes.
They found the venue easily, and I thanked them repeatedly. Without them, I’d still be wandering around that industrial estate.
Inside, I bought a beer. The woman behind the bar gave me two bottles, then complained I didn’t have exact change. A lady behind me donated 20 cents just to speed things up. Bottled beer was €2.60 a bargain, as they ran out within 20 minutes and switched to badly poured draft beer in plastic cups for €4.
Texas were brilliant. Hearing a Spanish crowd sing along in English with Spanish accents was surreal and wonderful. During the break, I grabbed two more beers and then moved to the wheelchair section because my legs were in agony. No one minded, and it gave me space to stretch out.
The only problem? The wheelchair section was on the same level as the rows in front, so when people stood up to dance, anyone in a wheelchair wouldn’t have seen a thing. Terrible planning.
The highlight of the night came at the end when Sharleen Spiteri announced the final song would be by “The King.” She said if anyone didn’t know who that was, they could leave. Then she launched into Suspicious Minds, and it was one of the best versions I’ve ever heard.
After the show, there was no taxi rank, so I limped to the hotel next door and asked reception to call one. Within five minutes, a silent electric taxi arrived and took me back to my hotel. By 01:00, I was in bed with a painkiller and fast asleep.
Killing Time and Heading Home.
I woke at 08:00 and went for breakfast at 08:45. It was just as poor as the day before. After showering and packing, I checked out at 11:00 and tried to explore another park, but my legs weren’t having it. I gave up and went to the station.
I had 5.5 hours to kill. I discovered a McDonald’s upstairs, and yes, they sell McBeer. I had a meal deal and a beer. The food was awful, but it filled a hole. Next door was a gym sponsored by McDonald’s, with a logo that looked like the golden arches collapsing. I wish I’d taken a photo.
Eventually, I went through security to the departure area and read my Kindle until the train arrived. The high‑speed train back to Orihuela was smooth and fast. At Orihuela, we were herded off one train and onto another without explanation, but eventually, I made it back to Balsicas, where John was waiting for me.
Back home, I collapsed on the sofa with the air‑conditioning on full blast. A rock‑and‑roll band was playing outside in Plaza del Espejo, clearly celebrating my safe return, but after another painkiller, I didn’t care and fell asleep.
Summary.
I enjoyed my weekend away and liked Albacete more than I expected. Would I stay in the same hotel again? No. Would I visit Albacete again? Possibly. Would I see Texas again? Absolutely, they were fantastic.
Add comment