Remembering Atocha Train Station

It was only six weeks ago that Ame and I arrived at Puerto de la Atocha in Madrid, hopping off a high-speed AVE train from Sevilla, onto the platform that so many people now are seeing in the worst way on the news.

My memories of Atocha are pleasant ones. The platform was bustling, but very clean and open. The daytime feel of the platform was rerefreshing, with ample sunlight shining in brightly. The station's interior was lush with tall palm trees dominating the main floor. View my photos of Atocha Station, from January 22, 2004 and February 1.

When I first heard the news, my first concern was for my son Alex, who lives in Rota. Thankfully, Rota is several hundred miles from Madrid, and he is safe.

My second reaction was a strong sense of admiration for the Spanish people. Seeing them spontaneously flood the streets in solidarity against the terrorists and their cowardly acts was an excellent statement of defiance and strength- one I wish the American people had undertaken in response to the 2001 attacks against American landmarks. Good show, Spain!