The AVE is a magnificent beast. Europe's most extensive high-speed rail network as well, and the second-longest in the world after China, surpassing bullet train pioneers Japan and France's TGV, from a standing start since 1992.

Also a nifty little acronym, as Alta Velocidad Española ('Spanish High Speed') makes the word 'ave' meaning bird, specifically a larger bird, normally a raptor, as in the logo, mirroring the form of the 'V'.

All in all, a technological, logistical and design achievement that Spain can be rightly proud of.