A quick visit with Faz and Tim soon proved that it was ok. There is still spring water comming out of the mountains and people still swimming in the pools. Needless to say, it was very cold, but they are a hardy bunch.
About Us
- Brigitte and Eddie Bramley
- Spain
- Now living in l'Olleria, south of Valencia
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Pou Clar
While the pool was still being finished off, the lads wanted to go to the ponds at Pou Clar. After the terribly dry summer have had, I wasn't certain that the water would be ok to swim in.
A quick visit with Faz and Tim soon proved that it was ok. There is still spring water comming out of the mountains and people still swimming in the pools. Needless to say, it was very cold, but they are a hardy bunch.
A quick visit with Faz and Tim soon proved that it was ok. There is still spring water comming out of the mountains and people still swimming in the pools. Needless to say, it was very cold, but they are a hardy bunch.
Pub Uni-K
The lads decided on a night out in town, but, as it was Sunday night, lots of the places were shut.
We popped into one pub Uni-K and Tim, the landlord was good enough to ring another bar for us, to see if they were still serving food. After a swift drink, we went off to the Park Bar. It was very quiet, so I checked if we could order some burgers. As it happened, that was pretty much all he was serving! We also ordered a couple of plates of chips along with our drinks.
As Ed and I knew, when the burgers arrived, everyone was very impressed. They do a mean burger. The usual lettuce, tomato etc, but this time, also with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg. The burger itself is not a processed thing from the supermarket either! (In fact, the lads were so impressed, they had another one on their last day too.)
After eating, we all bimbled back to the Uni-K for another drink. As we were the only ones in there, I tried to get the lads to sing on the karioke. Thye wouldn't. However, to my amusement, Sweeny Todd was on the TV and they all knew all of the words to the songs. Tim changed the sound over, and he, John, Ed and I were somewhat amused to see these 4 lads singing along to a gruesome musical. However, the novelty soon wore off, so instead, we all went off to play table football and darts! Living the high life eh?
We popped into one pub Uni-K and Tim, the landlord was good enough to ring another bar for us, to see if they were still serving food. After a swift drink, we went off to the Park Bar. It was very quiet, so I checked if we could order some burgers. As it happened, that was pretty much all he was serving! We also ordered a couple of plates of chips along with our drinks.
As Ed and I knew, when the burgers arrived, everyone was very impressed. They do a mean burger. The usual lettuce, tomato etc, but this time, also with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg. The burger itself is not a processed thing from the supermarket either! (In fact, the lads were so impressed, they had another one on their last day too.)
After eating, we all bimbled back to the Uni-K for another drink. As we were the only ones in there, I tried to get the lads to sing on the karioke. Thye wouldn't. However, to my amusement, Sweeny Todd was on the TV and they all knew all of the words to the songs. Tim changed the sound over, and he, John, Ed and I were somewhat amused to see these 4 lads singing along to a gruesome musical. However, the novelty soon wore off, so instead, we all went off to play table football and darts! Living the high life eh?
Everybody In The Pool
Tim and his 3 friends arrived in September. Tim's first words to me, "I've got a surprise for you" (which was my new laptop), were turned back on him. "I've got a surprise for you" as I walked him around to the back of the house, to see the nearly finished pool.
All of them were thrilled. Ed apologised for not having been able to finish it, but they couldn't have been happier. Within no time at all, they were stripped off and in the pool, cleaning the excess grout off, while Ed continued tiling the steps. The next day, they started with the grouting and what a difference it made. 5 people grouting, while Ed finished off, was perfect. All I had to do, was feed them and supply beer!
Within a few days, the pool was finished off and we started to fill it. Our next door neighbour supplied us with the chemicals needed to keep it clean. I supplied the lads with lilo's.
Needless to say, they soon went to the shop and bought other pool toys to play with.
All of them were thrilled. Ed apologised for not having been able to finish it, but they couldn't have been happier. Within no time at all, they were stripped off and in the pool, cleaning the excess grout off, while Ed continued tiling the steps. The next day, they started with the grouting and what a difference it made. 5 people grouting, while Ed finished off, was perfect. All I had to do, was feed them and supply beer!
Within a few days, the pool was finished off and we started to fill it. Our next door neighbour supplied us with the chemicals needed to keep it clean. I supplied the lads with lilo's.
Needless to say, they soon went to the shop and bought other pool toys to play with.
Chip Chop
At the back of the poolhouse, was a youngish pine tree. However, as is the way with trees, it has continued to grow, and was now on its way to causing a problem with the power and phone lines to the laboratory at the back of us. Even though the laboratory is for sale, it is most unlikely to sell. The house itself is in a terrible state of repair, and needs taking down, and the lab itself is really not much more than a block, which is of no use to anyone. Anybody wanting a building project can easily find something nicer in a better spot, and anybody wanting a building to run a business from would find hundreds of them available.
So - the time came to chop the tree down. Ed sent John up with a handsaw, and bit by bit, John took down the branches above the cables.
Ed thought he was taking too long, so he started cutting the tree down, with John still up it, to make him hurry up.
So - the time came to chop the tree down. Ed sent John up with a handsaw, and bit by bit, John took down the branches above the cables.
Ed thought he was taking too long, so he started cutting the tree down, with John still up it, to make him hurry up.
Ambassador
The Moors and Christians each have an Ambssador. This year, the Moor Ambassador was the brother of my previous spanish teacher, Marie-Jose.
The ambassador is responsible for the float that they have as well as having to learn the poem that is performed during the storming of the castle, both in the daytime and in the evening. When we saw her, she had been practicing with him every night, as he learned his lines.
At the front of their parent's house, Marie-Jose had painted the symbol of their particular Fila (Brotherhood) and had hung bunting all accross the street. Their mum is lovely and I'm sure she would have had great fun with all of the pomp and ceremony, but apparently their dad is quite retiring, and was terribly embarrassed by the whole thing.
Different paintings like this can be seen all around the town, for those with a special place in the events - the festival queens, different ambassadors and such like. The artists (family) just put railings around the front of their houses to stop the cars running them over, then simply paint the streets. Depending on the location, the paintings may last a few years, or may be worn out quite quickly.
The ambassador is responsible for the float that they have as well as having to learn the poem that is performed during the storming of the castle, both in the daytime and in the evening. When we saw her, she had been practicing with him every night, as he learned his lines.
At the front of their parent's house, Marie-Jose had painted the symbol of their particular Fila (Brotherhood) and had hung bunting all accross the street. Their mum is lovely and I'm sure she would have had great fun with all of the pomp and ceremony, but apparently their dad is quite retiring, and was terribly embarrassed by the whole thing.
Different paintings like this can be seen all around the town, for those with a special place in the events - the festival queens, different ambassadors and such like. The artists (family) just put railings around the front of their houses to stop the cars running them over, then simply paint the streets. Depending on the location, the paintings may last a few years, or may be worn out quite quickly.
Nature's Handiwork
We had to go to Javea early in the morning, the day after the rains that put paid to the paella competition.
The rising morning mists on the way were spectacular. The little digital camera we have is fine most of the time, but I did wish I had something mush more decent on this particular occasion.
Later, having attended the appointment in Javea, we went to the beach - which was shut! It was still very stormy, so the red flags were flying.
We found a lovely little bar that did a superb english breakfast. For us, it was rather funny to hear english voices all around - especially since most of them seemed to be from Essex! This is when it bring it home to me, that we moved to Spain for a peaceful life - I'm sure we wouldn't have found it, had we moved to somehwere near the sea.
The rising morning mists on the way were spectacular. The little digital camera we have is fine most of the time, but I did wish I had something mush more decent on this particular occasion.
Later, having attended the appointment in Javea, we went to the beach - which was shut! It was still very stormy, so the red flags were flying.
We found a lovely little bar that did a superb english breakfast. For us, it was rather funny to hear english voices all around - especially since most of them seemed to be from Essex! This is when it bring it home to me, that we moved to Spain for a peaceful life - I'm sure we wouldn't have found it, had we moved to somehwere near the sea.
l'Olleria Paella Night
Yum Yum. Paella night again. The whole town enrolls in the event, and then everyone gather in a huge car-park and cooks paella over a fire. Cost? Free. Just bring your own accessories (chairs, tables, crisps, olives - and friends)
But not this year.
There had been terrible rumours that there would be a fee this year, but that was not the case. The problem - was the weather. There was a huge deluge late afternoon, making it impossible to hold the event. In the end, everyone collected their vouchers from the council and then got their food supplies from a truck parked at the local petrol station then went home to cook their food. No tasting this year, so no prizes for the best one.
In fact, this didn't really affect us, as we had planned to cook at Paco's house anyway. We were hoping to say 'hi' to everyone in the carpark, before getting to Paco's, but that was not to be.
We congregated in the garage (spanish style) and had our own party, in the same way that hundreds of other people had to, all around the town. Great fun. We couldn't sit outside under the bunting that Victoria had made and hung up, but we could still have a great night out!
But not this year.
There had been terrible rumours that there would be a fee this year, but that was not the case. The problem - was the weather. There was a huge deluge late afternoon, making it impossible to hold the event. In the end, everyone collected their vouchers from the council and then got their food supplies from a truck parked at the local petrol station then went home to cook their food. No tasting this year, so no prizes for the best one.
In fact, this didn't really affect us, as we had planned to cook at Paco's house anyway. We were hoping to say 'hi' to everyone in the carpark, before getting to Paco's, but that was not to be.
We congregated in the garage (spanish style) and had our own party, in the same way that hundreds of other people had to, all around the town. Great fun. We couldn't sit outside under the bunting that Victoria had made and hung up, but we could still have a great night out!
Get stuck on
In spite of the hot weather, Ed managed to persevere with the pool tiles.
Although they are stuck on in sheets, very often stray ones fell off, or didn't stick properly. It has been a huge task. The sides took a long time, and were difficult, because of the curved corners. He thought the bottom would be easier, but, it turned out not to be the case.
However, slowly and surely, it is comming together.
Although they are stuck on in sheets, very often stray ones fell off, or didn't stick properly. It has been a huge task. The sides took a long time, and were difficult, because of the curved corners. He thought the bottom would be easier, but, it turned out not to be the case.
However, slowly and surely, it is comming together.
Easy Life
Poor Ed has worked very hard this summer, what with the new kitchen and doing the pool. Thankfully, he has had some time to chill out as well.
l'Olleria Bous
As usual, we went to see the l'olleria version of the bull running this year. Whilst this is nowhere near as good as Aielo, we should support our local fiestas.
This year, the ring was a bit different, with an additional stand having been installed. There seemed to be less people than previously though, and we had no trouble parking ourselves on the railing, with our feet (just) out of harms way.
The bulls are brought up to do this sort of thing, and the council pay the 'taurinos' for the hire of the bulls. The more agressive the bull, the more the price of the hiring. There is a well known bull 'El Raton' that has actually killed several people over the years. His appearance can be secured for several thousands of euros, for just 10 minuts of 'entertainment'. In our case, this year, I think the council shelled out a couple of hundred euros for the whole 4 days! Things were rather quiet.
During the event, two of the bulls were able to climb onto the table, one of them with as much dexterity as the people that thought they were safe up there! That was rather funny. One of them decided to attach a large tyre, and managed to shift it all around the ring. It took 3 men to pick it up again, onto it's side, so they could roll it back to the original position.
There was one person, who had bought a dog to the event. Although the dog was on a leash, out of the ring itself, it was under the stands, where the bull could sniff it and react. To say that the bull wanted the dog, was putting it mildly. The dog, too decided it didn't like the bull either, and barked like mad at it. This was highly entertaing for most people, but, in fact, this was about 5 feet away from me - rather too close for comfort.
This year, on two of the days the bulls had their horns lit up 'embolat', which was unusual.
Thankfully, there was only one minor injury during the whole week, so maybe quiet cows are a better idea really!
This year, the ring was a bit different, with an additional stand having been installed. There seemed to be less people than previously though, and we had no trouble parking ourselves on the railing, with our feet (just) out of harms way.
The bulls are brought up to do this sort of thing, and the council pay the 'taurinos' for the hire of the bulls. The more agressive the bull, the more the price of the hiring. There is a well known bull 'El Raton' that has actually killed several people over the years. His appearance can be secured for several thousands of euros, for just 10 minuts of 'entertainment'. In our case, this year, I think the council shelled out a couple of hundred euros for the whole 4 days! Things were rather quiet.
During the event, two of the bulls were able to climb onto the table, one of them with as much dexterity as the people that thought they were safe up there! That was rather funny. One of them decided to attach a large tyre, and managed to shift it all around the ring. It took 3 men to pick it up again, onto it's side, so they could roll it back to the original position.
There was one person, who had bought a dog to the event. Although the dog was on a leash, out of the ring itself, it was under the stands, where the bull could sniff it and react. To say that the bull wanted the dog, was putting it mildly. The dog, too decided it didn't like the bull either, and barked like mad at it. This was highly entertaing for most people, but, in fact, this was about 5 feet away from me - rather too close for comfort.
This year, on two of the days the bulls had their horns lit up 'embolat', which was unusual.
Thankfully, there was only one minor injury during the whole week, so maybe quiet cows are a better idea really!
l'Olleria Festes - Comedy Parade
Ah. The end of (official) summer approaches, so it is fiesta time in the village again.
The main parade is always held on 1st Saturday in September, so, the week before is comedy parade.
As usual, most of the floats had a political theme, complaining about the crisis. Some of them were very funny, but some of them were a bit obscure. In the UK, I'm sure they would have been frowned upon, but here, all things political are fair game. Even small children are asked questions about current affairs, and they can answer with a high degree of conviction too!
The new airport that hasn't had a single plane land on it, in 12 months (just north of Valencia)
The obligatory man dressed as a woman - who seemed to be rather good a pole dancing
The main parade is always held on 1st Saturday in September, so, the week before is comedy parade.
As usual, most of the floats had a political theme, complaining about the crisis. Some of them were very funny, but some of them were a bit obscure. In the UK, I'm sure they would have been frowned upon, but here, all things political are fair game. Even small children are asked questions about current affairs, and they can answer with a high degree of conviction too!
Pool Partly
We finally began the next stage of getting the pool done.
Ed re-laid the coping stones, with the help of a friend, so that we can be certain of getting the tiles level.
Summer is definately not the best time to be doing major tasks outside, but the timing was out of our hands. We ordered the tiles in mid-july, with the promise that they would be delivered within 3 days.
On the Monday, I called, to see if they were there. "Thursday", he said. Hmm. Ok, I'll ring back on Thursday. So I did. "Monday", he said. I waited until Tuesday before ringing again. "Thursday" he said, and advised me that he would call me, when they did arrive. I waited, but no call. Finally, I called him back. The tiled had arrived, but not the special pool grout - or so I understood. He promised to call me, when the remainder of the order had arrived.
After a chat with Ed, we decided that we would collect the tiles, and buy the grout elsewhere. I decided to play safe, and get a spanish friend to chase him up again. She told me, that the main tiles and grout had arrived, but not the border tiles. This made our plan impossible. We needed to put the border tiles on first. The tiles would be there in a couple of days! She called them again, to be told that the man was fed up with his supplier, and he would fetch them himself. A couple of days later, and still no tiles. "They will be here today". Yeah, right. Ironically, my friend was due to go on holiday, so I thought we would be stuck, but, no, late afternoon, we got a call... the truck is on it's way, we can meet at the petrol station. We drove down, and, sure enough, a white van soon rolled up. The driver stuck his head out of the window, "Bramley?" "si", and off we went! He was good enough to help up store the grout and tiles in the pool house, even though he had to go up and down the steps multiple times!
Still, we had lost a month during the wait, so poor Ed had to work mornings and evenings, as it was far too hot during the day. The border tiles are covered in protective brown paper by the way.
Ed re-laid the coping stones, with the help of a friend, so that we can be certain of getting the tiles level.
Summer is definately not the best time to be doing major tasks outside, but the timing was out of our hands. We ordered the tiles in mid-july, with the promise that they would be delivered within 3 days.
On the Monday, I called, to see if they were there. "Thursday", he said. Hmm. Ok, I'll ring back on Thursday. So I did. "Monday", he said. I waited until Tuesday before ringing again. "Thursday" he said, and advised me that he would call me, when they did arrive. I waited, but no call. Finally, I called him back. The tiled had arrived, but not the special pool grout - or so I understood. He promised to call me, when the remainder of the order had arrived.
After a chat with Ed, we decided that we would collect the tiles, and buy the grout elsewhere. I decided to play safe, and get a spanish friend to chase him up again. She told me, that the main tiles and grout had arrived, but not the border tiles. This made our plan impossible. We needed to put the border tiles on first. The tiles would be there in a couple of days! She called them again, to be told that the man was fed up with his supplier, and he would fetch them himself. A couple of days later, and still no tiles. "They will be here today". Yeah, right. Ironically, my friend was due to go on holiday, so I thought we would be stuck, but, no, late afternoon, we got a call... the truck is on it's way, we can meet at the petrol station. We drove down, and, sure enough, a white van soon rolled up. The driver stuck his head out of the window, "Bramley?" "si", and off we went! He was good enough to help up store the grout and tiles in the pool house, even though he had to go up and down the steps multiple times!
Still, we had lost a month during the wait, so poor Ed had to work mornings and evenings, as it was far too hot during the day. The border tiles are covered in protective brown paper by the way.
Microcaching
Whose idea was it, to think it is ok to put a micro-cache in the middle of nowhere?
Well, actually, it really can work, if your spot is a good one.
Not too far from here, there is a winding road over some mountains, with a small junction at the top of the hill. Of course, there is a road sign, and this is where the cache was hidden. The views around were pretty spectacular, but this is a road we have used many times with the bikes. We scurried off in the car, as it was actually International Geocaching day, so I really wanted to do one, even if it was a simple one.
This one was actually so tiny, that putting it on my windscreen wiper was the only way I could get it in focus!
And I got my virtual souvenir too!
Well, actually, it really can work, if your spot is a good one.
Not too far from here, there is a winding road over some mountains, with a small junction at the top of the hill. Of course, there is a road sign, and this is where the cache was hidden. The views around were pretty spectacular, but this is a road we have used many times with the bikes. We scurried off in the car, as it was actually International Geocaching day, so I really wanted to do one, even if it was a simple one.
This one was actually so tiny, that putting it on my windscreen wiper was the only way I could get it in focus!
And I got my virtual souvenir too!
Hells Gorge
Since it was such a hot day, we did a cache at 'Hells Gorge'.
This is a 9km long walk, in a vally with interesting geology as well as cave paintings. The gorge in actually on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites and is very beautiful. To do the round trip, one has to climb 6,500 steps, build into the rocks by the moors.
Needless to say, this wasn't going to happen on a 40+ degree day. The cache I was looking for, was at a lookout spot above the gorge. We pulled into the lay-by and found the cache in moments. Much better.
Since we were on the right road. We also took in a few minutes of respite from the sun - a visit to Cova del Rull. It was only a few euros to go in, and we were taken around by the spanish guide on our own. Personal treatment - wonderful. She spoke lovely clear spanish, and Ed understood most of what she was explaining, as she was so demonstrative. It was lovely and cool, but when we lingered too long, the lights in that area went off, urging us on to the next point of interest! No hanging around inside for an hour then!
The guide had a good torch, and pointed out interesting rock formations and minerals that could be seen. I actually understood everything she said, so my spanish must be getting better. We first came here during our honeymoon, so it was nice to see it again. (Photos not allowed inside, I'm afraid)
Since we were near the coast now, we decided to pop to Javea for a late lunch. We sat in a very trendy beach front bar, that was actually not too pricey and had good food. My only complaint was some of the decor. When I went to the laides, it was so nicely done, that I actually couldn't find the light switch. The walls were matt black so there was no way I was going to fumble around in the sheer dark! Once the lady showed me the switch, I was very impressed! No, the dark wasn't to hide any cockroaches!
This is a 9km long walk, in a vally with interesting geology as well as cave paintings. The gorge in actually on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites and is very beautiful. To do the round trip, one has to climb 6,500 steps, build into the rocks by the moors.
Needless to say, this wasn't going to happen on a 40+ degree day. The cache I was looking for, was at a lookout spot above the gorge. We pulled into the lay-by and found the cache in moments. Much better.
Since we were on the right road. We also took in a few minutes of respite from the sun - a visit to Cova del Rull. It was only a few euros to go in, and we were taken around by the spanish guide on our own. Personal treatment - wonderful. She spoke lovely clear spanish, and Ed understood most of what she was explaining, as she was so demonstrative. It was lovely and cool, but when we lingered too long, the lights in that area went off, urging us on to the next point of interest! No hanging around inside for an hour then!
The guide had a good torch, and pointed out interesting rock formations and minerals that could be seen. I actually understood everything she said, so my spanish must be getting better. We first came here during our honeymoon, so it was nice to see it again. (Photos not allowed inside, I'm afraid)
Since we were near the coast now, we decided to pop to Javea for a late lunch. We sat in a very trendy beach front bar, that was actually not too pricey and had good food. My only complaint was some of the decor. When I went to the laides, it was so nicely done, that I actually couldn't find the light switch. The walls were matt black so there was no way I was going to fumble around in the sheer dark! Once the lady showed me the switch, I was very impressed! No, the dark wasn't to hide any cockroaches!
Return to Cache
In the winter, we went to a geocache in an abandoned village, which was very interesting. It began to snow while we were there, but we decided we would visit again, in the warmer weather.
As a second cache has now been hidden in the village, it seemed like a good excuse to go again. Unfortunately, I took the wrong route before setting the sat nav, so once again, we took the 'scenic' route. That said, it is a good way to discover the countryside around you!
We finally arrived, and quickly found the cache. Ed spent a while wondering around, but it was actually such a hot day, that it was impossible to stay outside for long. Nearby, was another cache, located by a 'nevera'. (Snow well - snow was packed into deep wells, to use during the warmer months.)
We moved the car to the second cache, then walked a few hundred yards to the new cache site. It was really hot and dry, and following the path was a struggle in the heat. We soon realised that we had to go into the wooded area a little, and quickly found the site we wanted. I felt so ill, it was all I could do to just sit in the shade and gasp for air. Thankfully, I had my medication with me, so I just sat in the shade, while Ed found the box! I quickly recovered, and signed the log, and replaced the box, while Ed took a picture for me.
On the walk back, I felt terribly ill again. Even though I could see the car, a few hundred yards away, I wasn't convinced that I would get to it, before passing out. Thankfully, there was a picnic area next to the car, and it was possible to sit in the shade again for a few minutes, before lurching the final steps to the car. Water. Yes, of course there was plenty in the car. However, the water was really warm, but at least it gave us chance to recover.
Subsequently, we discovered that it was 43 degrees in the shade. Nearer 60 in the sun (centigrade, of course). There is a line... 'geocachers are always ready'... well, that day we failed. I may have had a pen, and spare batteries for the GPS, but the most basic thing (common sense) was missing. Next time, we will visit the village on a pleasant day!
As a second cache has now been hidden in the village, it seemed like a good excuse to go again. Unfortunately, I took the wrong route before setting the sat nav, so once again, we took the 'scenic' route. That said, it is a good way to discover the countryside around you!
We finally arrived, and quickly found the cache. Ed spent a while wondering around, but it was actually such a hot day, that it was impossible to stay outside for long. Nearby, was another cache, located by a 'nevera'. (Snow well - snow was packed into deep wells, to use during the warmer months.)
We moved the car to the second cache, then walked a few hundred yards to the new cache site. It was really hot and dry, and following the path was a struggle in the heat. We soon realised that we had to go into the wooded area a little, and quickly found the site we wanted. I felt so ill, it was all I could do to just sit in the shade and gasp for air. Thankfully, I had my medication with me, so I just sat in the shade, while Ed found the box! I quickly recovered, and signed the log, and replaced the box, while Ed took a picture for me.
On the walk back, I felt terribly ill again. Even though I could see the car, a few hundred yards away, I wasn't convinced that I would get to it, before passing out. Thankfully, there was a picnic area next to the car, and it was possible to sit in the shade again for a few minutes, before lurching the final steps to the car. Water. Yes, of course there was plenty in the car. However, the water was really warm, but at least it gave us chance to recover.
Subsequently, we discovered that it was 43 degrees in the shade. Nearer 60 in the sun (centigrade, of course). There is a line... 'geocachers are always ready'... well, that day we failed. I may have had a pen, and spare batteries for the GPS, but the most basic thing (common sense) was missing. Next time, we will visit the village on a pleasant day!
Squirrel Nutkin
Ed was sitting on the front terrace one morning, when he spotted something in the garden. Lo and behold, our little squirrel had re-appeared.
Needless to say, Max was fascinated, and spent the entire day sitting at the bottom of the tree that the squirrel had run up. He did check out a couple of other trees, but was evidently convinced that it had to come down the same tree it had gone up.
Speaking to some locals, there is a big family of squirrels living near the monestary. This one must be a bit more adventurous, having scurried some 1/2 mile from there. There aren't too many trees in places, so he was quite determined to find his way to our garden.
As far as I am concerned, he can eat as many pine cones as he likes, and bring his family with him.
For those that don't know - there are no grey squirrels in Spain. The nearest ones are in France, but hopefully it will be a long time before they are able to cross the pyrenees.
Needless to say, Max was fascinated, and spent the entire day sitting at the bottom of the tree that the squirrel had run up. He did check out a couple of other trees, but was evidently convinced that it had to come down the same tree it had gone up.
Speaking to some locals, there is a big family of squirrels living near the monestary. This one must be a bit more adventurous, having scurried some 1/2 mile from there. There aren't too many trees in places, so he was quite determined to find his way to our garden.
As far as I am concerned, he can eat as many pine cones as he likes, and bring his family with him.
For those that don't know - there are no grey squirrels in Spain. The nearest ones are in France, but hopefully it will be a long time before they are able to cross the pyrenees.
Storm Brewing
I have to confess, this picture dates back to July! I have had technical issues, that have prevented me from posting for some time. My poor laptop has died, and my new one doesn't read the card from the camera! Technology has made life more interesting, but can also raise some serious challenges.
Having had a pretty dry year in 2011, the same can be said for 2012. We have had practically no rain since last April. One day, it did coud over, with the most dramatic storm clouds I have seen in a very long time. Tropical storms - eat your heart out. This was a rolling cloud base that looked worthy of a disaster movie. Had a space ship or something appeared from within the clouds, I wouldn't have been surprised.
Finally, some rain. Well, actually, not really. It rained for a bout 5 minutes, before moving on. The coast got quite a bit, but the storm was moving so quickly, most of the rain fell out at sea. Not much use for filling the reservoir back up.
Having had a pretty dry year in 2011, the same can be said for 2012. We have had practically no rain since last April. One day, it did coud over, with the most dramatic storm clouds I have seen in a very long time. Tropical storms - eat your heart out. This was a rolling cloud base that looked worthy of a disaster movie. Had a space ship or something appeared from within the clouds, I wouldn't have been surprised.
Finally, some rain. Well, actually, not really. It rained for a bout 5 minutes, before moving on. The coast got quite a bit, but the storm was moving so quickly, most of the rain fell out at sea. Not much use for filling the reservoir back up.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Good Favour - Raw Deal
Having bought a wonderful new mower recently that drives itself (we only need to steer it) Ed wondered what to do with the other two.
One had a drive system, but needed some repairs and the other worked ok, but was a bit heavy to push. Both of them, needless to say, have had many years of service.
He offered one to a friend and decided to be kind, and give the second to our neighbour. They have a lot of land, and the husband only has a strimmer, which is not enough to keep the grass in check.
On Sunday, the neighbour was near our boundry, doing some work with a chainsaw. Ed shouted him, and then passed the mower over the fence, climbing over himself afterwards, to show him how to use it. After a quick demo on how to start it, Ed decided he may as well mow their lower terrace for them, as it is ajacent to our drive. I popped into town for a gallon of petrol and Ed quickly set to, making a huge job look really easy.
A little later, I heard him shout me. As he climbed back over the fence he said, "I've run over my foot". I felt sick. I couldn't see anything and his foot was still attached to his leg, so it wasn't too drastic! I ran and got a bowl of clean cold water as he carefully took off his trainer. There was a cut through the protective toe area and the soft area aroud was battered. Thankfully, his toe hadn't been cut, but it was very swollen and going black, along with the next 3 toes.
As he mowed around the telegraph pole, the mower had snarled on some metal buried in the ground. He lifted it up a little, to see what the problem was and in that moment, he slipped down the little bank, sending his foot under the mower and into the rotating blades. As they are rotating so fast, they have cut about 30 times, before you can even move your foot.
It was astonishing that the skin hadn't been broken on his foot, let alone the fact that his toes were still attached. Thankfully, he had had a rare moment of 'can't be bothered' before hand. He was going to sharpen the blade before passing it on. If he had, it would have been a very different story.
After a short rest, he jumped back over the fence and finished off the job! (Only the bit that we can see.) About 4 hours later, the neibour and his brother-in-law came and took the mower back to their house. They tried to start it, but couldn't. In doing so, they managed to break it! So, after all of his hard work and injuried, Ed now has to have the mower back again, so he can fix it, just to give it away.
They do say, that "no good deed goes unpunished". I'm sure it's not meant to work, that that the person doing the good deed gets such a bad deal!
Needless to say, his toe got more and more painful. Without any doubt, it is broken, but there is nothing that can be done at the hospital. Lots of soaks in iced water have helped, but it will be a long and painful healing process.
One had a drive system, but needed some repairs and the other worked ok, but was a bit heavy to push. Both of them, needless to say, have had many years of service.
He offered one to a friend and decided to be kind, and give the second to our neighbour. They have a lot of land, and the husband only has a strimmer, which is not enough to keep the grass in check.
On Sunday, the neighbour was near our boundry, doing some work with a chainsaw. Ed shouted him, and then passed the mower over the fence, climbing over himself afterwards, to show him how to use it. After a quick demo on how to start it, Ed decided he may as well mow their lower terrace for them, as it is ajacent to our drive. I popped into town for a gallon of petrol and Ed quickly set to, making a huge job look really easy.
A little later, I heard him shout me. As he climbed back over the fence he said, "I've run over my foot". I felt sick. I couldn't see anything and his foot was still attached to his leg, so it wasn't too drastic! I ran and got a bowl of clean cold water as he carefully took off his trainer. There was a cut through the protective toe area and the soft area aroud was battered. Thankfully, his toe hadn't been cut, but it was very swollen and going black, along with the next 3 toes.
As he mowed around the telegraph pole, the mower had snarled on some metal buried in the ground. He lifted it up a little, to see what the problem was and in that moment, he slipped down the little bank, sending his foot under the mower and into the rotating blades. As they are rotating so fast, they have cut about 30 times, before you can even move your foot.
It was astonishing that the skin hadn't been broken on his foot, let alone the fact that his toes were still attached. Thankfully, he had had a rare moment of 'can't be bothered' before hand. He was going to sharpen the blade before passing it on. If he had, it would have been a very different story.
After a short rest, he jumped back over the fence and finished off the job! (Only the bit that we can see.) About 4 hours later, the neibour and his brother-in-law came and took the mower back to their house. They tried to start it, but couldn't. In doing so, they managed to break it! So, after all of his hard work and injuried, Ed now has to have the mower back again, so he can fix it, just to give it away.
They do say, that "no good deed goes unpunished". I'm sure it's not meant to work, that that the person doing the good deed gets such a bad deal!
Needless to say, his toe got more and more painful. Without any doubt, it is broken, but there is nothing that can be done at the hospital. Lots of soaks in iced water have helped, but it will be a long and painful healing process.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Run for your lives
End of July and early August marks fiesta time in Aielo de Malferit, the nearest town to us. We are not particularly interested in their parades, since they are the same as ours, but we do love to watch their bull running.
There is a stretch of road closed off, giving about 400 meters by 40 meters for the cows/bulls to run about in, along with the fools that dare to enter. For the first two days, we played safe, and sat on top of one the A-frames, but on the third visit, we joined in - never straying too far from one or another of the safety cages.
On day one, the first bull ran the full length of the course, along the back, where we were and then back to the beginning. I laughed and said to Ed, "that might be the last we see of it" and it was! As it ran back, it caught someone, threw him right into the air, and he came down on his head. Everyone ran to save him, and the bull was taken back out for safety. Thankfully, although hurt, he will live to fight another day.
Later on, Ed saw one of the bulls 'ragging' someone, and said, "it's got someone". I didn't think so, as, usually, everyone screams when something bad happens. It turned out, that someone had made a scarecrow for the bull to play with.
We saw lots of funny things;
1. One big bull managed to get his head under an A-frame, and lifted it off the ground, even though there were 20 people on top.
2. Two lads, running from the bull would have given Usain Bolt a run for his money. They were running really fast. As the one with the lighter t-shirt managed to get ahead of his friend (leaving him as the potential victim), the second lad ran even faster. Very funny. They ought to have tried out for the olympics.
3. One lad jumped up an A-frame, but only had 1 leg on the 3rd rung - the other leg being on the second rung. The heiffer hooked his leg and pulled him off. He actually rolled over the back of it, before landing on the floor. Thankfully, it was then distracted, so his only injury was from landing on the pavement.
4. When we were in with everyone, whenever the bull came close, 3 lads kept shouting 'quick' 'run' 'lookout' and things like that, to panic everyone. It was really funny. If you looked at them when they shouted, they were trying rally hard not to laugh while the girls would scream and run into the cages, even though the bull was still quite far off.
This was the third year we've been there and we have just discovered a stall underneath one of the stands selling drinks and crisps. He did a roaring trade throughout the night. The prices may not have been Lidl prices, but they certainly weren't Ryanair prices either!
There is a stretch of road closed off, giving about 400 meters by 40 meters for the cows/bulls to run about in, along with the fools that dare to enter. For the first two days, we played safe, and sat on top of one the A-frames, but on the third visit, we joined in - never straying too far from one or another of the safety cages.
On day one, the first bull ran the full length of the course, along the back, where we were and then back to the beginning. I laughed and said to Ed, "that might be the last we see of it" and it was! As it ran back, it caught someone, threw him right into the air, and he came down on his head. Everyone ran to save him, and the bull was taken back out for safety. Thankfully, although hurt, he will live to fight another day.
Later on, Ed saw one of the bulls 'ragging' someone, and said, "it's got someone". I didn't think so, as, usually, everyone screams when something bad happens. It turned out, that someone had made a scarecrow for the bull to play with.
We saw lots of funny things;
1. One big bull managed to get his head under an A-frame, and lifted it off the ground, even though there were 20 people on top.
2. Two lads, running from the bull would have given Usain Bolt a run for his money. They were running really fast. As the one with the lighter t-shirt managed to get ahead of his friend (leaving him as the potential victim), the second lad ran even faster. Very funny. They ought to have tried out for the olympics.
3. One lad jumped up an A-frame, but only had 1 leg on the 3rd rung - the other leg being on the second rung. The heiffer hooked his leg and pulled him off. He actually rolled over the back of it, before landing on the floor. Thankfully, it was then distracted, so his only injury was from landing on the pavement.
4. When we were in with everyone, whenever the bull came close, 3 lads kept shouting 'quick' 'run' 'lookout' and things like that, to panic everyone. It was really funny. If you looked at them when they shouted, they were trying rally hard not to laugh while the girls would scream and run into the cages, even though the bull was still quite far off.
This was the third year we've been there and we have just discovered a stall underneath one of the stands selling drinks and crisps. He did a roaring trade throughout the night. The prices may not have been Lidl prices, but they certainly weren't Ryanair prices either!
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Birthday Treat
It was recently the birthday of a friend's daughter, and to our suprise, we were invited to attend on the evening. I'm sure she didn't really want us there! What 20 year old wants to share her birthday with a couple of old foreigners?!
In reality, all of the family are lovely, and we were treated as nicely as everyone else.
I didn't know what to take. I had no idea what to buy as a gift, and birthday cards are not really the done thing here. In a moment of inspiration, I decided to make a trifle!
Easy peasy. Sponge cake from the supermarket, along with a big tin of cocktail fruit. No sherry, so a good helping of moscatel, then in with the jelly. (That took me by surprise - it was powdered stuff, that you have to mix with water and bring to the boil. No eating the raw cubes!) I did the best cheat of all, and topped it with a tin of Ambrosia custard, then made pretty cream rosette flowers all over.
They had never had anything like it before. They quickly figured it all out (I didn't give them the secret to the custard though) and I'm sure it will be a new addition to their sunday tea! Several of them had seconds, so it must have been ok. I left the remainder in their fridge, and the dish came back the next day - empty.
A little strange I know - but one of the guests was someone who had had a gastric operation to help lose weight. I found this very fascinating, as the ins and outs were described. I think it will be easier to stop eating so many biscuits and crisps. But very well done to them. It must be terrible to get to such a sad state of self worth that this seems to be the only course of action. (And yes - they did look lovely and slim - and simply ate a small amount of everything going. They were full by the time the birthday cake came out, so simply took a bit home for the next day.)
In reality, all of the family are lovely, and we were treated as nicely as everyone else.
I didn't know what to take. I had no idea what to buy as a gift, and birthday cards are not really the done thing here. In a moment of inspiration, I decided to make a trifle!
Easy peasy. Sponge cake from the supermarket, along with a big tin of cocktail fruit. No sherry, so a good helping of moscatel, then in with the jelly. (That took me by surprise - it was powdered stuff, that you have to mix with water and bring to the boil. No eating the raw cubes!) I did the best cheat of all, and topped it with a tin of Ambrosia custard, then made pretty cream rosette flowers all over.
They had never had anything like it before. They quickly figured it all out (I didn't give them the secret to the custard though) and I'm sure it will be a new addition to their sunday tea! Several of them had seconds, so it must have been ok. I left the remainder in their fridge, and the dish came back the next day - empty.
A little strange I know - but one of the guests was someone who had had a gastric operation to help lose weight. I found this very fascinating, as the ins and outs were described. I think it will be easier to stop eating so many biscuits and crisps. But very well done to them. It must be terrible to get to such a sad state of self worth that this seems to be the only course of action. (And yes - they did look lovely and slim - and simply ate a small amount of everything going. They were full by the time the birthday cake came out, so simply took a bit home for the next day.)
Flora and Fauna
I've normally got the camera with me as we go out and about, as we never know what we are going to encounter.
I let myself down this summer, as there was a huge dandilion clock that I wanted to photograph. I swear I would have had difficulties putting my hands around it! However, I also knew, that if I picked it, and tried to take it home, all of the down would have blown off en route!
I did get this though. A beautiful thistle down the lane from us. Sadly, the camera doesn't always tell the truth - in the natural light, it almost shone with the UV light, which isn't being reflected through the lens.
I let myself down this summer, as there was a huge dandilion clock that I wanted to photograph. I swear I would have had difficulties putting my hands around it! However, I also knew, that if I picked it, and tried to take it home, all of the down would have blown off en route!
I did get this though. A beautiful thistle down the lane from us. Sadly, the camera doesn't always tell the truth - in the natural light, it almost shone with the UV light, which isn't being reflected through the lens.
Too Many Cooks Spoil The Kitchen
And so it came to pass, that the hour of destruction was past and the time for rebuilding had arrived.
Ed was very lucky with the floor. The way the tiles were laid out, there ended up being only a few tiles that needed to be cut. We had already removed the loose floor tiles, so there was some work to do, but it all went together very well indeed.
Ed and I had put the kitchen units together ourselves in the garage, which was fine, but for the recontruction of the kitchen, we called in a friend. He put plasterboard on 3 of the walls for us, and fixed the ceiling, where the patry had been before. He was a dab hand with a saw and screwdriver, and soon made a big difference. Thankfully, he was very respectful of my wishes, and queried everything with me, before he did anything. He had some good ideas, but some of them I had already considered, and they didn't work for reasons that he wasn't aware of, but others I was happy to take on board.
He had obviously done this type of work before and was a pleasure to have around. Measure twice and cut once wasn't his thing - he measured everything several times and everything he cut fitted perfectly.
He and Ed soon had the framework together, then Ed and I lived in it for a while, before we called him back to finish some jobs. There was a funny design issue that needed to be resolved, and the archway to finish off.
Then we got into a muddle. I didn't realise that Ed had asked him to do the tiling too and I aked Paco to do it. Thankfully, he was fine with this, but it created other problems.
Different people work in different ways, and Paco had his own ideas. I managed to convince him that I wanted the tiles horizontal, not vertical, and he was sure I wanted the border at the top, even though I told him several times, it was to go in the middle, but finally we got there!
Afte that, little Paco came back and fitted the sockets, and connected the extractor hob. There was some confusion with the hidden socket for the dishwasher, which was finally resolved, and then... after 5 years, I have a fully functioning kitchen. No extention leads across the floor, and doors to hide everything!
I've finished painting it now too, so it looks lovely and clean. It still needs 'dressing', but I will take my time with that. I have some ideas, but I'm in no hurry.
Ed was very lucky with the floor. The way the tiles were laid out, there ended up being only a few tiles that needed to be cut. We had already removed the loose floor tiles, so there was some work to do, but it all went together very well indeed.
Ed and I had put the kitchen units together ourselves in the garage, which was fine, but for the recontruction of the kitchen, we called in a friend. He put plasterboard on 3 of the walls for us, and fixed the ceiling, where the patry had been before. He was a dab hand with a saw and screwdriver, and soon made a big difference. Thankfully, he was very respectful of my wishes, and queried everything with me, before he did anything. He had some good ideas, but some of them I had already considered, and they didn't work for reasons that he wasn't aware of, but others I was happy to take on board.
He had obviously done this type of work before and was a pleasure to have around. Measure twice and cut once wasn't his thing - he measured everything several times and everything he cut fitted perfectly.
He and Ed soon had the framework together, then Ed and I lived in it for a while, before we called him back to finish some jobs. There was a funny design issue that needed to be resolved, and the archway to finish off.
Then we got into a muddle. I didn't realise that Ed had asked him to do the tiling too and I aked Paco to do it. Thankfully, he was fine with this, but it created other problems.
Different people work in different ways, and Paco had his own ideas. I managed to convince him that I wanted the tiles horizontal, not vertical, and he was sure I wanted the border at the top, even though I told him several times, it was to go in the middle, but finally we got there!
Afte that, little Paco came back and fitted the sockets, and connected the extractor hob. There was some confusion with the hidden socket for the dishwasher, which was finally resolved, and then... after 5 years, I have a fully functioning kitchen. No extention leads across the floor, and doors to hide everything!
I've finished painting it now too, so it looks lovely and clean. It still needs 'dressing', but I will take my time with that. I have some ideas, but I'm in no hurry.
Oliva Matinal
Ironically, after all of the rain in England, it is too hot in Spain to ride the bikes. We were lucky recently, and the temperature dropped some 10 degrees, giving us the chance to go to one of the better matinals around, in oliva.
We set off nice and early, and ende up being one of the first bikes there. This was great, as it meant it was easy for us to park. Instead of buying a ticket for the matinal (how many t-shirts can anyone wear) we had breakfast at a bar adjacent to where the club had set up the long tables. This was pretty sneaky, as it gave us good service, with the perk of the music and entertainment laid on by the club!
It was very hot, so I changed into shorts while I was there, which was a good move. We met up with some English people we already knew (Roger & Nina)which was great and then strolled off to look at the stalls and bikes.
Like last year, there was also a commercial sales area, with cars, caravans and bikes for sale, along with an assortment of other stands selling odd things - these seemed to be very charity related, but I'm sure they would have done very well, with such a high number of visitors.
Last year, we lost Ed for a while, and this year, we lost little Paco! There is so much to see, it is easy to get distracted and misplace someone. Thankfully, Emy realised he hadn't come back, so we waited for him, while the other walked off, but then had to wait for us elsewhere.
They are such a good group of peole, that nobody was bothered about the delay and simply asked what was so interesting.
We slowly made our way back to the bikes, by which time it was nealy 1pm. We had a steady ride home, but still stopped at a local bar for a drink, before lunch. To our amusement, it tried to rain, so we moved inside. As usual, the rain lasted about 5 minutes, and evaporated before we had time to get ourselves reorganised.
With the weather the way it is now, I epect it will be a while before we are out and about again.
We set off nice and early, and ende up being one of the first bikes there. This was great, as it meant it was easy for us to park. Instead of buying a ticket for the matinal (how many t-shirts can anyone wear) we had breakfast at a bar adjacent to where the club had set up the long tables. This was pretty sneaky, as it gave us good service, with the perk of the music and entertainment laid on by the club!
It was very hot, so I changed into shorts while I was there, which was a good move. We met up with some English people we already knew (Roger & Nina)which was great and then strolled off to look at the stalls and bikes.
Like last year, there was also a commercial sales area, with cars, caravans and bikes for sale, along with an assortment of other stands selling odd things - these seemed to be very charity related, but I'm sure they would have done very well, with such a high number of visitors.
Last year, we lost Ed for a while, and this year, we lost little Paco! There is so much to see, it is easy to get distracted and misplace someone. Thankfully, Emy realised he hadn't come back, so we waited for him, while the other walked off, but then had to wait for us elsewhere.
They are such a good group of peole, that nobody was bothered about the delay and simply asked what was so interesting.
We slowly made our way back to the bikes, by which time it was nealy 1pm. We had a steady ride home, but still stopped at a local bar for a drink, before lunch. To our amusement, it tried to rain, so we moved inside. As usual, the rain lasted about 5 minutes, and evaporated before we had time to get ourselves reorganised.
With the weather the way it is now, I epect it will be a while before we are out and about again.
Dam Busters
When travelling around a few weeks ago, we took an unplanned rural route over the mountains into the next valley.
It was very scenic, but the sat-nav had us very confused for a long time. Once we had decided which way it was taking us, it was too late to turn back and go a much more sensible way. I'm sure that, mileage wise, the sat nav was right, but it obviously didn't differentiate between country lanes, and dual carridgeways. It would have been much quicker to double back from our intermediary position, and taken a main road to our destination!
For quite some time, we drove through an assortment of villages, before finally ending up at Beniarres reservoir, which we have been to only once before. From here, we took a road I had seen on the map before, but we had never explored.
I am a firm believer in exploring country roads, but there are so many around here that it would take a lifetime to do so. This was one route that we probably won't bother with again!
It was very scenic, but the sat-nav had us very confused for a long time. Once we had decided which way it was taking us, it was too late to turn back and go a much more sensible way. I'm sure that, mileage wise, the sat nav was right, but it obviously didn't differentiate between country lanes, and dual carridgeways. It would have been much quicker to double back from our intermediary position, and taken a main road to our destination!
For quite some time, we drove through an assortment of villages, before finally ending up at Beniarres reservoir, which we have been to only once before. From here, we took a road I had seen on the map before, but we had never explored.
I am a firm believer in exploring country roads, but there are so many around here that it would take a lifetime to do so. This was one route that we probably won't bother with again!
Up in Flames
Last year, there was a very bad forest fire on the way to Gandida. We could actually see the flames from here, even though it was about 15 miles away.
Sadly, this year, there has been another one in almost the same place. This time, it was on the other side of the main road, and a little nearer to here. This fire surrounded a small village, but then crept over the top of the hill, and towards some other villages.
It is a terrible time for everyone. Those that live there, those that need to go past, and people like us, who watch from a safe distance, but wonder if/when it will be our turn.
About 20 years ago, La Gaveta (the woodland area where we wlak the dogs) went up in flames, and everyone had to get out. Since then, (about 8 years ago) there has also been another fire nearby, when this area had to be evacuated. Everyone here thinks that we are now in great danger of a fire, as we are one of the few forrested areas around that hasn't been burnt for some time. A scarey thought.
Thankfully, we now have no big trees near the front of the house, although the 2 at the back could catch fire if the wind was right. This last week, we have heard the forestry commisssion working somewhere above us. We went to investigate on Friday, and they have been taking down trees that were overhanging the road that leads to the Port (the old road into the village, before the tunnels were built).
We already know what to do, should anything happen... take your animals and gas bottles, and leave everything else behind! Hopefully it won't come to that. Last night, we had a very heavy rainfall, which should have dampened the undergrowth. It was the first rain in months, so was much needed. Needless to say, it rained after Ed had watered the plants!
Sadly, this year, there has been another one in almost the same place. This time, it was on the other side of the main road, and a little nearer to here. This fire surrounded a small village, but then crept over the top of the hill, and towards some other villages.
It is a terrible time for everyone. Those that live there, those that need to go past, and people like us, who watch from a safe distance, but wonder if/when it will be our turn.
About 20 years ago, La Gaveta (the woodland area where we wlak the dogs) went up in flames, and everyone had to get out. Since then, (about 8 years ago) there has also been another fire nearby, when this area had to be evacuated. Everyone here thinks that we are now in great danger of a fire, as we are one of the few forrested areas around that hasn't been burnt for some time. A scarey thought.
Thankfully, we now have no big trees near the front of the house, although the 2 at the back could catch fire if the wind was right. This last week, we have heard the forestry commisssion working somewhere above us. We went to investigate on Friday, and they have been taking down trees that were overhanging the road that leads to the Port (the old road into the village, before the tunnels were built).
We already know what to do, should anything happen... take your animals and gas bottles, and leave everything else behind! Hopefully it won't come to that. Last night, we had a very heavy rainfall, which should have dampened the undergrowth. It was the first rain in months, so was much needed. Needless to say, it rained after Ed had watered the plants!
Friday, 22 June 2012
Borjas
Once again, Xativa hosted a Borja's Re-enactment in the centre of town. Thanks to a quick message from a spanish friend, we found out in time to see it all.
We parked near the bull-ring and strolled along the Avinguda towards the main square. Like last year, the square had been converted into a medieval town scene. Straw all over the floor, tents everywhere with assorted armies and workers plying their trades. Birds of prey, horses, bulls - all very entertaining.
We walked around into the old market place, which was an eclectic mixture of artesan stalls. The smells of the different cheeses from the stalls in the narrow streets made your mouth water. Sadly, the prices make your eyes water too, not in a good way! We gave them a miss.
I did see a small item I fancied, and just as I finished buying it, the man with the geese walked by. It made my day. I'd wondered where he was. I would go there just to see him. This time, he was talking to them as he walked through the busy narrow pathway. They were waddling along behing him very happily. Maybe he was saying, "if you don't keep up, you'll be spit-roast tomorrow".
We didn't eat there this time, but did have a drink in a cafe overlooking the activities. The atmosphere was wonderful. At least this year, the weather was dry and warm, so everyone was enjoying themselves without having soggy hems on tunics or jeans!
We parked near the bull-ring and strolled along the Avinguda towards the main square. Like last year, the square had been converted into a medieval town scene. Straw all over the floor, tents everywhere with assorted armies and workers plying their trades. Birds of prey, horses, bulls - all very entertaining.
We walked around into the old market place, which was an eclectic mixture of artesan stalls. The smells of the different cheeses from the stalls in the narrow streets made your mouth water. Sadly, the prices make your eyes water too, not in a good way! We gave them a miss.
I did see a small item I fancied, and just as I finished buying it, the man with the geese walked by. It made my day. I'd wondered where he was. I would go there just to see him. This time, he was talking to them as he walked through the busy narrow pathway. They were waddling along behing him very happily. Maybe he was saying, "if you don't keep up, you'll be spit-roast tomorrow".
We didn't eat there this time, but did have a drink in a cafe overlooking the activities. The atmosphere was wonderful. At least this year, the weather was dry and warm, so everyone was enjoying themselves without having soggy hems on tunics or jeans!
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