Calpe - Spain (episode 2)

Hola!

Since writing the last blog we have been really busy - I thought that there wouldn't be much to tell you but I was wrong! I shall start with our visit to Benidorm - yes you read right - Benidorm. Now I never thought it would be a place that either of us would ever want to visit but, you can't comment on a place unless you have been there so to Benidorm we went. We travelled from Calpe to Benidorm by tram, a lovely scenic route stopping at little towns along the way. The station was not too far out of Benidorm and there was an "interesting" array of shops en route to the sea front. It was a lovely warm and sunny day and there were a few people swimming in the sea and sunbathing on the beach. The sandy beach is fantastic and I think we saw it at it's best without the thousands that flock there each summer.   We found the  market and had  a wander around that. We stopped for lunch at (dare I say) The Duke of Wellington where we had good old  Fish n Chips - the only time we have had British food when we have eaten out since we have been away. All in all it was a very pleasant day - don't think either of us will be in a hurry to return but we did enjoy the tram journey there and back.

We have been on several walks from the camp site, one was along the coast to a small marina.The coast line is very beautiful and the sea very inviting but neither of us have ventured into it as yet.

Last week we hired a small car and set off every day with our cameras and picnic lunch in search of adventure. We arrived in Denia (this is the port where the ferry boats depart for the Balearic Islands) and on a clear day you can see Ibiza. It was Fiesta day in Denia and there was a huge medieval market which was great fun to explore - didn't expect to see a camel though! From there we travelled on to Javea where (as you can see) we sat awhile on the sea front with a glass of beer / wine in the sunshine. This was the 6th December and the temperature 25C. 

The following day we went to the hill top town of Guadalest. Very much a tourist destination with lots of little shops selling their wares. The castle and Museum were very interesting and the views from the top of the castle ramparts pretty amazing.

The next day we travelled to a place called Benidoleig where we visited the 'Cova de les Calaveres'. A huge cave with an impressive history dating back over 100,000 years. For most of  our visit we were alone in the cave and it was easy to absorb the eerie atmosphere.   It was well worth the visit but nice to see daylight again when we came out. We drove back to camp via the Xalon valley and stopped to but some oranges from a street seller - 5 kilos for 2 Euros, freshly picked from the tree, still with leaves attached and yes they are delicious.

The next day we went to the nearby town of Albir but stopped en route to visit this Russian Orthodox Church. It was stunning and the craftsmanship amazing.  It is situated in a lovely position, overlooking the sea, sadly, our photos don't do it justice. The town of Albir was good and again a really nice promenade to take a stroll along side the pebble beach.


So, all in all a very busy 2 weeks, our social life has exploded - there is always something going on and it's been really nice getting to know some of our fellow campers.

The weather continues to be good, we do have the odd spot of rain and sometimes the evenings can be quite cool but we are not complaining.

Anyway, until our next bulletin which we hope to post on Sunday 26th December - Boxing day, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hasta luega 

All our love, Kath and Harry xxx