Calpe - Spain (episode 4)

                                                       

                                                  HAPPY NEW YEAR

And, to start off the New Year, Harry and his pal Ray celebrated in style - another dip in the Med. a little colder than Christmas Day but they were still crazy enough to do it!!!

The week prior to New Year saw us out and about, making the most of our time here on the Costa Blanca. A morning's walk behind the camp site ended up as a 3 hour hike, off the beaten track along dried up river beds and the like. 

We were tired and ravenous when we got back to camp so over to the camp restaurant for the dish of the day - a hearty rabbit and potato stew which was absolutely delicious. Regional Spanish cuisine at it's best and all for only E3.50.

Calpe is a thriving fish port with it's own auction market which is open to the general public. Every day at approx 4.30pm the fishing boats enter the harbour, land their catch and for the next couple of hours there is a frenzy of activity and the whole spectacle is fascinating to watch especially when the odd octopus decides to climb out of the fish box onto the conveyor belt or make the leap to freedom (short lived) onto the floor. If you look closely on the photo there is an octopus on the floor. Lots of different types of fish all being sold at next to nothing - it's all very fast and furious.

The walk back along the beach at sunset was pretty special too. 

Another day we took the tram to the nearby town of Altea and spent a very pleasant day exploring the old town and walking along the promenade. We trundled back into camp at 7.00pm worn out but delighted with our day. 

At New Year the gang of 8 went to a nearby restaurant where (some of us) danced the night away, enjoyed the finger buffet and brought the New Year in in style. we didn't have too late a night - there were some in our party who had plans for New Year's Day!

On the 2nd January we were all invited to a buffet lunch on camp. It was a lovely warm and sunny day and a good time was had by all relaxing by the pool terrace.

We haven't done any cycling since we have been in Calpe but ever determined to try and keep fit we often go for long walks. We decided to walk along the coast (in the other direction to what we had done previously). It was a very pleasant walk and not too strenuous. We came across a bar/restaurant on the water's edge where we enjoyed a beer before the long trek home.

On the 6th January it was the 3 Kings Celebration - a public holiday which is celebrated in great style. The evening before there was a procession through the town and local people and tourists turned out in their thousands to watch and celebrate. It was a great atmosphere and a great time was had by all.   

We have decided it's time for us to have a short holiday (be careful with your comments) - so tomorrow we take the coach to Valencia where we have booked into an hotel for 3 nights. We are looking forward to exploring the city, maybe a little shopping and of course having a bath!!!

So until next time when we hope to have tales of our time in Valencia.

Hasta luega

Kath and Harry xxx