We took a beautiful Sunday hiking trip to a mountain located right in the city of Alicante called “Serra Grossa”. The mountain is located on the Mediterranean coastline and provides a great view of the entire area. We took the bus to the mall which is near the base of the mountain. We started our hike and walked up the winding path.
Ray along the trail on the Serra Grossa mountain
We gradually worked our way up the path and came across a great view of the Mediterranean sea.
Trail along the Serra Grossa Mountain
As we worked our way up the mountain we came across some spectacular views of the area.
The higher we went up the trail, the more we could see of the coastline. We continued along the trail and came to a lookout area that had benches and some shade.
We decided to stop and take a break. We sat down on the bench and enjoyed the stunning views.
The view from the bench on the Serra Grossa Mountain
After having a nice relaxing break on the bench we headed further up the path. As we came around a bend we could see some trenches and tunnels in the mountain. These were remnants of the bomb shelters from 1936 that were in place to protect the locals.
Shelley in one of the trenches on Serra Grossa mountainPart of the bomb shelter system on the Serra Grossa mountainShelley at a lookout in the bomb shelter of Serra Grossa mountain
It was interesting walking through the shelter and looking at the structure. We then continued up the mountain heading towards the peak. We came across a cement square structure that was perched on the edge of the mountain. There were stairs leading down to it but there were no rails or any type of protection. We decided that we wouldn’t head down as it was dangerous looking.
Structure perched on the edge of the mountain
We continued to work our way towards the top stopping along the way to rest and admire the breathtaking views. The trail was getting steep and rough in places towards the top but we managed to reach the summit.
Shelley sitting on stone wall at the top of the Serra Grossa mountain
From the top, you could see a 360-degree view of Alicante. The 490-meter elevation provided us with a view of the coast, and the mountains. It was truly a beautiful and breathtaking view.
We were invited to a jazz evening in El Campello and decided to go and check it out. We took the TRAM from Luceros to El Campello which takes about 30 minutes.
Entrance to the TRAM at Luceros in Alicante
We then walked about 5 minutes to the Jazz event being held at the Casa de Cultura.
Casa de Cultura in El Campello
We arrived 15 minutes early but the place was already packed. There was standing room only so we decided to stand at the back to watch the jazz. There was no ventilation and the room was very warm.
Packed room waiting for the jazz band to start playing.
The band came out and began playing some jazz music which was interesting to listen to. It is not our typical type pf music but was a nice change.
We listened to the music for about a half hour then decided to leave because it was very warm and uncomfortable standing.
We headed back towards the TRAM and came across some friends having dinner at an outside patio. They invited us to stay and visit so we enjoyed some time chatting with friends. We then took the TRAM back to Alicante and stopped at one of our favorite restaurants called Mish Mish.
Shelley at Mish Mish restaurant Alicante
The restaurant was busy and there were lots of people outside enjoying the great weather. We had some tasty tapas before heading home.
It was an enjoyable evening of relaxation, Jazz, and good company.
On Sunday we decided to take a nice bike ride with our friend Filipe through parts of Alicante. There are so many beautiful sights and scenes in the city that each day is a great chance to explore. We started in the center of the city and worked our way down towards the waterfront. We cycled along the waterfront enjoying the view
Ray and Shelley along the waterfront in Alicante
We came across a group of people singing and chanting in Russian along the waterfront. Some were dressed in traditional Russian dress.
Russian march along the waterfront
We decided to take a break and watch them for a while before heading on.
Ray, Shelley, and Filipe taking a break on waterfront boardwalk
We continued along the coastline for a few kilometers admiring the vistas.
Shelley and Ray on the coast of Mediterranean Sea.
We came across a lookout area and took some time to admire the views.
Ray, Filipe and Shelley on the lookout admiring the view
After biking along the coast we headed into the old quarter of Alicante. We cycled through the old streets of Alicante and came to a beautiful old neighborhood called Barrio de Santa Cruz.
They decorate the streets with flowers and colorful ornaments to welcome the Fiesta of the Crosses of May. They hold a fiesta and decorate flower crosses which are judged for the best design. The fiesta ends on the 1st of May and we missed the fiesta but we were able to see the winning cross still on display.
Ray and Shelley in front of the Winning Flower cross of the Fiesta in Barrio de Santa Cruz
We then headed back into the center of the city and came across an art exhibit. It was set up with local artist displaying their work and some artist were painting as well. We stopped and decided to check it out.
Shelley looking at some of the artwork on display
There were some very talented artists and we watch several of them work on their art. We could recognize some of the Spanish landmarks they had painted in some of the paintings.
As we walked throughout the displays we came across a beautiful water feature.
Water feature in the park with artist
After viewing the art we stopped at a new Italian restaurant called “ll Typico”. We were introduced to the owner Felice Falanga by our friend Filipe and enjoyed a wonderful meal.
Filipe, the owner Felice Falanga, Shelley and Ray
Overall another great adventure in Alicante. Each day brings new adventures and experiences.
We finally, completed our Spain driver’s process including the final practical exam. The procedure of acquiring a Spanish driver’s license is a major undertaking for people who live in Canada and the USA. The Spanish government does not recognize the equivalency of a Canadian or USA driver’s license. You are required to complete the entire driver license process regardless of your past experience identical to that of a new Spanish driver.
We began the process back in fall with completing the written exam. The written exam was an experience and adventure on its own. If you haven’t followed the post on our progress follow the links below.
We have been taking the practical driving lessons which are a requirement in order to complete the driver exam process. Although we are both experienced drivers and have held a Canadian driver license for years the lessons were of value.
The driving techniques in Spain and Europe are somewhat different from Canada. We do drive on the same side of the road however, there are some notable differences.
Yield signs are common and stop signs are minimal in Alicante. There are numerous roundabouts in Spain and some roundabouts are complex with three or more lanes wide.
Typical roundabout in Spain
Traffic signs are also slightly different, there are multiple signs for the same intersection which can be confusing at times.
After completing numerous practical driving lessons, we finally had our driving test days. Ray’s test was first and it was done during a torrential downpour. The examiner only speaks Spanish and no translator is permitted for the exam. The exam took approximately 20 minutes and when completed I was informed to wait outside the car. The examiner and the driving instructor remained in the car for a few minutes to discuss the exam. Ray was then allowed back in the vehicle and he was dropped off at the apartment. The results of the exam would not be available for 24 hours.
Shelley’s Driving exam was held on the Wednesday before the Easter long weekend. Traffic was congested and there were three other students in the car when the exam took place. The examiner asks each student a question about the car prior to the practical exam. Shelley’s question was on the colour of the reverse lights on the car when in reverse. Shelley completed the exam and was also asked to wait outside the car with the other students.
The final result is that we both have passed our driver exams and now have a Spanish driver’s license.
Ray and Shelley in front of the Pausa driving school holding their Driver Licence L
In the first year after obtaining your driver’s license in Spain, you are required to have an “L” on your rear window of your car. We received our “L” from our driving school and will display it proudly when we drive.
We have been taking a pause from our blog in order to focus on some family health issues. We normally post about our travels, adventures and share our enjoyable times. However, this particular post will be different because we are going to discuss an issue that affects almost every family at some point. That issue is Cancer and how that terrible disease not only affects people but changes lives forever. We are in the midst of dealing with treatments for a family member who is receiving care at the Ottawa General Hospital. The hospital has been excellent and the staff has been extremely friendly, helpful and caring. It is during the hard times of dealing with cancer that the little things mean so much. A friendly smile and a helping hand make a tremendous difference in helping to cope with cancer. The simple acts of kindness may seem small but have a large impact on us and provide great comfort. There are so many people who have helped us throughout this ordeal. Some people brought baked goods or drove us to and from the airport, others have provided helping hands at the hospital almost every day. They have provided words of encouragement and support. All these simple acts of kindness have given us strength and have helped us to cope.
One gift in particular we received was very moving and touched our hearts. They were hoodie sweatshirts, but what was so special was the cause “Valerie’s Flutter” and the note that was included.
Hoodie from the Valerie”s Flutter Foundation
The note which had a personal message was very moving and touched our hearts deeply. The note read, in part…. ” Valerie’s dreams one of many was to travel the world”
Valerie Goneau Graduation Grade 12
Valerie was Ray’s second cousin and an amazing young woman. When Valerie graduated grade 12 she was awarded the Governor General’s medal for achieving and maintaining the highest grade point average of all her classmates from Grades 9 to 12.
She continued school and enrolled in Civil Engineering at Ottawa University and had just completed her first year when she was diagnosed with Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma cancer in June 2010.
Her story and her battle with cancer are truly inspirational. Valerie was only 19 years old at the time and she continued her schooling and kept up part-time studies while undergoing recovery from surgery and treatments.
Valerie took her situation and made a choice to focus on a purpose and goal to raise money for cancer research. She was a focused and driven person who created a team called “Valérie’s Team” which consisted of approximately 200 people.
Valerie at Terry Fox 5K Run Ottawa 2010
In September 2010 Valerie completed the Terry Fox 5K Run while on roller blades. Valerie and the team raised over $25,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Today there continues to be a Valerie Team competing yearly in the Terry Fox Run.
The Terry Fox Run became a catalyst that would get Valerie involved in public speaking. She became a symbol of strength, courage, and determination of purpose. She spoke at the Ottawa Kick-Off Breakfast for the Terry Fox Run on September 9th, 2010 and after that day she became a public speaker. Valerie spoke to many different groups about her battle with cancer and that “cancer is not something to be afraid of; it’s an opportunity to realize how precious life is and how we can all come together and make a positive difference in the world”.
Her story and the Valerie Flutter foundation have been a source of strength for us as we deal with our family situation. In honour of Valerie and her dream of traveling the world, we will carry her in our hearts and minds at every adventure as we travel. We will post an image of us with a Valerie Flutter Foundation logo in our travels to commemorate Valerie.
She was such a precious person and died one month after her 20th birthday on June 15, 2011.
“A dream and purpose so compelling will never allow you to give up.”-Valerie Goneau
“A dream and purpose so compelling will never allow you to give up.” -Valerie Goneau
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