Category Archives: Spain

Spain

Spelunking the Cueva del Puerto

We decided to try something totally new and different. We went to explore some of the caves in Murcia. There is a cave system which is over 5 kilometers long called the Cueva del Puerto. They are located in Calasparra and approximately 5 kilometres of the caves have been mapped. Nearly all the caves in the Murcia Region are formed by limestone or dolomite,

We drove with friends to the mountains in Calasparra and arrived at the caves visitor centre.

Cueva del Puerto centre

We were met by our two guides who would be leading the exploration of the caves. We went into a change room to change into our cave gear.  We wore coveralls, rappelling gear, and a helmet with light.

Shelley getting ready for the exploration of the caves.

Once everyone was dressed we walked up a trail which brought us  to the entrance to the cave system. There we had a finale review of our equipment and then headed inside the caves.

Our group with one of our guides before heading into the caves del Puerto

In the entrance of the cave is an area for tourist to explore a small section. We headed along that pat then headed down into other areas of the caves not open to tourist.

Zack, Susy, Marcelo, Sonja, Ray and Shelley in a section of the Cave del Puerto

It was a frightening and exciting experience at the same time. We climbed down through some small crevices working our way through the caves. We repelled down sections of the cave, sometimes over 20 feet at a time.

Ray rappelling down a section of the cave of Puerto

There were times when we had to literary crawl on our stomachs to get through some of the openings. It was not an activity for the faint of heart or for anyone who is claustaphobic. We would stop every once and a while to take a photo and rest.

We entered areas of the caves which opened up into larger caverns. Some of these caverns were quite large and impressive while others were so small you could not even stand completely upright.

It was a very challenging exploring the caves and after four hours, we reached the exit of the caves again.

The group at the end of the four hour cave exploration.

It was a very physical and long day,  but it was very rewarding and enjoyable.

“Adios y tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Oktoberfest in Calpe Spain

We went to a very popular Oktoberfest which is located in Calpe, Spain. The city of Calpe is located approximately 75 kilometers from the city of Alicante. We took a small private bus tour to Calpe and arrived at the Oktoberfest around 6:30 pm.

On tour bus headed to Calpe

The event had just opened for the evening when we arrived. The bar area was lining up the Glasses in preparation for the crowd that would inevitably arrive.

Bar area of Oktoberfest in Calpe at the start of the event

We went and found a great table for our group to sit and enjoy the evening.  Our group found a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the event.

The gang sitting at our table at the beginning of the Oktoberfest event

We were close to the main stage and could easily see the entertainment.

Stage area of the Oktoberfest in Calpe

It wasn’t long before the seating was full and the beer was flowing.

The people enjoying the Oktoberfest in Calpe

Our server Bennie was very busy but always seemed to be enjoying himself.

Bennie our server delivering drinks to the table

We watched the entertainment and enjoyed the music from the band. The band was called the “Steinsberger” and they were very talented. After each song they would sing “Zicke Zacke Heu Heu” and everyone would toast and have a drink of beer.  Of course we would have to toast with the crowd at every zicke zacke heu heu. (we didn’t want to be rude).

The group toasting after a Zicke Zacke heu heu chant

There were all kinds of food being served including Bratwurst, Pretzel Rolls with Caraway Salt, Wiener Schnitzel and Beer Braised Briskets. Barbara enjoyed some of the Oktoberfest food.

Barbara enjoying some local Oktoberfest food

We even enjoyed posing for a photo in the cutout in the Oktoberfest.

Ray and Shelley at Oktoberfest Calpe

We put together a small video to give you a “taste” of the Oktoberfest Calpe experience. We had an enjoyable time visiting the Oktoberfest Calpe.

“Adios y Zicke Zacke Heu Heu”

Spain

A day at the Island of Tabarca

We went to visit the small Island of Tabarca which is located 8 nautical miles or 15 kilometers southeast of Alicante. The small Island is a popular summer destination for tourist and locals alike. The island itself is very small with a population of only 68 inhabitants. The island is only 1750 meters long and 300 meters wide at the largest point.

Island of Tabarca in the Mediterranean Sea

We arrived on a cruise boat which is called the Kon Tiki Cuatro which ferries people across from Alicante on a daily basis.

Kon Tiki Cuatro boat

The island only has one port which is fairly small. The boats are required to drop people off and then they must leave the port to allow for other boats to dock.

The port at the Tabarca Island

We debarked the Kon Tiki Cuatro and walked down the pier towards the town. We looked in the water which was very clear. We could see fish swimming along side of the boats and the pier.

Fish swimming in the area of the pier and boats of Tabarca Island.

Tabarca Island is known for a marine reserve which is why there were so many fish.

We arrived at the town and stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. We were a very large group of approximately one hundred people. The restaurant was able to seat us all in long tables which also provided a great view of the sea.

The view from our table looking at the Mediterranean Sea.

We were served courses of traditional Spanish food which included  sea food. Ray ate the sea food although he was not too enthusiastic about the food.

Ray eating mussels

There were plenty of refreshments available as well and we enjoyed some Spanish sangria.

Shelley pouring a glass of Sangria

After lunch we went for a walk through the town. The streets have a traditional Spanish look and it was quiet and peaceful.

A street in the town of Tabarca

We walked the streets and came across some beautiful views. There were some traditional buildings including the Church of San Pedro y San Pablo. It is the only church on the island and was built-in the 17th century.  The church has a unique beauty to it because of the Mediterranean sea backdrop.

The Church of San Pedro y San Pablo.

There were other unique sites along our walk through the town. We came across some ruins with an archway which was near the edge of the island. The views were stunning and looked like something out of a movie.

Ruins and archway on Tabarca Island
Archway near the edge of the Tabarca island

We walked further and came across some stores and a cafe shop. One store was displaying their merchandise in a  different way.

clothing on display outside of the store on mannequins

Tabarca is the smallest permanently inhabited island in Spain. We enjoyed walking the streets and exploring this small island. The scenery was breathtaking. It seemed that everywhere we looked there was a beautiful view.

View from a small outlook on the island of Tabarca
View of a section of Tabraca Island
Street on Tabarca Island

We decided to get a photo taken while near the shore on Tabarca Island.

Ray and Shelley on Tabarca Island

We then headed back to the boat to return to Alicante after a great day on the Island.

Shelley and Ray getting ready to board the Kon Tiki Cuatro to return to Alicante
Shelley on the Kon Tiki Cuatro boat returning to Alicante

It was a very enjoyable day exploring the small island of Tabarca.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento

On the evening of October 21st there was a religious celebration  in Alicante called “the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento” . It is a procession which is held in Santa Cruz locate in the heart of the old quarter of Alicante.

We went to a friend’s home to watch the procession. They live in the barrio of Santa Cruz along the route of the procession. We had a balcony which overlooked the procession along one of the smallest spots in the route.

View from the balcony of the route for the Salida

The Salida extraordinria del Descendimiento has a wooden platform which is carried through the barrio of Santa Cruz. On the wooden float is a wooden carving of Jesus and other religious figures. They are all carried on a large wooden platform. The weight of the statues and  the platform is approximately 25,000 lbs (1135 kg).

Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento platform being carried through the barrio of Santa Cruz

People gather throughout the route to pray, sing and clap as the platform is carried. There are approximately 30 people who carry the heavy platform and they stop along the route for prayers and songs. There is a band which follows the procession and plays unique music for the event.

Band marching and playing music behind the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento.

We had an excellent location to watch the entire Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento. The balcony was located so close to the route that Shelley was able to reach out and touch the cross and the carving of Jesus as it went by.

Shelley on the balcony waving after the procession passed

We had a very enjoyable time, visiting with some of our friends and experiencing a Catholic Spanish tradition. We made a short video of the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento for you to enjoy. The music in the video is from the Salida extraordinaria del Descendimiento and was played during the procession.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean race takes place every three years. This year is the start of the race is in Alicante.

We took in some of the pre-race activities during the time the Volvo Ocean Race was in Alicante. We went down to the pier and walked through the different pavilions.

Pavillions for the Volvo Ocean Race

They had interactive activities for the children.

Computer simulation for sailing which children used to practice their sailing skills.

There was even a full size replica of the sail boat which was cut through the middle to provide a view of the interior of the racing boat.

Interior of race boat design used in Volvo race
Interior of racing boat design where children could explore the boat

We walked along the pavilions checking out the displays and activities. It was an interesting day looking at the different aspects of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The following day we went out on the Mediterranean to watch a trial race by the Volvo Ocean teams. We went out on our friends sailboat and enjoyed the view from the sea.

Shelley and Mike on the Sailboat

There were many other boats on the water also watching the race.

Volvo Ocean Race Sailboats during preliminary race in Alicante

We followed along the race route enjoying the spectacular views of the sailboats.

It was a very enjoyable way to see the sailboats racing. We even managed to get very close to the Volvo ocean sailboats.

Close view of the crew of the Volvo Ocean sailboat Brunel

It was a great day of sailing along with the Volvo Ocean Race sailboats.

The official race day was October 22nd and we went to watch the race at a friends apartment. The apartment is located on the 20th floor and the view was spectacular. We could see the entire race from a different vantage point.

View of the Volvo Ocean Race start at Alicante Spain

We enjoyed watching the race live on the tv as well.

We were fortunate to see the Volvo Ocean Race sailboats in different ways, from the sea, high above and in close proximity to the boats.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”