Category Archives: Spain

A day in downtown Alicante

Today we headed back into the centre of Alicante to do some banking and a little exploring. We finished our banking early and  decided to stop off at an outside restaurant that specialized in crepes.  The restaurant served amazing crepes and were very tasty. The meal included coffee and tea and was only $10 in total.  Away from the tourist areas things can be fairly inexpensive.

our Crepe lunch
our Crepe lunch

We then headed for a walk to the Castle of San Fernando which is located on one of the two major hills in the city.  It is also one of two castles located in the city of Alicante. We walked along trails which led up to the top. It was quite the steep walk and certainly was an exercise but the view was nice. Along the trail was a ceramic crest for the Castle of San Fernando.

Crest
Crest
Trail towards the top
Trail towards the top

walking trail

When we were closer to the top we could see one of the guard pillars located at the Castle.

Castle turret
Castle turret

When we finally made it to the top the view was stunning.  We had a panoramic view of the city of Alicante. The view was worth the walk to the top.

View from the top looking west.
View from the top looking east.
View looking at the other side of the city of Alicante
View looking at the west side of the city of Alicante
View with the other castle in the distance
View with the other castle in the distance

Today we used pedometer again and in total we walked just over 13 kilometres. It was full day but very enjoyable.

“Adios y que tenga un gran días”

Another move forward

Another productive day in moving forward into our new “home”.
We headed into Alicante this morning early and attended Swiss Real Estate. That was the company that helped us with getting the apartment. Our contact person assisted us with the change over and connection of electricity and gas. The process took over one hour on the phone with the utility company. The process was not easy and even the person helping us was frustrated with the process. Thank goodness we had his help.

After the utilities were completed we headed to the shopping district. We walked around the area and found a travel agency. We decided to go in and got some info on the cost of cruises for the Mediterranean. Our plan is to take a cruise in the next few months and check out some key cities. We took our cruise info went to a local cafe. Sitting there enjoying our gelato and drink we reviewed the information.

Gelato and coffee
Gelato and coffee

We then walked to the bus station and headed home. Today we decided to bring a pedometer with us to see how far we walk a day. Today we walked a total of 13 kilometers. It seems like every time we head to the centre of Alicante we walk for numerous kilometers. That hopefully should help keep us in shape.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dias”

Quiet few days of R & R

It has been a quiet couple of days here for us. We have been taking it easy and resting up and enjoying the beautiful weather. Daily walks and overall relaxation have been the norm these past few days. We sit out on the balcony in the mornings and enjoy the view of the sea. I didn’t realize just how much the view can change of the sea depending on the temperature and clouds. Each morning the view of the sea is slightly different.

Calm day on the sea
Calm day on the sea
IMG_4568
Sun set view
IMG_20160125_164716917
Early morning

Tomorrow we head into Alicante business area to arrange for the gas, electricity and water for our new apartment. I am curious how that will work out because the bureaucracy here is apparently a challenge. I guess we will find out tomorrow.

The internet in our apartment continues to be inconsistent and not very good at times. This has made it tough for us to do research or even maintain the blog. Most times the internet improves late at night when the bandwidth isn’t being accessed by as many users. Well, that is about it for now. “Adios y que tenga un gran dais”

A walk in the hills

It was a beautiful day today so we went for a nice long walk. We headed down the road and never thought about where we were going. After about a Kilometer or so we came across a religious alter with candles burning.

religeous alter

A little further on our walk we found a hiking trail called “Glot de Galvany”. We decided to take the trail and see where we end up. We did not plan for a hike in the hills and didn’t have any water or sun screen but we went anyway.

 

Along the trail
Along the trail

trail

We walked along the trail for about two hours looking at the unique fauna and the palm trees.

The trail had many different paths and we could have easily gone for the full day. We met some hikers along the way but for the most part it was quiet and serene. We came across a small pond area and there were several people looking at the ducks. They seemed to be very impressed by the ducks. I guess they don’t see many ducks around here. We just walked on by, being Canadian we have seen more than our share of ducks.

pond

We decided to turn back and maybe come back another day, prepared and then we will make it a full day hike through the hills of Alicante.

“Adios y  que tengas un gran dias”

Museum visit in Santa Pola

Today we went back to Santa Pola but on an early bus. We managed to attend the museo de la sel (Salt museum).  It was converted into a museum when they stopped using the factory.  Santa Pola is known for the salt it produces. There are salt evaporation ponds known as salines which produces salt even today. We found the museum somewhat interesting considering the topic. You have to take what they displayed  with a grain of salt… Sorry just couldn’t help it.

salt1

salt rack

There were pink flamingos in the abandoned salt pond at the museum which was a nice surprise. (unfortunately all I could get was a far away picture)

pink flamigos

We then went to the local aquarium which had a small but interesting collection of fish and other water creatures.  Now I know what my future food will look like before it is served to me.

fish

 

Finally we finished our day by stopping at the Marcado in Gran Alicant a small town on the way home. We picked up groceries and headed home. I thought I would share the grocery bill with you. Can you figure out what we bought and the cost compared to Canada. If you do let me know what you think. Well that’s about it for today.

Grocery bill
Grocery bill

“Adios amigos y  que tengas un gran días”