It has been a very busy couple of days getting moved into our new apartment. There have been several challenges along the way but overall we have managed quite well. Moving without a vehicle and using public transit can be a challenge. We packed our carry-on luggage and our new shopping cart with some of our belongings and took the bus.

We then walked about two blocks to our new apartment which is beside a small park. We waited there for the landlord to arrive with the keys. When the landlord arrived we picked up the keys and moved into our apartment.

The apartment is located on the 5th floor and we have a north facing view of the mountains. Here is the view from our living room.

Dealing with utility companies and Movistar which is the local internet and TV service provider was a major challenge. Our Spanish is still very limited and the majority of the people only speak spanish in Alicante. We had quite the challenge trying to communicate with utility and Movistar staff.  Many phone calls were only in spanish and it took quite a while to decipher what was being said, but we managed to get through the process.  The staff is very patient and helpful for the most part.

On Thursday the local outdoor market which you can see from our living room window was open.

The outdoor market is huge and very popular. It is about three blocks long in total. It is very busy with people looking at the vast array of products for sale. You can purchase almost anything at the market from food to socks and underwear. We went down and bought some fresh fruits and vegetables to stock up our fridge. There is also an indoor market open every day which sells local meats, cheese, pastries, fruits and vegetables. We went  there and picked up some chicken, eggs and other assorted meats. Here is the chicken which we made for dinner last night. When they sell a chicken here you get the whole chicken event the head! yumm..

Although the apartment comes fully furnished and provides dishes etc. There were some items we wanted to add that were missing. So during the day we walked to the El Corte Ingles store. The store is similar to a Bay or Sears store and the prices are good. We bought some of the basics we wanted to add to the apartment, loaded it up in our cart and walked back to the apartment. We walked over 10 kms that day. We are getting settled and resting up this weekend. getting ready for our next adventure, whatever that may be.

“Adios y que tengo un grand dias”