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.
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 IslandArchway 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 TabarcaView of a section of Tabraca IslandStreet 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 AlicanteShelley on the Kon Tiki Cuatro boat returning to Alicante
It was a very enjoyable day exploring the small island of Tabarca.
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 raceInterior 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.
We went to the beautiful city of Segovia, located north of Madrid. The historic town of Segovia was established around 75 B.C. and is known for its Roman aqueduct.
Bev, Shelley, and Ray in Segovia near the Roman Aqueduct.
The aqueduct is a central focus of the city and was an amazing site to see. The architectural and ingenuity of the design was impressive.
Segovia Roman Aqueduct
The aqueduct was built during the first century AD and there is no mortar of any kind in the structure. It has endured the test of time delivering water until 1922 when the city blocked the flow of water through the aqueduct.
Segovia aqueduct constructed with no mortar in 1st-century A.D.View of the two tiers of the aqueduct in Segovia
The line of arches is organized into two levels, the top pillars are both shorter and narrower than those on the lower level. On the upper level, of the aqueduct, the arches are 5.1 meters (16.1 ft) wide. The top of the structure contains a channel through which the water traveled. The overall length of the raised aqueduct section is 813 meters and is 28 meters high ( 92 feet).
One of the arches in the Segovia aqueduct.
After exploring the aqueduct, we explored the main area of Segovia and saw some of the historic sites.
Cathedral of SegoviaCity hall in Segovia Spain.View of the old quarter in central SegoviaStatue near church of San Martin in SegoviaChurch of San Martin in Segovia
Segovia is also on the main route of the Camino de Santiago de Madrid. We walked along the streets of Segovia admiring the beautiful buildings. The city is rich with history and we could see it almost everywhere in the old quarter. It is truly a beautiful city.
The Alcázar of Segovia is a world heritage site in beautiful Segovia Spain. This castle is unique and is recognizable by its unique style. It is claimed that Walt Disney Castle was inspired by a variety of Castles including the Segovia Castle.
Peaked style roof at Alcázar Castle in Segovia, Spain
Note the similar style of roofs between the Disney Castle and the Alicázar Castle.
Walt Disney Cinderella Castle
The Alcázar Castle was built high above the point of two rivers on cliffs between two rivers. The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but over the centuries it has also been used as a royal palace, a prison, and a military garrison.
Inside the castle, there were numerous rooms with assorted artifacts. We walked through the different rooms looking at the architecture and displays.
Ray and Bev “guarding the Door” in the Alicázar castlemedieval armory on display in the castle.Displays in the Alicázar castle
All of the ceilings were ornately decorated and painted.
One of the ceilings in the Segovia castle.
In the center of the castle, there was a large courtyard with a central fountain.
Bev and Shelley in central courtyard of the Castle in Segovia
The castle had some unique features that definitely resembled the Disney castle.
We enjoyed walking through the rooms and exploring the 12-century castle.
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