Tag Archives: Retirement abroad

Spain

La cueva del Solins

We decided to go to the province of Murcia with some friends to explore one of the many cave systems. We arrived early and met our two guides Fran and Victor from Entrena adventura. They explained the cave system and how we were going to explore a part of it. We then began by walking up the mountain to the entrance of the cave.

Walking up the mountain towards the entrance of the cave system

The cave entrance was not easily seen and was quite small. We had to crawl through a narrow gap in the stone into the cave system.

Cave entrance

Once we crawled through the narrow space of the entrance the cave system opened up into numerous cave systems.

One of the cave systems throughout the caves

We crawled and worked our way along the cave system for several hours. During that time we came across some challenging spots which we had to climb down or crawl through.

Shelley taking a break in a larger area of one of the cave areas.

We went down approximately 17 meters to different areas of the caves.

Susie, Shelley and Sonja in the caves in Murcia
Marcelo, Ray and Izac In the caves in Murcia.

Our guides would stop at certain areas of the cave system and explain some of the features of the cave.

Our guide Victor explaining some of the features of the cave
Calcium formations on the cave ceiling area
Graining of minerals along the cave wall

There were some interesting features in the caves includingĀ calcium carbonate formations which are produced through slow precipitation. These includedĀ  stalactites, stalagmites,Ā  and other features.

Ray and Shelley in the caves in Murcia

We came to an area of the cave which was large enough for us to take a group photo.

Group photo of us in the Murcia cave system

After our group photo we turned around and began our return trip to the surface of the mountain. It was a very interesting and enjoyable experience.

“Adios y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

Cooking demonstration

There was a cooking demonstration at a local kitchen store, called Tescoma. There was a small cost for the show of 8 euros but it allowed you a 5 euro discount on store products. We thought we would go and check it out.

The chef was 22 years old but was very knowledgable and skilled.

Chef demonstrating the making of Tataki tuna and veggies

He explained the processes he was using and why they were used. It was quite interesting and he demonstrated different techniques with preparing the food.

Chef cooking up the tataki tuna and veggies.

He explained what he was doing at each step and answered questions from the crowed as he went along.

The chef explaining how to cook the tuna and what to look for when it is ready.
Chef plating the tataki tuna.

Once the food was completed we were given the opportunity to taste the tataki tuna and veggies. The food was amazing and was very tasty and delicious.

Tataki tuna and veggies for sampling

We had an enjoyable time and glad we went.

“Adios y tengas un gran dia”

Spain

“Los Pajes Negros” in Alcoy

We went to the city of Alcoy for a visit. It was a few weeks before Christmas and the city was adorned with decorations.

Plaza in Alcoy, Spain

What we found strange was the decorations of “Los Pajes Negros” which translates to (The Black Pages) on the balconies throughout the city.

We researched this tradition and itĀ dates back 133 years and is part of one of the oldest parades in Spain. The parade consists of aroundĀ 2,000 people with approximately 300 people dressed as a black pages. The parade begins with the three Wise Men entering the city riding camels. There are musicians, torchbearers and black pages in the parade. The pages, use ladders to climb onto the balconies and give presents to the children.

Alcoy’s black Christmas ‘pajes’ (pages) prepare to deliver presents. EFE (photo from El Pais)

This tradition has been controversial and is considered racist by many. We have not seen the parade, but the idea of white people dressing up to represent black pages certainly seems racist.

“adios y tengas un grand dia”

Spain

A visit to Busot

We stopped at a small quaint mountain town called Busot, which has a population of under 3000 people.Ā  The main streets of Busot were small and had decorations throughout the town.

Flower along the narrow streets of Busot
One of the narrow street of Busot, Spain

 

We took a walk down the streets exploring the town.

Shelley on one of the streets in Busot, Spain

There were some beautiful views along our walk, including old traditional homes, orchards, and vistas of the mountains and castle.

Views along the street in Busot with the castle in the distance

We stopped at a small cafe and enjoyed a coffee while admiring the castle.

View of the castle from the cafe shop
Shelley sitting at the La Casa cafe shop

It was a very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon,Ā  exploring a small mountain town.

“adios y que tengas un grad dia”

Spain

Caves of Canelobre

We went to see the caves of canelobre which are located in the mountains near the town of Busot. The caves are on the northern slope of the Sierra CabeĆ§Ć³ D’Or mountain. The views from the parking lot were quite breathtaking, you could see the whole region.

The view from the parking lot of the Canelobre Caves.

We arrived early and were able to get into the caves before there were too many people. Inside the main entrance was a long hallway leading into the caves.

Hallway entrance into the Canelobre caves

The hallway opens into a large cavern area which has a high ceiling.

Shelley and Ray in the main cavern area of the Canelobre caves

The caves were a lot larger than we expected, there is more 80,000 square meters of space in the caves. There were stairs leading to different levels and areas of the caves.

Shelley on the stairs exploring some of the caves

We walked through the different areas admiring the limestone caves with the differentĀ stalactites, stalagmites and columns. The caves are estimated to be 145 million years old. The caves were believed to be discovered by the Arabs in the tenth century, however little was known about them until the nineteenth century. It was during the civil war in Spain in the 1930’s whenĀ the caves were accessed and used as an aircraft repair shop by the Republican army. It was at that time when the tunnel access to the cave was created along with platforms, stairs etc.

Features of the Canelobre caves
Inside the Canelobre caves in Busot Spain
One of the features inside the canelobre caves

It was an amazing feeling exploring the caves.

Shelley and Ray at the Canelobre caves in Busot Spain

We were fortunate to explore one of the natural and unique caves in Spain.

“adios y que tengas un grand dia”