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Spain

Denia, Spain

We went to Denia to explore this town, with a population of approximately 41,000. It is about a one hour drive away along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  We arrived in Denia by mid morning and began walking through the streets of the small coastal town.

Streets of Denia

We came across the central market and went in to check it out.

Inside the market in Denia

There were some interesting items and goodies for sale.

Hand weaved baskets for sale at the market

There was a sweet made with pumpkin and other ingredients that was quite unique.

Sweets made with pumpkin and other ingredients

Felipe and Ray couldn’t resist trying a few of the local sweets.

Felipe and Ray sampling some of the sweets in the market

After exploring the market we walked into the old quarter and headed towards the castle. We stopped off at the tourist information centre to get some information. We took the opportunity for a selfie in front of the base of the castle de Denia.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the Castle in Denia

We continued our walk admiring the streets of Denia.

Street in Denia

We eventually came to the main square in Denia with the City Hall or “ayuntamiento” in Spanish.

The “ayuntamiento” of Denia

The main square was large with a beautiful church on one side.

Church in the main square of Denia
Church in the main square of Denia

We explored the area of the square and came across two pillars from the Roman era.

Ray standing between two Roman pillars in Denia

We enjoyed walking the streets of Denia and decided to take a break before heading up to see the castle of Denia.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

A costal ride to Santa Pola

Felipe and Ray went for a drive to explore some of the area around Alicante. We went along the coastline towards the town of Santa Pola. Along the way we came to a small church which looked like something out of an old western movie. We decided to stop and check it out.

small traditional church on side road near Santa Pola
Felipe and Ray at the small church

The scenery along the coastline was great, with nice views of the Mediterranean Sea. There were bluffs of Santa Pola on one side and the view of the sea on the other. We could see in the distance the lookout near the lighthouse.

The Lookout of Santa Pola above the bluffs

We decided to go and explore the lookout and lighthouse of Santa Pola, which is called “Faro Cabo De Santa Pola”. The road to the lighthouse was long and narrow  with numerous potholes.

Road to lighthouse and lookout of Santa Pola.

There was a raised metal platform that went slightly over the edge of the bluff.

The metal platform overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

The view from the lookout was truly breathtaking with a great view of the island of Tabarca and the coastline of the entire region.

View of the Mediterranean Sea and Tabarca Island
Ray with view of the region of Alicante coastline

The views along the coast were beautiful with almost an amazing view around every curve.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Volvo Ocean Race headquarters command center

We had the honour and opportunity to have a special tour inside the Volvo Ocean Race Command Centre, which is located in the Volvo Ocean Museum in Alicante. We began our tour going through the administration area before heading into the command centre.

View of the support administration area for the Volvo Ocean Race command centre

We entered into the command centre which is located in a secure glass enclosed area. Inside the command centre there were staff monitoring the race 24 hours a day.

View of a section of the command centre of the Volvo Ocean Race

We gathered around the command centre while our guide explained some of the operations of the centre. They monitor each boat in the race tracking them in real-time by satellite.

Some of the overhead monitors in the command centre.

They are also in radio contact with each boat. During the race the boats make videos of their activities and send them back to the command centre.

Staff reviewing a video from one of the race boats.

The videos are edited and finalized in the command centre before being put online. There are stories about everyday life on the boat and stories of unique experiences they have during the race. One experience was a “ghost ship”, found by one of the Volvo Ocean Boats. They located an abandoned sailboat approximately 360 miles east of Guam on February 13, 2018. It was the SV Sea Nymph abandoned by Jennifer Appel and her crew member Tasha Fuiava nearly 3 to 4 months earlier on October 25, 2017.

https://youtu.be/L9OgNgiE2MA

We spent about an hour touring the command centre and learning about the logistical challenges of coordinating a world race. The race encompasses twelve countries over six continents and takes nine months to complete.  We found the logistics of coordinating the race very interesting.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Photo art show

We decided to go and check out the opening night of a local photo art show with some friends. It was a beautiful evening and we walked to the converted old tabacco factory which now is hosting the art show. The building and grounds were beautiful with palm trees and a very unique restaurant.

Sonja and Shelley on the walkway leading to the refurbished tabacco factory.
Entrance walkway into the old tabacco factory property

We walked up the long walkway towards the building and came across a restaurant.

Ray looking at the unique design of the terrace

The outside terrace area was uniquely designed with wooden slats.

Front entrance of the restaurant

The restaurant was closed but we were able to walk inside the terrace area and look at the design more closely.

Outside design of the lats on the terrace
View of the slats used to form the design

The design made for a very interesting terrace.

A side view of the terrace

We walked to the main entrance area of the large building. It was refurbished and was now used for special events such as the art show.

Front facade of the refurbished tabacco factory

Inside there was an area with a table set up for complimentary drinks and an area with information pamphlets.

Entrance area with tables and pamphlets

The photo art show  was officially launched with some key people speaking at the podium. We listened to the speeches before exploring the art.

Opening ceremony for the launch of the photo art exhibit

We walked around the exhibit enjoying the unique or different photography. Some of the photos were quite interesting while others seemed ordinary.

Different photos on display
Photo art displayed in the long corridor of the converted factory.
One of the photos on display

After spending about an hour at the exhibit, we enjoyed a nice leisure walk home. It was a great way to spend a beautiful evening in Alicante.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Visit to Pinoso Spain

We went for a visit to the town of Pinoso, which was having a fiesta on that day. This quaint little town is named after the pines which are located throughout it.

The pines along the main road in Pinoso

We walked through the streets and made our way to the fiesta.

Entrance area of the fiesta in Pinoso

We went through the gate and came across a large crowd of people. We walked along the many rows of tables which displayed different items.

Display of traditional quilts and local wines

There were people displaying traditional techniques of weaving etc.

An Artisan explaining and demonstrating the making of weaved baskets for grape collecting.

We watched a few of the displays and then continued along the rows of tables. We came across a children’s area where the children were gathered dancing and doing different artwork. Some of the children were dressed in the traditional dress.

Children in traditional dress

Felipe and I even took some time to take a photo in local traditional style.

Felipe and Ray having their photo in a traditional style

We came to the main stage area of the fiesta. There were people in traditional dress performing a traditional dance. We stopped and watched the performance for a few minutes enjoying the show.

We then went to check out the food tents which were lined up along an entire street.

Food tents with traditional Spanish dishes

We went along looking at the different menus and food before deciding to try certain food. We opted for some paella and a glass of local wine. It was served with a special tray to help you along the walk.

Paella and glass of red wine in carrying tray

After trying some local food we walked along the fiesta enjoying the music and sounds of the fiesta.

Ray and Shelley at the Pinoso Fiesta

We enjoyed our time in Pinoso, it was an interesting and enjoyable way to spend a day.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”