Tag Archives: Retirement abroad

Spain

Not a regular walk in the park

We took a beautiful Sunday hiking trip to a mountain located right in the city of Alicante called “Serra Grossa”. The mountain is located on the Mediterranean coastline and provides a great view of the entire area. We took the bus to the mall which is near the base of the mountain. We started our hike and walked up the winding path.

Ray along the trail on the Serra Grossa mountain

We gradually worked our way up the path and came across a great view of the Mediterranean sea.

Trail along the Serra Grossa Mountain

As we worked our way up the mountain we came across some spectacular views of the area.

The higher we went up the trail, the more we could see of the coastline. Ā We continued along the trail and came to a lookout area that had benches and some shade.

We decided to stop and take a break. We sat down on the bench and enjoyed the stunning views.

The view from the bench on the Serra Grossa Mountain

After having a nice relaxing break on the bench we headed further up the path. Ā As we came around a bend we could see some trenches and tunnels in the mountain. These were remnants of the bomb shelters from 1936 that were in place to protect the locals.

Shelley in one of the trenches on Serra Grossa mountain
Part of the bomb shelter system on the Serra Grossa mountain
Shelley at a lookout in the bomb shelter of Serra Grossa mountain

It was interesting walking through the shelter and looking at the structure. We then continued up the mountain heading towards the peak. Ā We came across a cement square structure that was perched on the edge of the mountain. There were stairs leading down to it but there were no rails or any type of protection. We decided that we wouldn’t head down as it was dangerous looking.

Structure perched on the edge of the mountain

We continued to work our way towards the top stopping along the way to rest and admire the breathtaking views. The trail was getting steep and rough in places towards the top but we managed to reach the summit.

Shelley sitting on stone wall at the top of the Serra Grossa mountain

From the top,Ā you could see a 360-degree view of Alicante. The 490-meter elevation provided us with a view of the coast, and the mountains. It was truly a beautiful and breathtaking view.

View of Alicante from Serra Grossa summit

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Serra Grossa mountain, Alicante Spain
Spain

An evening in El Campello

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We were invited to a jazz evening in El Campello and decided to go and check it out. We took the TRAM from Luceros to El Campello which takes about 30 minutes.

Entrance to the TRAM at Luceros in Alicante

We then walked about 5 minutes to the Jazz event being held at the Casa de Cultura.

Casa de Cultura in El Campello

We arrived 15 minutes early but the place was already packed. There was standing room only so we decided to stand at the back to watch the jazz. There was no ventilation and the room was very warm.

Packed room waiting for the jazz band to start playing.

The band came out and began playing some jazz music which was interesting to listen to. It is not our typical type pf music but was a nice change.

We listened to the music for about a half hour then decided to leave because it was very warm and uncomfortable standing.

We headed back towards the TRAM and came across some friends having dinner at an outside patio. They invited us to stay and visit so we enjoyed some time chatting with friends. We then took the TRAM back to Alicante and stopped at one of our favorite restaurants called Mish Mish.

Shelley at Mish Mish restaurant Alicante

The restaurant was busy and there were lots of people outside enjoying the great weather. We had some tasty tapas before heading home.

It was an enjoyable evening of relaxation, Jazz, and good company.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

A bike ride in Alicante

On Sunday we decided to take a nice bike ride with our friend Filipe through parts of Alicante. There are so many beautiful sights and scenes in the city that each day is a great chance to explore. We started in the center of the city and worked our way down towards the waterfront. We cycled along the waterfront enjoying the view

Ray and Shelley along the waterfront in Alicante

We came across a group of people singing and chanting in RussianĀ along the waterfront. Some were dressed in traditional Russian dress.

Russian march along the waterfront

We decided to take a break and watch them for a while before heading on.

Ray, Shelley, and Filipe taking a break on waterfront boardwalk

We continued along the coastline for a few kilometers admiring the vistas.

Shelley and Ray on theĀ coast of Mediterranean Sea.

We came across a lookout area and took some time to admire the views.

Ray, Filipe and Shelley on the lookout admiring the view

After biking along the coast we headed into the old quarter of Alicante. We cycled through the old streets of Alicante and came to a beautiful old neighborhood called BarrioĀ de Santa Cruz.

They decorate the streets with flowers and colorful ornaments to welcome the Fiesta of the Crosses of May. They hold a fiesta and decorate flower crosses which are judged for the best design. The fiesta ends on the 1st of May and we missed the fiesta but we were able to see the winning cross still on display.

Ray and Shelley in front of the Winning Flower cross of the Fiesta in Barrio de Santa Cruz

We then headed back into the center of the city and came across an art exhibit. It was set up with local artist displaying their work and some artist were painting as well. We stopped and decided to check it out.

Shelley looking at some of the artwork on display

There were some very talented artists and we watch several of them work on their art. We could recognizeĀ some of the Spanish landmarks they had painted in some of the paintings.

As we walked throughout the displays we came across a beautiful water feature.

Water feature in the park with artist

After viewing the art we stopped at a new Italian restaurant called “ll Typico”. We were introduced to the owner Felice Falanga by our friend Filipe and enjoyed a wonderful meal.

Filipe, the owner Felice Falanga, Shelley and Ray

Overall another great adventure in Alicante. Each day brings new adventures and experiences.

“Adios y que Tenga un grand dia”

Alicante, Spain
Spain

The City of Cartagena

We went to Cartagena and explored this wonderful city. Located on the coast of the mediterraneanĀ sea, it has a long and rich history. We walked through the streets in the old quarter of Cartagena and admired some of the unique architecture.

Architecture in the old quarter in Cartagena

What was very different was the walkway itself which was covered in beautiful marble and was polished smooth.

the polished marble on the walkways in theĀ old quarter of Cartagena

We walked along the streets and came across city hall which had nice architectural features.

City hall in Cartagena Spain

We went into city hall and checked out the lobby area. There was security at the door and we were not able to explore the remainder of city hall.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the main stairway in city hall in Cartagena

The ceiling had beautiful features and was stunning to see.

Ceiling above the main staircase in city hall in Cartagena

The outside features of city hall were also impressive.

above the main entrance of city hall in Cartagena
A section of city hall in Cartagena

The building was attacked repeatedly over the centuries and there are remnants of damage from cannon balls hitting the building.

Damage caused by a cannon ball visible on the wall at city hall

We then walked down towards the waterfront and admired the views from the boardwalk.

Boardwalk area near the waterfront in Cartagena, Spain

We came across a sailor and decided to get our picture taken with him.

Ray and Shelley with statue of sailor near the waterfront in Cartagena, Spain

The views from the waterfront were great and we walked the full length of the boardwalk.

The marina area in Cartagena, Spain

We saw many beautiful boats and the view of the mountains was spectacular. Overall a very enjoyable day in Cartagena.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

 

Spain

Cartagena Medieval wall and Crypt

We went to check out the Cartagena Punic Wall Interpretation known as “El Centro de interpretacion de la murallĀ Punica”. The Punic wall interpretation center was built to the same dimensions asĀ of the wall height and width of the original wall. The center highlights the recovery of remains from the ancient Carthaginian wall which was used as a defensive wall system in Cartagena.

The design of the wall is known as the Hellenistic model. It has two parallelĀ walls constructed with large sandstone blocks. The walls were 10 meters high (33 feet) and inside the walls, thereĀ was space divided into different sections. Each section was used for a specific purpose, horse stable, weapons storage and living quarters etc.

View from above of the ancient wall

We walked through the center looking at the remains of the wall. It was hard to imagine that the walls were built around 200 BC.

Punic wall build approximately 200 BC

We then came to the stairs which led to an area that was discovered to contain a funeral crypt. The crypt belonged to the hermitage of Saint Joseph and was built during the XVI and XVII centuries.

Stairs to Roman catacombs

We went down the stairs and saw the crypt which contained actual remains from that time period. At the base of the stairs, the crypt was opened on one side and it was sealed on the other side.

Funeral crypt built during the XVI and XVII centuries

Inside the open crypts, there were remains from that time period.

Crypts dated from 16th and 17th centuries

The one side of the crypt was intact and was not opened. The original wall along with a painted image which was slightly visible.

Painted image visible on the crypt wall
The original sealed crypt section

The wall and crypt were very interesting and something we enjoyed seeing. There is an amazing history of Cartagena and it was an enjoyable visit.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”