We took a two-week trip to Canada to visit family and friends. We arrived at the Ottawa airport on the new 737-800 Next Generation without any issues. We were met by our friend Jim, who picked us up at the airport. On the way to Pembroke we stopped at Costco to pick up a few things. Shelley is a big fan of the store and enjoyed the opportunity to “visit” Costco.
Shelley in front of the Costco Store in Ottawa
After visiting Costco, we headed to Pembroke and arrived without any issues. Visiting family and friends is always enjoyable and warms the heart. We spent our two weeks trying to see everyone possible and to spent valuable time with each of them.
Ray and his dad on a walking trail
We even went to an iconic restaurant “Wilno Tavern. ” We enjoyed a great polish meal and spent time with some of our friends.
Shelley, Anne, Jim and Ray infront of the Wilno Tavern
The two weeks went very fast and before we knew it we were heading back to Alicante. The trip takes almost 24 hours and is very tiring. Arriving back home we were able to rest a bit before our next adventure.
There was a “Street Food Market” event here on the weekend in Alicante. We decided to head down on Sunday and check it out. It was being held in the Plaza Seneca.
Shelley at the Plaza Seneca in Alicante
We walked down to the plaza and were surprised to see rows of different types of food trucks and a beer pavilion with picnic tables.
Some of the food trucks in Plaza Seneca
We walked through the rows of food trucks checking them out before deciding what to have for our meal. It was a difficult decision because of the many options available and the great smells coming from different trucks.
Different food trucks in Plaza Seneca.
Ray found a food truck that was selling pulled pork and he decided to have a pulled pork sandwich.
Pulled pork signs at one of the food trucksRay ordering his pulled pork sandwich
Shelley decided to try a different food truck and ordered a veggie burger. Â We picked up our food and went to the picnic table to enjoy it.
Shelley with her veggie burger.
We enjoyed our food truck meal and had a great Sunday in the Plaza Seneca in Alicante.
Enrique Mendoza winery is considered one of the better wines in the Alicante Region. Each year they have a weekend where you can buy a ticket and tour the inner sanctum of the winery. We decided to go with some friends and take part in the event. We bought out tickets which were expensive and limited to 250 per day and set out for a day of wine adventure.
Enrique Mendoza Wine ticketTram Station at 6:30am
The day began early because of the distance we needed to travel using the transit systems. We were at the Tram station at 6:30 am waiting for the tram.
The Tram to Benidrom
We took the tram to Benidorm where we disembarked and then took a train to the town of Alfàs Del Pi. This small town is located at the foot of the Serra Gelada mountain. We began our walk up the mountain to the winery.
Walking along the sidewalk in the town of AlfĂ s Del Pi
We continued walking our way up the mountain towards the winery. The views and scenery were beautiful so we stopped to take a selfie and enjoy the moment.
Shelley and Ray on the way up to the Enrique Mendoza Winery
We continued up the mountain and finally came to the winery.
Reaching the Enrique Mendoza wineryLineup for entrance to the winery
The main entrance was lined up with people getting into the winery. We joined the queue and waited our turn to enter the winery. Once we entered the winery we explored the grounds for a while.
Wine barrels set up for people to use as tables.Sampling area for different wines of Enrique Mendoza
We decided to go and take part is some of the wine education sessions.
One of the wine cellar in Enrique Mendoza WineryRay and Pepe Mendoza-winemakerSamples of wine being served in the wine class
We learned about the different aspects of wine making and the different grapes, soil, temperature etc. There was even an area set up to smell the different aromas of wine.Â
Aroma sampling containers for the smells of different wines.Shelley trying the different aromas of wine
After the wine class, we decided to take a break and enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese tray.
Christine, Sonja and Shelley enjoying some snacks and wine.
We enjoyed the food and wine throughout the day. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time with our friends.
Marcelo, Ray, Shelley, Sonja, Paco, Christine at the Enrique Mendoza
After sampling different wines and enjoying some food we headed back home. It was a long day but a very enjoyable time.
We had the opportunity to see the “ProcesiĂ³n de Santa Cruz” on Holy Wednesday (March 28, 2018) from a great spot. We were invited to watch the parade from the balcony at our friends home. They live in the heart of Santa Cruz and on the main route of the procession.
The view from the parade route in the area where we were situated.
We enjoyed time visiting with our friends before the start of the procession. I could see on the street below large crowds of people lining up to get a good spot to watch the parade.
Ray on the balcony overlooking the route of the procession
The procession began with a band of Romans marching and playing music.
Roman guards playing music in the processionProcession of band dressed on Roman attire
The procession in Santa Cruz includes a long history and tradition. The “floats” are carried by approximately 30 people who are chosen for the honour. The weight of the “Paso” or float is approximately 1500 lbs or more depending on the specific paso.
The paso of Jesus on the cross
We watched as they carried the different “pasos” down the narrow and steep stairs of Santa Cruz. It was amazing to watch just how hard and difficult it was.
The Paso being carried through the narrow street of Santa Cruz
There was a paso of the Virgin Mary which was carried by only women.
Virgin Mary paso carried by women in the processionTouching of a paso as it goes by in the procession
There is a belief that if you can touch one of the pasos in the procession it will bring you luck for the year. Many people reach out and touch them as they go by.
People dress in Black and wear veils to “Mourn” during the procession. They wear elaborate black clothing and some cry and moan as they go through the procession.
People dress in black and “mourn” in the procession
Even the young children take part in the procession.
A Child dressed in traditional mourning clothing for the procession
We stayed and watched the entire procession from the balcony and enjoyed the time with friends. At around 11 pm the procession and floats returned on the same route. We stayed and watched it for a second time coming up the street. It was amazing to see the amount of effort and work it took to get the floats through the narrowest section of the street. Bellow is a video of some of the highlights of the procession.
It was a great experience to watch the procession from such a great vantage point.
We were walking down some of the old streets of Calpe and came across a small outdoor classroom called “Placa de mestre D Francisco Llopis”
Small outdoor classroom in the old streets of Calpe
We decided to go in and take a look at the classroom, It was very unique with tiled walls and benches.
Open arches surrounding the classroom
Each of the three tiled benches had a different table design. Each one was a specific board game layout.
Ceramic benches and tableceramic tiled benches with a centre table with board game design
In addition to the tables, there was a chalkboard and a map of Spain displayed on the wall.
Map of Spain and Blackboard in the outdoor classroom
The map of Spain was made with painted ceramic tile and was detailed with images of the mountains and rivers.
Ceramic painted tiles of the Map of Spain with mountain ridges and rivers
It was a great classroom where students could enjoy the outdoor breeze and the shade on a hot Spanish day. It was neat spot and we are glad we stopped to check it out.
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