Villaricos & Three Kings...and splashing the cash!

On the 3rd January we decided to set off on a long cycle ride to Villaricos..

We had only travelled about 1000metres and "BANG"...John had a puncture!

After a very quick repair pit stop we were in our way again...

First stop was Garrucha marina/port..

Once we arrived at Villaricos we headed straight for the Churros stand... We needed revitalising!!

It was the busiest we had seen it there for some time...warm weather and still the holiday season swelled the crowds no doubt...

It's wonderful to walk through the streets and see oranges growing on the trees..

Busy market day today!!..

After a meander around the market and marina we headed back to Mojacar..total kms = 41.5!!

On the eve of the 5th January Spain celebrates "Three Kings Eve"... This is when children will get left their gifts (if they've been good!).

Most villages, towns and cities celebrate with parades of the three kings through the streets tossing out sweets & candy to the crowds..

We decided this year to stay and watch the Mojacar parade...we normally go to Garrucha..

The three kings came out on the Town Hall balcony to wave to the crowds before setting off..

Three white horses led the parade...

The children who assist the Three Kings followed.....

Then the Mojacar Musical Band followed...

Once the Three Kings had got onto their floats they were off...to be honest it wasn't as good as Garrucha but we are glad we've seen it...

Local news....earlier in the year Mojacar Town Hall announced they were extending the Paseo and work is forging ahead..

It should look pretty good by the time they've finished and will mean you can walk for so much longer all along the front..

Not content with the car breaking down earlier this month..

The washing machine decided to give up the ghost, so we had to go and splash the cash again & buy a new one..

They were able to deliver the same day..but they didn't bank on the fact we lived at the top of a very steep hill!!

All's well that ends well..and it is all up and running..

Today is:

So we're taking it easy today..pottering around here..me doing what I love best...

Making a cover for my iPhone...

And having lunch on the terrace...

Mixed salad with cranberries, walnuts, cheese and dark spanish honey...

Life's sooo hard sometimes....!

'Till next time....adios...

 

 

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Happy New Year...2016!

Well it's been a while since my last blog post....but Happy New Year to anyone & everyone that may read my blog!

We saw 2016 in with a bang at Mojacar Pueblo..traditional cava & 12 grapes to gulp down at midnight..plus the fireworks afterwards...I took my own seedless grapes this year just so I could achieve what I've never been able to do in all the years we've been here, and that's swallow them all..and it worked!!!

It was a really lovely evening...here's to 2016..

On New Years Day we decided to catch our local Baraza bus to Vera. We often use our local Mojacar buses, but decided to venture further afield..partly to find out how they operate, where they go and how much the journey costs etc...

The Christmas decorations are still up...

Vera is pretty, and although quiet today, it can get busy on market day = Saturday's..

Obligatory coffee stops along the way are the norm!

The buses stopped running at 1pm so we had to walk back...quite a way but we took our time, walking along the beach for part of the way...

A treat....Paella and a cold bottle of crisp white wine..Mmmmmm went down a treat!

Walked that off by another walk along the shoreline..heading in the home direction!

 

Walked through Garrucha Fish Port & Marina on the way home...very pretty...

Once we arrived in Mojacar it transpired that the local buses were running that evening so we were lucky enough to catch a bus for the last part of the journey home!...I've never been so pleased to see a bus!

See you next time!......

 

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Christmas Wishes...

Well it's that time of year again....Christmas..

Here in Mojacar we have been going about our daily business and thoroughly enjoying ourselves..

A couple of days ago we popped into a newish beach bar/restaurant that was nearing renovation when we were last here. It's slap bang on the beach in the neighbouring town of Garrucha and its called Boracay..

It's beautifully situated and we sat and enjoyed a cafe con leche whilst admiring the view...

Last weekend we visited the Costa del Sol town of Nerja and whilst there we visited a Rastro market on the Sunday morning... there I spied a lady selling vintage cotton, embroidered items such as blankets, table cloths and ladies tops.. One item particularly caught my eye, it was a very stylish, simple blanket in just three colours, red, green and white. It had a very Scandinavian style to it and after studying it at great length I have set about recreating it...

All will be revealed once complete!

Due to the fact that we had been away until the Monday we were somewhat behind with putting up our Christmas decoration so yesterday we set about rectifying that... The result?...see for yourself!

Festive bunting draped across the patio doors hand made by "Party Lou"....I'm partial to a bit of bunting at ANY time of year!

I have a mixture of handmade decorations, made my myself and my Mum, decorations bought on our travels around the world, decorations given to us as gifts by friends and decorations that we first bought when we came to Mojacar...so all get unwrapped for another year and displayed with love...

Two giant wooden Santa's purchased the 1st year in Mojacar...

The two little angels are from Palm Springs...

Hand knitted Santa and Gnome made by Mum!!

 

Mini glass baubles...

Hand crocheted covers for a set of Christmas lights given to us by dear friends...

We don't have a fairy on top of our tree...we have a Spanish Matador jacket hand made by the wife of the guy who shows visitors around the bullring at Vera!!

The fruit, veg and turkey are ready for the morning...

Our last Zumba class has been attended to...with Christmas cake and Cava afterwards..We worked hard for that!!...

And a VERY light lunch today in preparation for the monster Christmas Day dinner that we will undoubtedly consume tomorrow...

So...whatever you're up to at this particular time of year...I hope ALL your Christmas come true..

Have a great Christmas...see you all soon...xx

 

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