Nerja, Costa del Sol

It was an early start for us this morning as we were setting off down the coast to Nerja, Costa del Sol...

We had decided to book the Paradores at Nerja for our 2 night stay and had splashed out on one of their Junior Suites....well it is Christmas!

The Paradores in Spain are owned and administered by the Spanish Government and are usually unique properties such as castles, old monasteries and historic buildings..they are of a very high standard and this one does not disappoint!

The location is on a cliff top overlooking the beach..

The weather is warm and sunny and you wouldn't think it was December...people in the sea swimming, on the beach sunbathing...

The suite itself is lovely and far exceeded our expectations with every home comfort you can imagine..

We decided to explore the centre of the town and meet up with the friends who we had come to visit...Paul and Clair we are here until New Years Day...pretty spanish tiles adorn the properties along the narrow winding streets..

Once you reach the centre of the town you are rewarded with a beautiful open area called the Plaza de Europa which gives you a spectacular panoramic view...

The sea is so clear...

Oh....the man on the right is King Alfonso the 14th I think..don't know how he managed to sneak in the photo..!

Later that evening we decided to eat in a local Mexican restaurant...1st time for John & I..it was ok..

Loved the sombrero light shades...

Afterwards we meandered through the festively lit streets...it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas..!

I just adore the way the Spanish decorate their shop windows too, and I found a very pretty shop with crochet mandala type dream catchers all in white which I thought...I can make that!!

A lovely evening.....so see you tomorrow! X

 

 

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Garrucha Market Day..

Friday and it has to be Garrucha Market Day!

First things first is a visit to Ana's for hot chocolate and churros..

Had a wander around the market and bought a couple of items then we headed back through Garrucha to a quite newish beach front located bar and restaurant called Boracay..

The location is ideal...right on the beach..

The decor is very nice, whitewashed wood etc..

The weather is so warm here for this time of year that the flowers on the succulents are flowering already..

Lastly...on the recommendation of a neighbour here in Mojacar, we purchased a Humax FreeSat box before we left the UK...well it has certainly exceeded our expectations and works a treat...

We can watch, record, pause, rewind..just like at home plus all in HD...so much better than the Sky box...so thanks Steve & Sue for the info on this one...

Got to go and pack now for our weekend in Nerja, Costa del Sol...can't keep up with the pace here!!

Back soon....signing off...X

 

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Bits and bobs...this 'n' that!

Just a few bits and bobs whilst I remember, and get myself up to date here...

24 degrees here at midday...not bad for December...

Visited the new Lidl and discovered a bread that we REALLY enjoy...

Whilst out and about in Mecadona supermarket we just had to photograph the Christmas/New Year opening times...we'd never remember if we didn't!!

Johns recent purchase...with money from Mum for his birthday... A really warm quilted jacket from Decathlon..looking good Johnny!

Last but not least..two Secret Santa gifts...they both contain crochet items and both packages are decorated with Hama bead Christmas Decorations....

I love making these Hama bead items, it's so relaxing, but you must have patience..

Pretty eh?

 

Signing off now...back tomorrow....X

 

 

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Bike ride around the area...

Today we decided to dust off the bikes, so we took them up to the garage and gave them a wash...

Then we headed off to Garrucha Puerto where we parked up and got the bikes ready...

We then rode along the long paseo at Vera Playa that is ideal for bike enthusiasts like us...it's all flat!

Just before you ride into Puerto Rey there is a pretty lagoon..just outside of the Laguna Restaurant..

Then we headed around this logo on onto Puerto Rey..nice and flat...that'll do nicely!

Pretty sights along the way...plus some unusual ones too...well we did ride through the Naturists area!

Mother....avert your eyes..!

Anyway..... Like I said we did have a great 17.5km ride and the weather was warm, so you couldn't of asked for a more pleasant way to get your daily dose of exercise!

Signing off....see you next time...

 

 

 

 

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New Adventure!

Well it's that time of year again...and we've travelled back down to Mojacar (via Zaragoza) for our over winter stay...

As I promised I would get this blog back up and running as soon as I could, here are a few snaps I took along the way..

We took the ferry from Portsmouth to Santander and I must confess it way a little rough! It didn't stop us scoffing down a full English though!

24 hrs later we arrived in Santander..

It took us approx 5 hours to reach Zaragoza...we stay here as it's ideal for shopping and visiting this lovely city with its historic architecture...Here are a few pics of the Venecia Shopping Mall on the outskirts in all its Christmas Wonderland glory!

After a two night stop we travelled on down to Mojacar, but decided just past Valencia that it would be great to stop off in Benidorm for 1 night...so we did!

The next morning we headed down the motorway bound for Mojacar...we arrived mid afternoon..

It's taken a few days to get settled in, sort & tidy all our belongings we brought with us for our 4-5 month stay...but we're getting there!

I will post agin soon..to be honest I was worried I'd forgotten how to create a post on my blog...it's been that long!

See you all soon...xx