Three Failed Plans and a Party

Have you ever had an experience so amazing, so surreal, so astonishing, that you cannot believe it is actually happening? Our last full day in Spain will forever be embedded in our memories as one such day.It was meant to be a quiet affair comprising a stroll to the city, a nice restaurant for lunch, … Continue reading Three Failed Plans and a Party

The Musician and the wee Scottish lass

Our very good friends, Bob and Irene are a couple of sexagenarians (no, not that, they are aged between 60 and 69) who we met in 2017. Following a chance meeting while eating tapas at Mr Grumpy’s* (not his real name) we became immediate and firm friends. Despite the years that have passed and the … Continue reading The Musician and the wee Scottish lass

The awesome and alarming El Caminito Del Rey

Our Friday fun-day adventure was to walk the 5km El Caminito del Rey (The King's Little Path).  It’s a walkway that clings precariously to the vertical sides of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, with the Guadalhorce River churning across the rocks some 100 metres below. If you’re afraid of heights, it’s the stuff of nightmares. The walkway … Continue reading The awesome and alarming El Caminito Del Rey

Spanish Beaches & Restaurants …. I Will Survive

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and based on the thousands of people who flock to Costa de Sol beaches every day, there’s a lot of beauty to be found on the playas of southern Spain. This beach (pictured) is called Playa-Balneario Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Beach Spa of Our Lady of Carmen) … Continue reading Spanish Beaches & Restaurants …. I Will Survive

Puerto de Malaga

It’s an amazing place for people watching. I love to watch the Northern Europeans and the Brits as they straggle from the beach to the bars and restaurants. They glow pinkly from too much sun or too much cerveza, or both. Their feet are sandy, the shirts are off, and they grin widely as they walk along the promenade, volleyballs and beach umbrellas held hostage under sweaty armpits.

Sobremesa and El Paseo

Sobremesa is a Spanish word that describes the time, after a meal, when everyone sits around the table, chatting. It’s about good food, friends and communication. The translation is 'sobre' (on or about) 'mesa' (table). After the meal, it’s usually the time for ‘el paseo’, the custom which sees Spaniards promenade leisurely through the main … Continue reading Sobremesa and El Paseo

The village of Monte Gordo

Our little adventure in Portugal continues with a day trip to Monte Gordo. But before we get to that, I must tell you about last night's “nightcap” at the Palace bar. The bar had run out of Limoncello, so Tiago the barman, gave us what he called a traditional Portuguese nightcap. Holy moly - I … Continue reading The village of Monte Gordo

Gibraltar

We should have known Gibraltar was going to be a disaster the moment Ross nearly ran over the British border security guy. To be fair, it wasn’t really Ross’ fault. The border security guy pointed to a spot at his feet, and dutifully, Ross drove right to that very spot! He’s very obedient, and follows … Continue reading Gibraltar