Blogs from Region of Murcia, Spain, Europe - page 5

The date - November 2015. The place- Claude’s meeting room. The purpose – high level talks. The subject matter – where to spend Christmas. The biggest concern – running low on beer!! Yes, dear readers, Wendy the navigator called an emergency meeting over our destination for the festivities. Our original plans were to head for a campsite at a place called Cabo de Gata, but moves were afoot to alter these as Wendy had heard a rumour that the weather there was not to be up to our usual standard. As you can imagine, your correspondent was shocked by this news and immediately had to open a can of beer – although the possible reason was that his latest one was empty. While I was in the fridge collecting, Wendy and Cusco the chief spaniel, quickly ... read more

Now, where were we…..oh yes, we had just left Valencia – a mere four months or so ago. My goodness, what a lot has gone on in that time, so dear readers, if you all come a bit closer and sit down by the fire, I shall bring you a bit more up to date… We dusted down Claude, which, to be honest didn’t really make much difference as he is now in full desert camouflage colouring. If we parked him on the beach, he would just blend in with the colouring. This has led to a few deep and meaningful conversations over whose responsibility it is to clean him. Wendy the Navigator pointed out that her job is to navigate, while Cusco the Chief Spaniel gave me a look of scorn and explained that his ... read more

Our tour continued slowly along the coast. We were looking forward to coming "home". We have been connected to the Costa Blanca since the 70 ties. We have lived in Alfaz Del Pi. We could feel the temperature change as we passed Valencia and finally reached Calpe. We are curios to meet our old friends. This area of Spain must definately have the best all year climate. On the first of november it was arranged the first "julebord" with "lutefisk", beer and akvavit on the meny. It took place in restaurant Fandango in Albir. More than 60 guest taking part in the tradition. It was strange to sit outside in the sun and eating a traditional Christmas meal. But after 8 hours of eating and drinking it was time to go back to our base. We ... read more

My journey from Benicassim to Morella involved a bus to Castellon (getting off at the last bus stop), a taxi to the bus station and then an almost 3 hour bus trip to Morella. The direct route between Castellon and Morella is about 110 km, but the bus travels in and out of 13 villages . On the way we dropped off parcels, changed drivers and even though by this stage the bus was running 20 minutes late, stopped to have a chat with a mate! I was beginning to wonder if it was going to be worth it. A number of people had recommended a visit to Morella but getting there is not the easiest thing. Rounding the last hill, Morella came into view. Like Toledo, it stands high above the surrounding countryside. It looked ... read more

You might ask 'Where is Benicassim?' and 'Why has Deb gone there?' In answer, I wanted to go to beach town (I feel I've had enough of castles, cathedrals etc for a while!) but not a touristy one, especially not one over run with... English tourists. Lonely Planet describes Benicassim as 'scarcely a couple of blocks wide, stretches for 6 km along the coast. It has been a popular resort since the 19th century when wealthy Valencian families built summer residences here. Today 75% of summer visitors are Spanish'. It is north of Valencia, on what is called the Costa del Azahar - the Orange Blossom Coast! After a five and a quarter hour train journey (thank goodness I did not have to change trains as I originally thought!), I reached Benicassim. The good sign was ... read more