Spain
Trip Start
Jul 18, 2008
1
13
32
Trip End
Sep 03, 2008
Torrevieja,
Valencian Country,
Spain and Canary Islands
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Torrevieja Spain
Home
Ahhhhh, It is exactly what we all needed. Peace. Laundry, pool, wine, and coffee.
We arrived in Alicante last night by first class train (it was nicer than our transatlantic flight if you can believe it!) at about 10 pm. The car rental place that we had booked a car from was, of course, at the airport, and we were a day late arriving. Upon reviewing our options, #1 take a train or cab to the airport, hope the car rental place is still open and hope that they don't charge us for the one day we missed due the challenges we have faced over the last two days. and then drive to the villa in Torrevieja, (45 mins) or #2 get a car here at the train station, pay the 70 pound fee (that they probably would charge anyway) for not showing up for our reserved car and hope that we can also claim this cost on our travel insurance. We voted for #2
We got a really nice car, just big enough for the five of us and our luggage and off we went, we did have some challenges with reverse gear. Once we were shown that you have to lift a ring on the gear shift we were fine
The Market
. We were starting to settle down and feel more comfortable. We missed the road we were to take and ended up driving all over Torrevieja in the dark. Joanne's challenges of knowing left from right was quite amusing. Watching her hold her right hand up and sternly claiming that it was her left hand, and then holding her left hand up and claiming that it was her right entertained us all! Amazing what sleep deprivation and late night navigating can do to people! Everything is so much more difficult in the dark, one way streets were hard to navigate and we did get a bit stressed out, as all Canadian Prairie drivers do when we are tired and stressed and hungry and hilly (ya not flat) we had some difficulties with the clutch, it was an adjustment that would have been easier to make in the daylight and with food and sleep.
But we did finally find the villa, it's wonderful. The first thing we did was open a bottle of red wine (thanks Auntie B) Two bedrooms full bathroom with a bidet that the kids think is amusing. They have a full kitchen and front and back patios. The patios have some amazing plants a lemon or lime tree a kumquat tree some kind of palm and so much more. We have lunch out there today it was lovely. The washing machine is currently on and Bob and the kids are down the walk using the private pool. The sun is hot but the villa is very comfortable.
The temperature showed 35 on the thermometer and we've not seen it drop below A comfortable 29. It's a different kind of heat, there is wind and it's not as heavy as at home
Seeking deals
. Last night we went to the market that was set up down by the beaches and marina. We bought a few gift like things and Brady bought himself a drum. It's a great little drum but we all wish he would put it away for a while. The kids have enjoyed sleeping in and going to the pool. This break was perfectly timed!
Bob Becky Cass and Brady all put their feet in the Mediterranean Sea. I stayed up on the sidewalk with my foot. The water was crystal clear and you could see right to the bottom.
We ate al fresco on the patio last night at about ten; Bob made us a wonderful dinner of beef kabobs salad veggies and fresh Spanish bread. it was yummy! We even had ice cream for dessert. Bob and I enjoyed another bottle of red wine (cost 1 euro!)
While Bob was making supper, Cass entertained us all with "potato songs" we recorded him on the laptop he was very funny. The night we drove through the states with my parents we were also entertained by Cass and his potato songs. The return of his sense of humor means finally we have all gotten over what happened in Paris. The worst thing the thieves took from us all was our comfort and security. What it gave us...a deep appreciation for Canada. Comfort for me returned the first morning we were here in my aunt and uncles villa and I had coffee from a cup my grandparents had when I was little. Ahhhhhh...
Our first day here we went to the local supermarket, and what a huge store! Everything you need to survive, along with an incredible fresh seafood market, displaying the day's fresh catches, including octopus, lobster, crab, shrimp, sardines, and a huge variety of large fish. All placed on crushed ice beds. Very neat! We are headed back to that district today for more sightseeing, and in search of internet!
Love the Koltzoo Crew!
Comments
Wish we were there
Hello all
Lovely to hear you made it! Great to see the photos. We really appreciate your blog, it was a great idea to keep us up to date with your travels. Auntie B xxx
la playa, sol y augua
Hi all, glad to hear you are all a bit more relaxed and enjoying 'Casita Jazmin' - enjoy the sun and get a nice tan for next week - see you in a few days xx
Sounds wonderful
Hi everyone. Sounds like things have finally settled down and you're enjoying the sights. Very, very well written descript of the day, I can just picture it all. Rome sounds wonderful, the scenery, the architect, the history. Wish I was there. Just an update, Jack & Sheryl have moved, Kurt & Wendy were in for the week-end and Bev & Rich are here for the remainder of the week. And there is no happiness in Bomberville.... lost to Toronto. Take care, We send our, and miss you even more,
Mom & DAD