Easter day at home, the world in shock as Pontiff dies on Easter Monday, Pope Francis a man of the people who led through example, "kulich" from my neighbour for Russian Easter and other stories of the week.

 Sunday, 27th April, 2025

Happy in my new t shirt with a Pippa like motif. Just couldn't resist it. 

Good morning everyone. How are you all? 

I am still shocked at the sudden death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. 

Pope Francis, a man of the people who led through example with humility.

I knew he was very ill and saw just how frail he was when he gave what would be his last Urbi et Orbi in St. Peter's Square last Sunday, but never expected him to die the very next day. I am not a Catholic although I have many links to this church, so why should I be sad? I think the answer is that this extraordinary Argentinian,  touched everyone's lives even if they were not believers.  He was a man of the people who said what he thought and had great empathy as well as a wonderful sense of humour. He led by example which is one of the best ways to lead. His main example was to be on the side of the poor and the marginalised, just like Jesus. He owned nothing, had no bank account and even though he was entitled to a 6 figure salary he rejected it. When he died all he had in his pocket was 100 euros; his only possessions a cheap watch, a bible and a pair of old shoes. When he became Pope he chose the name Francis after Francis of Assis, the saint of poverty and simplicity. Francis, then Bergoglio, had taken a lifelong vow of poverty. Not for him the trimmings and the luxurious life of many in the Vatican. He made that clear the day he was elected Pope in 2013.  He refused to wear the red shoes and more importantly refused to live in the Papal quarters, preferring to live in the more simpler Santa Marta residence with just 2 rooms. The other reason was that he wanted to live with people and not alone. He may not have reformed the church as much as he would have wanted but it is enough for me to hear from a Pope "who am I to judge homosexuals?". One of his main messages was forgiveness and after seeing the film The Two Popes and two documentaries about his life, I think I understand why. He himself was not without sin and will be forever criticised for his behaviour during the Military dictatorship in his home country. We were not there, we don't really know what happened but from what I understand he could not blatantly make a stand against the Junta if he wanted to help from behind the scenes. 

Last Sunday he made a surprise appearance in St. Peter's Square. After so many months of serious illness, he was not expected to give the Easter blessing called Urbi et Orbi (to the city - of Rome - and to the world) but he did. 

The Pope's last Urbi et Orbi last Sunday

He then got into the Popemobile and went around the famous square in what must have been a huge effort for this frail Christian who wanted to go on working even when his body no longer could. As I watched him I wondered if it would be his last Easter Blessing. It was of course, but I didn't expect him to die the next morning. It seems fitting though that he died on Easter Monday, a day of joy in the Christian calendar. 

Our Easter day was very quiet. Of note we went on our walk and should be doing so daily but have got a bit lazy. I made an effort and served a proper roast meal with chicken and all the trimmings. This was it.

Our lunch on Easter Day

We also enjoyed the milk chocolate Lindt Easter egg which mostly Suzy and I ate at lunch and at dinner. 

Meanwhile in Santa Pola, it was Oli and family's last day of their Easter holidays. That day they went to the beach and actually swam. Good for them. Here is a picture to remember their day.

Juliet, Elliot and Miguel on the beach last Sunday in Santa Pola

To avoid the holiday traffic they had postponed their return till Easter Monday. Facebook reminded me that two years ago that day, we had set off on our first and most extraordinary road trip all the way to Armenia. We went off again last year at the beginning of May and got as far as Turkey. I'm afraid there won't be any more road trips for as long as Suzy is in our care.

That morning I was busy with guests leaving and guests coming .I was showing Fernanda from Costa Rica how to work the TV in her room when I learned of the death of Pope Francis, aka Jorge Bergoglio, aged 88. It was 10.30 and I saw the news on Oli's programme, La Hora de la 1. He had died of a stroke at 07.30 that very morning, the day after his last Orbi et Urbi. I just couldn't believe it, or rather I could as he was so ill, but I was in shock and even shed a few tears. I didn't know the man, I am not a proper believer and nor am I a Catholic, yet I reacted as such. He has touched so many lives in such a humble and normal way, that for me, at least in my life, he is the best Pope of my times. Christians around the world were in shock too and the news is ongoing. TV stations flocked to St. Peter's Square to cover the news of his death, the estimated 250.000 people who queued up to see his coffin, his funeral on Saturday and of course the famous Conclave when a new Pope will be elected. 

The Pope lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican this week

There are 252 cardinals, 110 of them appointed by the Pope himself. However as cardinals aged over 80 can neither take part in the voting nor become Pope, only 135 will be at the Conclave, the date of which has not yet been fixed. The big question is whether a Pope of the same mind as Francis will be elected or whether it will be a Ratzinger like man. My hope is for the former. 

Life continued for us of course and that day saw us out on our walk and then on  errands. It was a sunny day and has been sunny all week. 

Tuesday saw Olivia reporting from the Apostolic Nunciature  where the King and Queen of Spain would be paying their respects by signing the book of condolonce for the Pope

Oli reporting from the Apostolic Nunciature in Madrid  

They would also be attending his funeral, God bless the man. Olivia took the chance to interview the Pope's Nunciature in Spain, Cardinal Bernardito Cleopas Auza, from the Philippines. My daughter asked him whether a Pope like Francis would be elected, meaning a reformist. His answer was that there isn't another Francis. Olivia concluded the Apolostolic Nuncio is a conservative. At least she got to ask a question to a member of the Conclave; any journalist's wish at this moment.  

It was a joy to have Oli for lunch that day and she certainly brightened our lives up. We made plans for Suzy's birthday events - she turns 41 tomorrow and we saw her again on Saturday when she, her husband and kids came for a special pre birthday family lunch.

My neighbour, Ekaterina, also cheered me up that afternoon when she brought me some Kulich and coloured eggs - staple foods for Russian Easter. Of note, this year,  the Russian Orthodox Julian calendar coincided with the Gregorian calendar of the Western Christian churches. It was a lovely gift and reminded me of my childhood when my mother lovingly prepared Russian Easter. Kulich is a special cake which is very similar to panettone.  This was it.

Kulich and coloured eggs from my Russian neighbour, Katya. Thank you and Христос воскрес
(Christ has risen in Russian and the traditional greeting at Easter) 

On Wednesday Suzy joined us for our morning coffee out which we had at the churros bar but didn't eat any - promise. It was a happy moment and as I don't have many photos for this week's blog post, I asked her to take one of us. This is us, growing old gracefully together. I wouldn't want to be married to any other person than my dear husband Eladio, my partner in life.

Coffee with Eladio, the highlight of my days

While out, we took Pippa to the local vet to weigh her. You will remember she had a back problem and was put on a diet to lose 600 grammes. She had only lost 100 grammes but I suppose that is the equivalent of 1 kilo for an adult human being. Poor Pips.

That afternoon I went to have my second shingles jab. Both Eladio and I signed up for the jab as he got it and badly in Armenia two years ago. I will always remember how well we were treated at the local health centre in Dilijan. I expected a terrible place but was pleasantly surprised at just how efficiently it was run. We were seen by a dermatologist who only spoke Russian or Armenian. The dear man resorted to ringing his son who spoke English to be his translator. We had insurance but it wasn't needed. Everything was free except for the medication. It took weeks for Eladio to recover properly so when we were offered the jab in December we didn't hesitate for a minute. If you haven't had yours, go for it because shingles can be very dangerous. While at the clinic I bumped into my neighbour and friend, Elena and her mother Angeles. Elena who was also a communications director and who I met in the sector, spends her retirement almost perpetually on cruises with her husband. Not my choice, but she loves it. 

Thursday came and the temperature rose to 24ºc which meant we could now have meals on the kitchen patio which is heaven for us. In the morning I accompanied Eladio to that God forsaken town on the outskirts of Madrid called Móstoles where I have horrible memories of the trial to oust our Russian squatter, Felipe Turover. While Eladio went to get one of his hearing aids repaired I scoured the cheap Chinese boutiques for summer clothes. That's where I found the t shirt with a Pippa on it which I just could not resist. 

While we were out and about, Elliot and Juliet, were, naturally at school. I mention this in today's blog because that day Oli sent us a photo of him in a drawing class. He really is such a handsome little boy and is good at drawing too. Just look.

Elliot in his drawing class this week. 

That night we were much entertained when we watched the film version of the book called Conclave by Robert Harris which I have now read twice. It seemed so fitting to watch it as a real life Conclave is coming up. In the book and film, one of the Cardinals had just been ousted from his post which poses a problem for the Camerlengo. And this very week we have learned that Pope Francis revoked all of Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke's privileges. This prominent and ostentatious American traditionalist opposed the Pope publicly, was ousted by him yet  still insists he is allowed to take part in the Conclave. I think the last thing the late Pontiff wanted was for Burke to take part. It's a disgrace to the Catholic church if he does. 

Friday came and I read that Spain was once again the 2nd most visited country after France and ahead of the USA. However, since Trump has been in power there has been a marked decline in people wanting to visit the US, not just because of the man and his policies but because his border officials seem more fascist than democratic these days. As a non American have you ever had a good experience entering and leaving the USA? I haven't and I hold a UK passport. 

The house was busy again. Our Chinese guests were leaving to be replaced by 7 young people from León and Asturias bringing with them 4 tuned cars which they treated as if they were the most precious thing in the world. There's nowt so queer as folk as they would say in my beloved Yorkshire. Of note that day we had all our meals outside in the good weather and in my diary that day I had included my 7.45 pm weekly jab of Mounjaro. I've been on it since 21st February. Let's see how much I have lost when I weigh myself on Monday. 

Saturday was the highlight of the week as Oli and family were coming for dinner - we thought. While out shopping Oli rang to say they were coming for lunch. Well, thankfully I had plenty of time to improvise a smashing lunch with the help of Tana bless her.

We had cockles and mussels, sushi (for some), pizza (for some), gazpacho and a delicious dish of chicken and rice which I shall be repeating again. Oli had brought Suzy a plant and  huge box of Nestle chocolates. Here is the moment she and Juliet are opening the box.

Juliet and Suzy yesterday opening her box of chocolates

Poor Elliot arrived asleep and remained so until well after we had all finished eating. But he still enjoyed the chicken and rice and cockles and mussels. 

Saturday was of course the day of the Pope's funeral. Had I been alone at home with Eladio we would have watched it from beginning to end. Instead we just watched the summary on the news. I think the Pope planned his own funeral and wanted it to be as simple as it could be for a Pontiff. Doing away with tradition, he was buried at his favourite church, Santa Maria Maggiore, instead of St. Peter's Basilica. He was laid to rest there after a funeral in St. Peter's Square which gathered together politicians and royalty from all over the world as well as 250.000 mourners.It was wonderful to see how the late Pope united the world's leaders at least for one day.  A young Argentinian spoke to the BBC saying "Francis was a very humble person with a big heart who helped many people. It is a very sad day, not only for us Argentinians, but for the whole world." I think he spoke for us all. 

The best seats were given to Italian and Argentinian authorities. The rest, sovereigns, prime ministers and heads of states were seated behind and in alphabetical order in French, the language of diplomacy. Thus I imagine Etats-Unis was near Espagne and Estonie. Not far away was Zelensky with whom Trump had talks with for 15 minutes before the funeral. 

Trump and Zelenski talking about peace in The Vatican. Pope Francis would have been delighted.

The two of them were  also seen together with Macron and Starmer from France and the UK. All seemed upbeat about a potential peace treaty for Ukraine. Padre Francisco you were on the side of peace, on the side of those who live on the edge of society and immigrants, you were also on the side of the planet so I only hope yesterday that you managed to intervene for real peace to happen for Ukraine. I bet you were smiling up there while watching these leaders talk of peace.  

When the funeral was over, the cortege drove slowly through the streets of Rome until it reached the Santa Maria Maggiore Basílica. In a huge break with tradition, Pope Francis had insisted there be room there for those marginalised from society. Thus when his coffin reached its destination it was greeted by transgender women. The interment was private but he had made sure that prisoners, prostitutes and the poor were to be invited and they were. During his 13 years of being Pope he met many people like this with whom he struck up friendships. Will the next Pope be the same? If only. What a man, I take my hat off to him and salute him and thank him for everything he did. The world is a poorer place without him. 

Today is Sunday and will be quiet. Our 8 guests are leaving and our guests from China and Costa Rica are returning. It will be a busy morning for Tana. But then she is off until Tuesday. What would we do without her?

Now my friends, I have come to the end of the  tails of this week which will forever be remembered for the sudden death of Pope Francis. Thank you for everything, you will be sorely missed. RIP.

Cheers my friends until next Sunday,

Masha

c

A handsome man, buying flowers for the pool, Nobel prize winner novelist, Mario Vargas Llosa dies, Olivia and family enjoying the sun in Santa Pola, a woman is a woman, Easter at home and other stories of the week.

 Madrid, Easter Sunday, 20th April, 2025

Moments this week - Suzy with her father, Eladio and little Pippa

Good morning and Happy Easter. 

It will be just Eladio, Suzy and I at home today but we shall celebrate and for the occasion I ordered a lovely Lindt Easter Egg. We decided to stay at home this Easter to avoid the crowds but also because we had just been away. In any case the weather was pretty awful nearly everywhere, except for the Alicante area. That's why Oli and Miguel decided at the last moment to spend the holidays at our apartment near Santa Pola rather than in Montrondo. They were lucky it wasn't booked but that's because of the floor which needs mending. I was very happy they were going and only wished we could be with them but they need their space. Thus I followed their adventures and enjoyed them vicariously. 

I left off last Sunday. That was the day we went to buy flowers for around the pool to replace those that died in the winter. My husband was looking exceedingly dapper that morning so I had to catch him on camera. 

This is Eladio, a handsome man.

Not only dapper I thought, he looked elegant and, although casual, well dressed. His style is very Spanish. If there is one thing the Spaniards do well, it is to dress in style and keep impeccably clean. I like that about them. Everyone here showers once a day or more; a far cry from the 60's in the UK when I remember my father having a bath once a week on a Sunday! He probably also only changed his shirt once a week as I did my school blouse - in fact I only owned one. Times have changed, of course, in the UK but it took a while to catch up with Spain in this aspect. But Eladio's life wasn't always like that. In Montrondo in the 40's, 50's and even 60's no one had a bathroom and he swears most people never bathed. Imagine! So when Fernando, a villager, asked me why our house which we had rebuilt had  4 bathrooms, I had to laugh. My answer was a bit naughty as I told him it's because I wee a lot (hahahaha). Spaniards are known for their good looks and even though my husband doesn't care much about his, I have always found him handsome. His features are even, he has all his hair, some of it still dark,  good skin and good teeth. I think he has about 3 fillings if that. Of the three proverbial adjectives he is dark too but not tall although thankfully taller than me. He does actually read my blog but I suspect only skims through the photos so let's see if he blushes if he reads the above. Love you Eladio. 

Suzy came with us that morning and it was an enjoyable outing for her who hardly gets out at all, bless her. Every year we go to a garden centre called Verdecora where we buy new geraniums and soil. This year we also got a tomato and some strawberry plants which Suzy planted in pots on the kitchen patio. Let's see if they thrive. And here is my handsome husband with our trolley full of the flowers, etc.

Eladio buying flowers last Sunday

Once home, Suzy and Eladio set about planting while I managed the daily task of putting food on the table for lunch. The highlight of Sunday was a video call with Kathy and Phil, friends from my beloved Yorkshire. 

Monday was a difficult day. I had slept really badly, probably because we were taking Suzy to the second session with her therapist. She is always on my mind. We spent ages at the hospital, especially for the monthly injection.

We had a coffee date with Roberto and Mari Carmen at 12 but of course were late. My friend Mari Carmen, the pharmacist, had brought me my third Mounjaro injection pen which contains 4 doses. All in all, I will be on this new appetite suppressant drug for 4 months. So far I have lost around 6kg but there is more to go my friends. It may feel like cheating but why suffer if a drug exists to suppress your appetite?  Not that it is the perfect drug as there are some side effects such as slight nausea and a bit of acid reflux. It's a bit of a contradiction that while taking Mounjaro you just don't enjoy your food as much. 

In the afternoon, Oli, Miguel, Elliot and Juliet came to get the keys for Santa Pola. They came, they cheered us up and made me smile. 

It was sad to hear that day of the death of Mario Vargas Llosa, aged 89,  the Peruvian writer and one of the most important of his generation. Most significantly he holds the Nobel prize for literature.  I only ever read one of his books at Nottingham when I studied Hispanic Studies. It was The City and the Dogs and I found it rather violent. In their obituary, The Times referred to him as the "Latin American Literary giant". The Peruvian novelist was of the stature of Gabriel García Márquz and although once friends, they fell out after the Peruvian slapped the Colombian's face. We will never know whey.  He was also tall dark and handsome as you can see in the photos I have pinched from the obituary.

Mario Vargas Llosa and his Patrician looks

I liked the way the newspaper referred to him as having "Patrician looks". He certainly did look aristocratic and more European than South American. The Times also wrote what I already knew, that he had "a roving eye for women". Vargas Llosa  married his own Aunt, "Julia" and then ditched her for her niece, his cousin, Patricia Llosa. Just after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and the year he won the Nobel Prize, he left her for the famous Spanish socialite, Isabel Preysler. That didn't last probably because Isabel has not much interest in literature and he was soon back in the arms of his cousin and wife of 50 years. I met him in 2006 when in between jobs I organised the ceremony for his Doctor Honoris Causa degree at the UEM University and have a photo with him and the Rector taken after the event. This is it.

With Mario Vargas Llosa (on my right) in 2006

I thought he was extremely charming if a little distant.

Tuesday came and I had slept well which is always good news for me. Reading at night usually helps and that night I finished a classic I had read many years ago. I thoroughly enjoyed rereading I capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. She is more famous as the author of 101 Dalmations but I Capture the Castle is a masterpiece of good reading. It's about an eccentric family living in poverty in a run down castle in England in the 30s. The story is told in the first person by Cassandra and is thoroughly entertaining.

That morning I dragged Eladio to a big shopping centre (Gran Plaza 2) in Majadahonda to buy him a new case for the phone he has inherited from Olivia with a pink case. If he is to look elegant his phone has to also, don't you think? While out we had our proverbial morning coffee at Starbucks. Yes, I know it's American and Spaniards make much better coffee but there is something about this coffee chain I like. Maybe its because they know exactly how to make the foam for my coffee. We did a bit of food shopping too that morning and went to get more flowers, this time giant daisies which I love. We got them in white and in yellow. 

By the time we had finished our siesta, Olivia and family had arrived at our apartment which she told me was sparkling clean - thanks Gina. She also sent some lovely photos of the kids on the beach. One of them is of them with no clothes going into the sea which is wonderful but I just can't show it to you can I in these cancel culture and politically correct times? So here is one of them with their father before they got undressed.

Miguel, Juliet and Elliot on the beach on Tuesday afternoon

Those photos made my day. Of note on Tuesday, we had a new guest, Fernanda from Costa Rica. She is here to do a masters degree in Digital Marketing and to set up a company. Good for her She is a pleasure to host.

That night we started watching a series we found on one of our streaming channels. Called Playing Nice, it is filmed in Cornwall and stars James Norton of Happy Valley fame. The plot is based on the story of two couples who discover their children were switched at birth. Wow, what a story and so well done. But what a nightmare this must be in reality. P.S. in the UK it's on ITV. .

On Wednesday I woke up to the news that the UK High Court says that the legal definition of a woman refers to her biological sex: "Only biological and not trans women meet the definition of a woman under equality laws".  This was in response to whether trans women are protected from discrimination as a woman under the British Equality Act.  With all respect to trans people, I could have said the same. Society goes too far sometimes to protect minorities to the detriment of majorities so I welcome this "landmark ruling"; I really do. I once read that the NHS had actually tried to scrap the word "mother" from their organisation. They didn't in the end but I when I read it I thought that was pure discrimination against women. Thank goodness for common sense. A woman is a woman and always will be and a man who transitions to being a woman is a trans person, not a woman, in my not so humble opinion. 

Wednesday was a quiet day for us. While millions of Spaniards were on holiday either at the beach or in the mountains or in the cities and we were at home, many of my compatriots were living the dream of the Spanish Semana Santa (Holy Week) with its famous processions. Brotherhoods, many dressed as penitents,  are pall bearers of huge  processions with floats of religious images on the streets of almost every city in the country from Palm Suinday to Easter Monday. This is a huge tradition which is both religious historical and cultural as well as very colourful. The most popular perhaps come from Andalusia, especially Seville. Those in the north of the country are more solemn but just as glittering. They really are a sight. Most symbolic is the garb of the penitents called Nazarenes who wear a long robe with a hood and conical tip to demonstrate their penitence but conceal their identity. They may look like the Ku Klux Klan but remember their garments derive from medieval times so it is more likely the KKK copied them but I am not sure.

Spanish Holy Week - an example of the Penitents and a procession

Spain may now be a secular country but no one is asking to do away with these religious processions which are so rooted in the culture. 

On Thursday it was sunny all day for a change and Suzy took advantage by sitting out in the sun with Pippa. I had just picked up my Amazon Easter egg (yes, feeding the giant) and wanted to show it to her. By then she had been joined by her father who she was teaching to do "grounding" (bare feet on the ground) and had to have a photo. It's the one I have chosen for this week's feature photo and I entitled it moments meaning there are good moments in life and this was one of them. I can't wait to dig into it after lunch today and no doubt Suzy too but would you believe that Eladio is not a great chocolate fan? That must have to do with his early life in Montrondo where the biggest sweet treat was honey which he loves.

We went for our walk that day but on the road rather than in the woods where the path would have been full of mud owing to all the rain we have had.  Thus I had coffee at home. Meanwhile, Oli and family were following in our footsteps that day by visiting the Island of Tabarca. It must have been very exciting for the kids as it was their first time on a boat. Here is a video Oli sent me to mark the moment.

Elliot and Juliet on the boat to Tabarca, the island their father swam from to Santa Pola 10 times. 

Like us, they also had lunch at Casa Gloria where they ordered a paella type dish; "arroz a banda" which is typical of Alicante and one of my favourite dishes. This is it.

Elliot and Juliet at Casa Gloria, Tabarca with their "arroz a banda".

Like us too, they had fabulous weather in Santa Pola all week and I was happy for them. 

While they were on the island, the Italian PM, Giorgia Meloni, was in Washington to meet Trump. She was there to talk about trade, of course,  not only for Italy but for the EU too. It went well and she got a lot of praise but only came away with words. Meanwhile, the orange faced mad President has said that if there is no progress on the Ukraine war they may abandon their efforts. Didn't he famously say he could make it go away in 24 hours? Not so easy. Meanwhile too Putin, the Russian madman,  announced an Easter truce until today which doesn't look like it has happened. When will the war be over and what will it mean for Ukraine?

Good Friday came and I dug out 2  frozen and very old hot cross buns, one for Suzy and one for me. I also got out some old crumpets. Thus my breakfast was different and delicious. We went for a walk again - good - but otherwise our day was very quiet, despite 2 new sets of guests arriving.We had guests in Asturias too so were at 90% occupancy. 

In Alicante, meanwhile, Oli and family met up with Merce and her family. The girls met Merce (Mercedes) in Santa Pola when we first bought the place and when they spent their teen summers there. Merce married her childhood sweetheart, José, who, like her, is from the area. Today they have three small children which is quite a lot for our times. We got a photo of them together and I gather they all had a great time and were not home until midnight. 

Oli and family with Merce and family in Alicante on Good Friday

Saturday was quiet too. Suzy joined us on our weekly shop and we had coffee at Manacor, as usual. It was yesterday that Oli and family once again followed  in our footsteps when they visited the Saturday weekly market in Santa Pola. They went to get local oranges and mandarins but also bought little Juliet her second Flamenco dress and shoes. She had grown out of the outfit I bought her there a few years ago. She looks very pleased in the photo Oli sent me.

Juliet, my Spanish granddaughter in the Flamenco outfit her mother got at the local market in Santa Pola yesterday

As I commented to my friend Amanda, who would have ever have guessed in my youth that one day I would have Spanish born grandchildren? Later Oli sent me an audio from 3 year old Juliet telling us they were having a good time at the apartment. 

The highlight of yesterday was a Skype call with my friend Amanda who I had last seen nearly 2 weeks ago in Santa Pola. We had lots to catch up on and chin wagged for about 2 hours. I do wish we lived nearer. The good news is that we will be seeing our friends again in June. 

Today is Easter Sunday, the day of the Resurrection and Christians from all around the world will be celebrating. Russian Orthodox coincides too this year. So now I have told you all the tales of this week, it just remains for me to wish you a Happy Easter again. 

Cheers everyone until next Sunday,

Masha

Last days in Santa Pola with Andy and Amanda, a walk on the beach, playing Parchis, visit to Elche, home again, Pippa goes to the vet, helicopter accident in New York kills a Spanish family of 5, celebrating Miguel's 50th birthday, and other stories of the week.

Madrid,  Sunday, 13th April, 2025

Celebrating Miguel's 50th birthday this week

Good morning again friends and readers.

It's good to be home again but what fun we had with Andy and Amanda in Santa Pola. It was a real break for all of us and a break from the horrible news coming from Washington.  Being with my oldest English friends, I probably became a bit British this week which I hope didn't make my husband feel left out.  We didn't watch the news until we got home on Tuesday thus I am not going to go into the intricacies of Trump's imposition of mad tariffs to most countries in the world. All I can say is that the man is crazy. 

I left off last Sunday when we had two more full days together. That day we took our friends to our beach called Carabasi. It is a large beach and is surrounded by dunes where turtles live. Here is a photo of our friends going down the wooden walkway to reach the spot we always go to. We are creatures of habit.

Our friends walking down to the beach last Sunday

We have always loved it. It was such a beautiful day we could have bathed but didn't have the kit. Other people were bathing and I envied them. Instead we took a walk on the beach all the way to the end, passing the nudist part where our friends were a bit shocked by the odd exhibitionist. I am used to them; my friends who are English are not. I was keen to get to the end to our favourite rock where we always sit and contemplate the view and life. From there you can see our blocks of apartments on the cliff above and the Island of Tabarca on the horizon. As I told my friends it is one of my happy places. I think they felt the same. We got a kind passerby to take a photo of the four of us on our rock to share with you here.

The four of us on "our rock", one of my happiest places in the world.

Our English friends were wearing factor 50 sunscreen protection but we weren't and our faces and hands got very tanned, apart from the ring around our eyes protected by our sunglasses. We then walked back and were lucky that the beach bars were open which meant we could have a coffee by the sea. It was another wonderful moment.

We had booked a table for lunch at La Sal by the port in Santa Pola and the place was teeming. It was our second time there during our stay. I enjoyed the starters, especially the mini scallops but was too full for my garlic prawns. It was a bit of a pain that I couldn't really enjoy our lovely lunches out as much as I should have, owing to the appetite suppressant drug that I am taking. It takes the edge off the enjoyment of food after a very small intake. But my companions tucked in and enjoyed their fresh fish. 

La Sal is on the promenade by the port and after lunch we strolled towards the end. There we spied a shop called Ale Hop but more than the shop we spotted a toy duck we had seen on someone's table at the restaurant. Oh how we laughed when we discovered it talks back to you and dances too. We both got one, one for my friends' grandson and one for me. This is it

My talking back duck

Oh how we laughed. Later we found more interactive walking and talking toys and I got a kitten for Juliet and a dinosaur for Elliot. I love Ale Hop and could have spent the afternoon there. But it was so lovely outside we continued our walk until it was time to go home, for my husband's siesta. Andy worked out that my husband's siestas make up for 7 years of his life. We all think this may be the secret to his good health at 80.

Once home, Amanda and I played Ludo which calms us both and is so relaxing. We actually play the Spanish version called Parchis which is much more strategic. Did you know that Rafa Nadal always played parchis in between matches? He would have known just how therapeutic it is.  My dearest friend who I am now missing so much took a photo to remember the moment.

Playing "parchís" - related to Ludo and which comes from India. 

We also played a lot of cards, always Sevens, the only game we can remember the rules for. I love Sevens but wish I could remember how to play Hearts, Whist, etc. 

We all slept well that night and woke up refreshed on Monday morning, our last day together. Having shown our friends nearly all our favourite haunts, it was time to show them the town of Elche, famous for its palm trees, its spectacular botanical gardens called "Huerto del Cura"  and the Basílica.  Of note Elche is home to the biggest palm tree park in Europe. I think my friends saw more palm trees on this holiday than ever in their lives. Elche, the second biggest town in the province of Alicante, is inland and always much warmer than on the coast.  That day the temperature reached 25c. Going home to England must have been a bit of a weather shock for our friends.

Before I continue, I must tell you that Monday was our son-in-law, Miguel's 50th birthday which we would celebrate later in the week. He is Oli's husband the father of our grandchildren Elliot (5) and Juliet (3). They met at the TV station they work for, Spain's national broadcaster, RTVE, where she works as a reporter and he as a cameraman. I mentioned him last week when I wrote about the open sea water race he swam 10 times between the Island of Tabarca and Santa Pola. He used to be a champion open water swimmer. When we celebrated his birthday on Friday I learned from him that he was always in the top ten. I also heard he used to swim in a race from Ibiza to Formentera which is 30km long and takes 14 hours minimum! Imagine.

Now back to Elche. We parked in the centre and walked to to the old town to see the 17th century Basilica built in the Valencian Gothic style. It is famous for the Mystery play (Misteri d'Elx) which is a liturgical drama from the Middle Ages that reenacts the Dormition and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. All the actors and singers come from Elche and they spend a whole year rehearsing. We went a few times many years ago and it is very special. This is the Basílica from the outside. According to my husband who is an ex priest, a Basílica is a Cathedral without a bishop. He should know.

The Basilica with its blue domes so typical of the area

After admiring the inside and outside of the religious building, the oldest working church in Alicante, we headed to the proverbial tourist sign of Elche and took photos there like the one below.

Amanda and I playing the fool in Elche

These days most towns seem to have a tourist sign and we all flock to them don't we?

Later we had our customary morning coffee and then walked slowly towards our main destination in Elche, the Botanical Gardens. Called El Huerto del Cura (the orchard of the priest), Eladio and I first went there in the summer we met in 1980 and have been back many times. It was founded by a priest called José Castaño Sánchez in the 1870's and is the most important part of the palm tree park in the city.  It is home to the most unique date palm tree in the world. Called the Imperial Palm Tree it owes its name to the Empress Sisi who they say was entranced when she saw it in the autumn of 1894. The tree consists of a male date palm with seven branches that have grown symmetrically from the same trunk. That is what makes it unique.  Once again I took a photo of it to show you.

The Imperial date palm tree at El Huerto del Cura in Elche

We spent a good two hours walking around this oasis that houses an amazing collection of palm trees and cacti from all over the world as well as beautiful ducks and a very ostentatious peacock. This beautiful bird showed its feathers to all and sundry and my friend Amanda captured him on camera. Watch and enjoy

The peacock at El Huerto del Cura showing off

For our last day together I had booked a table again at La Masía de Chencho which we liked so much the last time. It was a great meal, except that 8 large prawns fished in Santa Pola cost 100 euros! It was during that meal I got news that our eldest daughter was having a meltdown at home, despite the medication. From then on I just felt so guilty for not being with her and guilty for having gone away. In the end we decided to stick to our plans to return on Tuesday morning as there was nothing we could do that night. 

Once home I managed to get through the rest of the day but of course slept badly. We were all up early on Tuesday morning and were ready to leave at around 10.30. We dropped off our dear friends at the airport and I hope to see them again at the end of May here in Spain. We then drove all the way home with just one stop for coffee and petrol. Home by 3.15, Suzy was waiting for us to have lunch together on the terrace in the sun. She melted into our arms and since then she has been a lot better. I was so glad to be home and so guilty for having been away. She had lost 3 kilos in our absence but thankfully began to eat again when we got home. Pippa wasn't well either. We soon noticed she could not walk up and down the stairs so we carried her and got an appointment with the vet on Thursday. Being a dachshund, we worried it was her back that was affected so we took great care of her meanwhile. 

On Wednesday Suzy joined us on our shopping expedition which I think cheered her up enormously. While out, we had coffee together in the sun at Manacor. Then Olivia joined us for lunch which we had outside again. It's not often the four of us are alone together for a meal so it felt rather special. 

On Thursday I went out with Suzy again at her request. She was so kind and sweet to me and expressed gratitude which I don't deserve. She has nothing to be grateful for. We are her parents and will always be there for her. Pippa came with us as we were taking her to the Vet in Majadahonda. I had quite an experience there. Suzy was parking while I waited inside. A boxer was being treated and when it was about to leave it had a heart attack. Thankfully the vet resuscitated it. The vet's 16 year old dachshund, Klaus was walking around the clinic. Pippa always greets dogs of her own breed but not Klaus. I think that's because she was petrified at being at the Vet. I got a great photo of Suzy with both of them. I do hope Pippa lasts as long or more as Klaus.

Suzy with Pippa and Klaus at the Vet

The Vet examined Pippa thoroughly, including an X-ray and concluded she had some pain in her back because of a pinched nerve. She gave her anti inflammatory medication and she was prescribed 10 days of rest with no walking up and down the stairs. As I am writing, she is a whole lot better and it's difficult to stop her going up and down the stairs as she is much faster than us all. Pippa who is 10 has always been a healthy dog so I am crossing my fingers this was just a small crisis and that her back will last her all her life.  She had put on weight as I had been feeding her new dog food which apparently was full of fat. She is now on diet food, poor thing and has to lose about 600 grammes. It was sad to see her not moving and in pain and it's lovely to see her well again.

We came home to have lunch outside again but Thursday would be the last day we did so as the rain came back on Friday damn it. I made "champiñones al ajillo" (grilled garlic mushrooms) for everyone, inspired by having made them for Andy and Amanda in Santa Pola. These were them.

Grilled garlic mushrooms - champiñones al ajillo

Friday came and I woke up to the terrible news of a helicopter accident in New York the day before. There was a family of 5 on board from Spain which of course was big news here as well as worldwide. They died along with the pilot. Agustin Escobar, his wife Mercé Camprubi and their three small children were seen smiling before boarding the tourist helicopter which promises great views of New York at 300 euros per person.  They were supposed to have been celebrating the wife's 40th birthday but instead met their death. How tragic that a whole family met their death that way. When I read the news I was reminded, of course, of my father's sister Gloria and her family who all died in an air crash in Rijeka in 1971. The helicopter broke up in mid air and plunged into the River Hudson in what I have read must now be the 31st helicopter accident in New York since 1980. All I can say is RIP but that I would never take that route. I once took a helicopter from Helsinki to Tallinn over the Baltic Sea and I loved it. A few years later there was a fatal accident on that route and I thought I will never do that again. Helicopters can be dangerous, of course but more so in Manhattan due to congested air traffic in such a small space.

The three of us went out that morning to get things for the birthday dinner we were preparing for Miguel that night. But coffee in the rain is not the same as in the sun. It rained all day and looks like  it will continue over Easter until the end of April. It's a repeat of March and I am so glad we had a reprieve when Andy and Amanda were with us in Santa Pola. 

Just before Olivia and family arrived, it was time for the fourth dose of my second Mounjaro pen which has finished now. I shall start the first and last next Friday. I have not weighed myself since we left for Santa Pola but don't expect as much weight loss as at the beginning. On Tuesday I shall see - crossing my fingers.

We went all out to prepare a lovely birthday dinner including small Spanish omelette, ibérico ham and  a salad with at least 40 peeled prawns (thanks Tana) and the table was laid with the best finery. I was dying to see our grandchildren mainly because I wanted to give them their new interactive toys and some clothes we had bought them at a lovely boutique in Callosa. Juliet adored her cat and Elliot was fascinated with his dinosaur but I think it was the duck they liked best hahaha. Here they are with their toys.

Elliot and Juliet with their new toys

Before we sat down I had to dress up the birthday boy in silly stuff I got a few years ago at the local Chinese shop. Chinese shops sell everything but the kitchen sink in this country hahaha. He's looking good for 50 I think.

Happy birthday Miguel

Before we tucked in I had to have a photo of the family which I have chosen as this weeks' feature photo and which I especially love as Suzy is smiling.  While at the table I remarked to Olivia who was opposite me that it was in this house in February 2007, 1 year after moving in,  that I celebrated my own 50th birthday. And there I was thinking that was old at the time. Now I look at Miguel and he looks so young. 

When we had all had enough prawns, ham and tortilla it was time for the cake or rather cakes.Not sure what cake he likes best, Suzy and I went for a variety of small cakes and of course bought far too many. I had got some firework like candles for the occasion which are very spectacular but you can't blow them out haha. This is the moment I recorded on camera too.

The cake moment on camera

I also took a quick video to share here.

The cake moment on video

When we had stuffed our faces with cake, me included and despite my earlier injection, we had fun with the kids. Elliot loves to run so I timed him running around the table. Juliet always has to imitate him and in the end I had the whole family competing. Oli came first at just under 5 seconds and Elliot a close second.  Elliot is taking after his father and is very competitive.  Hence always doing well in the open sea swimming races. It was a really lovely evening and I was pleased get a message from my son-in-law thanking us for the dinner. It was a great end to the week and lovely to see the family again. Next week they will be spending Easter in Montrondo so we wont' see them for a while, bless them.

Yesterday, Saturday, was a really quite day. Walter our Colombian guest left for Athens and Rome with his daughter who is studying here and we didn't see our other guests, a French couple and Raúl, a repeat young student. The highlight of the day was a walk in the woods with my husband but not with Pippa who has to rest. I can't believe how much the vegetation has grown and it's lovely to see plants in flower. There were some lovely yellow flowers and as I as wearing my yellow coat, I got Eladio to take this photo of me. 

On our walk yesterday - "it's all yellow".

I later sent it to the girls, writing the words "it's all yellow" They know what that means. Once we were in the Cotswolds and took a video of me in a field of yellow rapeseed in which I am heard saying "It's all yellow". That always makes us laugh.

Today is Palm Sunday and will be even quieter than yesterday I imagine. I have yet to think what we will have for lunch. It's my responsibility to put food on the table and every day I have to think of something. We'll see.

That's it from me friends for this week. I hope you have enjoyed the read and I wish you all an enjoyable day.

Cheers till next Sunday which will be Easter Day.

Masha

A week in Santa Pola with our friends from England, a cracked floor, a trip down memory lane to Callosa, Bolulla and Algar, a day on the Island of Tabarca, a visit to the market in Santa Pola and other stories of the week.

 Gran Alacant, Santa Pola, Sunday, 6th April, 2025

So happy to be with my dearest and oldest friend. Here on the Explanade in Alicante.

Good morning to you all from Gran Alacant in Santa Pola. 

What a wonderful week it has been here with my oldest friends Andy and Amanda. For those of you who don't know, I went to school with Amanda where we met at the age of 11. We have been the greatest of friends ever since. Andy was Amanda's boyfriend from the age of 15. He went to my father's school, Bradford Grammar and was very much my friend too. Amanda has visited me often over the years and was with us in Santa Pola over 25 years ago and both of them came to see us in Callosa de Ensarría during our Callosa years from the early 70's. To quote Andy "I came here as a boy and returned as a man". It's great that our friendship has lasted so long and long may that be. 

They got  here last Sunday in the afternoon and we arrived a few hours later as we had to babysit for our grandchildren until around 5 pm. Our drive here was made in the fastest time ever, I think. We got here here at about 9.30 pm and after a sweet reunion we all had dinner together. It was a very long day for us all as the clocks had gone forward. Even so, we were up until late chatting and chatting. Eladio and I live in a sort of bubble at home with very few friends so this week has been heaven for me and such a break. Our virus  disappeared and I had lots of fun.. 

On Monday I was up at the crack of dawn and was pleasantly surprised to see we had got our view of the sea back from the terrace, albeit partially. When we first bought this apartment in 1999, the trees in the garden were low enough to see the sea but they grew so much over the years and one tree in particular hid the view completely. It was never trimmed and just grew and grew so I was happy to see it gone and we now have a partial view of the sea from the terrace. Over the years I had written to complain about the tree but nothing was done until it had sprawled so much it fell over last summer and had to be cut down. This was the view at dawn and a little later.

View from our terrace

Keen to show Andy and Amanda the sights in the area and our favourite places, on Monday we took them to Santa Pola which is about 7km from here. It is a fishing town with very long beaches and is a popular place for Spaniards to go on holiday. There are no large hotels, thus there is no mass tourism. 

Our first stop was coffee at Cocco & Latte in the main square by the castle, always a happy place for me and I hoped it would be for my friends.

Coffee in town - Santa Pola - on Monday

You will notice we are wearing cardigans. We did need them a bit but honestly the weather has been superb this week with the highest temperatures around 23ºc; perfect weather to be here in my mind.

From there we took our friends for a stroll along the main beach in the town. Some people were sunbathing and swimming but none of us had brought our swimming gear. Here are some photos of our walk by the sea. The colour of the Mediterranean was what impressed my friends most. They live by the sea in Devon but it never gets that colour in England because of the climate.

On the beach in Santa Pola on Monday

Lunch was at La Sal by the port, somewhere we had been on our last trip here. 

Lunch at La Sal in Santa Pola on Monday

We had a marvelous menu of the day for a very reasonable price. We chose paella and it was a very good one too. This was it.

Paella in Santa Pola on Monday

After lunch we made our way to the Land Registry office where I was delighted to pick up the Registry Code number for our apartment here. I now have  Registry codes for all three of the properties we rent but what a nightmare it has been.

On our way home, we stopped at the proverbial Mercadona to stock up on food for the week after which we came home to chill out. Amanda and I played our first game of ludo - I should add that we play Parchis, the Spanish version which is a lot more strategic. I wonder if you knew that that was the game Rafa Nadal would play in between matches. While we had been having a great day, a tragedy occurred in a mine in the north of Spain in Asturias. 5 miners, 4 from the town of Villablino in León, near Montrondo, lost their lives due to firedamp - an inflammable gas not often detected. I was very upset to hear that news and to know the men who died were from the area we know so well. RIP. 

Tuesday came and we stayed close to home. That was the day we finally did something about a cracked floor in the main living room here. A bump appeared last summer and we got the insurance people to come and take a look. On Tuesday they told us our policy wouldn't cover it. That really got us as we have been paying insurance for 25 years but have never claimed anything. This news had me scurrying to find floor tile specialists as there is no way we can rent this apartment with a broken floor because it is so unsightly. I found 2 men or companies and the estimates could not have been more different. We found out that the root cause is movement underground as the flats are built on a cliff. We also found out that this has occurred in many other flats in the same complex. To cut a long story short, the first builders advised that we change the whole floor of the flat at a price of nearly 8000 euros. The second builders, a Ukrainian and an Estonian, advised the opposite and said we only needed to repair the part that was damaged. The next day they gave us an estimate of 250 euros. Guess which we went for? They will be doing the work at the end of this month which is a huge relief.

That morning it felt as though the flat was jinxed as on top of the cracked floor,  a socket in the pantry had burned and we could not use the hot water, the washing machine or the air con for heat. Thankfully I had the contact of a local electrician and by 10 am, Luis was in our house and fixing it. He did another little job too all for the price of 70 euros. Hurray  I thought. 

Only then were we able to go out and first it was for a coffee and then a little stroll to show our friends the beautiful swimming pool that belongs to our blocks of flats. 

Our swimming pool - spot Andy sitting on a bench

I had booked a table for lunch at La Masia de Chencho, a restaurant we discovered last time we were here. It is located on a very minor road in the middle of an olive tree grove, not too far from Elche. 

La Masia de Chencho

Here we are going in.

La Masia de Chencho

Our friends treated us that day to a splendid meal. Instead of having a first and second course, we opted to share lots of dishes and I'm afraid we ordered far too much. Everything was delicious. The red Santa Pola prawns took the biscuit. They are the best prawns I have ever tasted.

Wednesday was the day we took our friends to Alicante, a city neither of them know and ended up loving. Alicante is quite an elegant seaside town and not as much affected by mass tourism as places such as Benidorm.  Its best claim to fame is that is the sunniest city in Europe. The top landmarks are the beautiful Explanada and the medieval Castle of Santa Barbara. 

After parking by the lovely 5 star Melia Hotel, we walked to the Postiguet Beach just below the castle. Here people were bathing too. It is from this beach that many a TV journalist reports on the weather in Spain. It's funny that I have never ever bathed there but one day I will.

The Postiguet beach below the castle in Alicante

From the beach we took our friends to the Explanada, a beautiful walkway built in 1820 and inspired by the promenade in Copacabana, or so I read once. It never fails to impress and my friends were bowled over by it. It is made of mosaic and is designed to emulate the waves of the sea. It is so well done that it creates an optical illusion and you think it is moving as you walk on it.  We took many photos and I chose my favourite for this week's feature photo,  one of Amanda and I on the Explanada laughing our heads off. Here is another one so you can see the tiles made of millions of pieces of mosaic.

On the beautiful Explanada in Alicante this week

From there we were going to walk all the way up to the castle but in the end decided to use the lift - free for over 65 year olds (yippee). Eladio and I had only ever been up once in 2018 when we walked up so we remember the climb. The lift made it a lot easier. There are some amazing views at the top and the place was not crowded at all; except for an annoyingly noisy group of school children who  sat near us when we had a coffee; damn them. Here are some pics to remember our visit.

At the fortress of Santa Barbara

We were starving by the time our visit ended and very lucky to get a table at an extremely upmarket and famous tapas bar; Nou Manolin. I had been there once with my friends Sandra and Adele who loved it. Amanda and Andy were just as impressed. We were having such a good time and enjoying the food  we forgot to take photos. My favourite dishes were the calamares, the potato salad and the oxtail which was divine. It's a place to go back to again and again. 

We were home late and tired but happy after such a wonderful day together. Mine was slightly interrupted by guest enquiries and bookings, mostly for the summer. I may be retired but I still work hahaha. While we were having a great time, Donald Trump was imposing the most extraordinarily high tariffs on most countries in the world for exporting goods to the USA. I have no time for the man and this week mostly skipped the news as it is so depressing. 

On Thursday we went on a trip down memory lane to Callosa and Bolulla. It was in these villages respectively that my mother and my aunt bought a house each in about 1973 towards the end of  Franco's dictatorship. My mother's was on Calle de las Flores in Callosa and Aunty Masha's was on Calle Mayor in the tiny village of Bolulla. I once wrote the story of our Spanish adventure and how I came to live in Spain which you can read here if you are not familiar with it. Many friends came to stay. Amanda came out quite a few times and once she came with Andy. So for them this was a trip down memory lane too. I have such nostalgia for the Callosa days during which I fell in love with Eladio and always want to go back. It's 88km from our place so quite a drive. The interesting part starts after La Nucia from where we stopped to take a photo of the picturesque village of Polop.

La Nucia overlooking Polop

From there it is a short drive to Callosa de Ensarría; a road I know well. I remember coming for the first time as an English teenager not knowing a word of Spanish or anything about country and suddenly being immersed in rural Southern Eastern Spain. There I was surrounded by orange and lemon trees and also medlar fruit trees which are grown intensively in Callosa. These days they also grow avocados. The road and mountains brought back so many memories as they always do. Once we had parked I led my friends to the ice cream bar, one of our old haunts. Called La Jijonenca, we used to go a lot and loved the home made "horchata" (tiger nut drink) and ice cream. The man at the bar was the nephew of Isabel who used to run it and we reminisced a lot with him. He made us feel welcome. Of course we had to have a photo taken outside. Everyone I take to Callosa gets to go to La Jijonenca. 

Outside the ice cream parlour, La Jijonenca, in Callosa

The big pull of revisiting Callosa is to see our old house on Calle de las Flores. It means Flower street although there have never been any flowers. I have seen it many times over the years and know what to expect; a rather ramshackle  old building which is actually quite ugly. But we thought it was heaven back in the day when our Spanish adventure began. Today no one lives there as most of the villagers prefer to live in flats rather than houses, believe it or not. There we took pictures too and remembered our youth.

Outside Calle de las Flores number 3 with my friends

After a quick stop at the old outdoor launderette where the local ladies used to wash before washing machines came on the market, we drove to my Aunt's village, Bolulla a few kilometres away and up a steep mountain road. It has grown since we were there and today boasts 33 nationalities, all started by my Aunt, but it has remained pretty, quaint and remote. Surrounded by fruit trees, mostly citrus, I always loved it more than Callosa. 

Timeless Bolulla

We walked straight to my Aunt's old house which is now painted green and inhabited by an English family so of course we couldn't go in. We walked the cobbled streets in the sunshine and made our way to the only bar there is now; Bar La Era. We have been many times in the past few years and always enjoy the home made food. The owner and the cook is a lady who remembers me as a teenager and also remembers my family. Lovely.

Having lunch for a song in Bolulla this week during our trip down memory lane

Our day ended with a short visit to the waterfalls of Algar in between Bolulla and Callosa. This is where my brother George, my cousin Sasha and I used to bathe in the summer so often. Below is a photo of  the main waterfall under which I have bathed many many times.

The main waterfall in Algar

We walked up to the top, passing many more waterfalls and natural pools. The place is paradise if somewhat difficult to climb up and down but well worth the visit.

My dear husband who had missed his afternoon siesta drove us back and we arrived rather tired again but happy. We have had a very intensive week and being on holiday can be tiring can't it? Our time here has been blissful and we loved sharing our favourite places with our friends in such glorious weather.

I slept well that night as I have done for most of the week - it must be the sea air and our friends' company.  Later we had a light dinner, played cards (Sevens)  during which I received a lovely message from Airbnb to tell me I am Super Host again. I get evaluated once every quarter and am pleased to tell you I have maintained this status since 2017 when I started hosting. It's hard work to keep it up but keep it up I will.

Friday dawned and that was the day we took our friends to the Island of Tabarca. You would expect Spain, being a peninsula, to have many more islands like Greece or Finland, but apart from the Canaries and the Balearic Islands there are few. I just checked that fact and actually there are 176 but very very few are inhabited; just 11 in fact. Thus Tabarca is quite an anomaly where 49 people are supposed to live. In the past the island was used as a fortress, today it is visited by tourists who go for day trips, like us, to enjoy the views, the flora and fauna and to have lunch at one its many restaurants.  And here we are on the fast boat which takes 15 minutes - the return boat took double. 

On the boat to Tabarca on Friday

At this point I should tell you that there is a popular open water swimming race that takes place anualy from Tabarca to Santa Pola (6km) in which 1600 people participate. It is supposedly the best open swim race in Spain and one of the best in the world. People come from all over the world and there are so many requests to take part the organisers have to use a lottery system. My claim to fame is that my son-in-law, Miguel, Oli's husband, has done it 10 times. I asked him how long he took and he said just over an hour which means he must have been in the top 10 or 20. If you take longer than 3.5h you are disqualified. I have read it's a very tough race fraught with dangers from currents, waves, jelly fish and of course exhaustion. At the finish line the Red Cross are there to treat the cold, those with cramp, those who are exhausted and those who have been stung by jelly fish. I have a new found respect for my son in law after seeing the video of the race and which you can see here. I told my friends about the race and I think they were impressed. 

Once off the ferry we walked to the town part of the island which is divided into two, one part is built and the other isn't. We all remarked just how unspoiled the island is and how pretty the streets are.As we always do, we stopped to take lots of photos like this one.

Walking the streets of Tabarca on Friday

And here is a more generic photo of the island when you approach it by boat.

The pretty island of Tabarca

First stop was for coffee in the main square and then we walked to the end of the built up part of the island to see the views of Santa Pola. In some places you can also see our apartments, as you can from the castle in Alicante. I particularly like this photo of Amanda and I together which we took there.

With Amanda in Tabarca on Friday

From there we stopped at Casa Gloria where we would be having our lunch, to make a special order and then we walked along the other side of the island. To walk all the way around it would have taken at least 2 hours which we didn't have.  Here is Eladio near the old lighthouse which is still working today. Of course it is as this area is very important for fishing.

Walking on the Island of Tabarca on Friday

By about 2.15 we were sitting at our table at Casa Gloria. Eladio took a photo to remember the moment.

Lunch at Casa Gloria in Tabarca

Lunch was long and good for some. I, however wasn't very happy with our choice. We had ordered the local dish called "Caldero" and I was disappointed. I'm not a real fish fan so should have chosen something else. However, Eladio loved it and we took a doggy bag home for his lunch the next day.

We caught the 4.15 ferry back and once on land drove again to Mercadona to stock up on more provisions. Our dinner was divine with all sorts of cold dishes such as tortilla, ham, anchovies with lettuce, cheese for those who like it; all washed down with some cold Rueda white wine.

I slept a whole 7 hours that night with no interruptions and woke up feeling new as a penny. Being Saturday I was keen to go the weekly market at Santa Pola. We love going there and our main objective is to buy local oranges and mandarins. Just look at these amazing oranges at 1 euro a kilo picked from trees in the area.

Oranges at the market in Santa Pola

We also got giant mandarins, local avocados, bright red tomatoes and strawberries as well as mushrooms which we had for lunch cooked in garlic. Just look at the produce on this stand.

The Santa Pola market on Saturday

Andy got some baseball hats and I bought a pair of pink summer trousers. To try them on I just took my own jeans off in full sight as there was nowhere to change  hahahaha.

From the market we took our friends to one of our happy places, the walkway on the old coastal road from Gran Alacant to Santa Pola. Called Paseo Vicealmirante Blanco García, I love it for the views. I also love dreaming about buying a house there. My friends loved the view of the island and of course the palm trees which always seem so exotic to the English. Andy took some photos and I specially like this one.

On our walk on Saturday after the visit to the market

The prize at the end of the walk was something to drink at Ca Pacorro, the only bar in the vicinity and which only opens at the weekends when it is out of season.

Saturday was the only day we didn't have lunch out but enjoyed it at home. The highlights were the peeled prawns (my own hands  and Eladio's) which ironically are  not from Santa Pola but from Ecuador and bought at Mercadona, as well as the mushrooms with garlic.

Only Andy and Amanda went out again that day, for another walk to the lighthouse.  I was too lazy and stayed in the flat and pottered around.

Today is Sunday and I think and hope we will be going for a walk on the beach and having lunch at La Sal again. Like all good things, our stay is coming to an end.. This week has been a great tonic for all of us and we are already planning for our friends to come and stay in May or June to visit both Montrondo and El Cuetu; quite the tour of Spain for them. It will be something to look forward to. 

I shall leave you now from our little pad on the coast and wish you all a happy Sunday.

Cheers till next week,

Masha.

v