Roquetas de Mar (Contd)

Monday 3rd March 2014

Fortunately, Kathleen feels that her painful back is on the mend, so, we get the bicycles out and cycle along the coast to Roquetas de Mar Port.

There is a shortcut to the cycle track, from the rear of the campsite, and a then a cycle track which runs along the coast for the three or so miles to Roquetas de Mar.

Roquetas de Mar appears to be a sizeable resort, with lots of bars and eating places. Mondays are "non drinking days" according to Kathleen's new regime to prevent us from developing a drink problem, therefore we settle for apple pie and ice cream at a beach front cafe.

Tuesday 4th March 2014 

It would appear we were too optimistic regarding Kathleen's back, today, the problem has returned.

My first task is to go on the scooter to the Supermarket, and, while I am out, to find a Pharmacy and obtain some iBrufen. Mission accomplished, Kathleen is left reading her book and drugged up on iBrufen.

Since I have the (motorcycle) gear on, I decide to check out the route to Almeria, which is on our list of places to visit, when the back is recovered. 

The (N340) road is not too busy, which is what I report back, since the plan is to go to Almeria on the scooter. 

I do not mention that, for most of the way, the road is cut into the hillside and snakes along with a 20metre (or so) drop into the sea. 

After lunch, I take a ride inland on the N391, it turns out to be very spectacular road, I will have to try making a video of it. 

I report back that I have been on a ride  "up into the hills", too much information is not always a good idea.

We get chatting to one of our German neighbours, he has visited Newcastle (on business, installing packaging machines at Sterling Winthrop). His English is very good, this is because his father was an American soldier (ie he is a product of WW2), and he lived in America until he was 11. He also has some interesting information for Kathleen, he, knows an effective Physiotherapist (here in Roquetas de Mar) who can perhaps help with her back problem.

The two added attractions to Kathleen are:

• the Physiotherapist is cheap (17Euro per session)
• the Physiotherapist is a young man!

Wednesday 5th March 2014 

Kathleen decides she is not willing to part with even 17Euro, and, that the iBrufin are doing the trick.

Today is Ash Wednesday, and, although I am not a member, I go along with the "Fasting and Abstenance" thing. 

Usually, we Wednesday would be a "drinking day", but, since it is Ash Wednesday, Kathleen declared, Tuesday (yesterday) would be a "drinking day" this week, and not Wednesday, somehow, I don't think it is supposed to work like that, but, hey!, who am I to argue?

The back well enough to allow a four mile stroll along the promenade to AguaDulce, in the morning.

I have had an EMail from Josie (and Mack), who we met a couple of years back in France, Josie tells me that some friends of theirs are staying at a site just about three miles along the road (La Garoffa). 

So, in the afternoon, I take the scooter and set off to see if I can find them. 

All I have is the type of van they are driving, and their names, but, sure enough, I manage to locate them and spend half the afternoon chatting about this and that. 

I did not realise I was so sociable! 

Thursday 6th March 2014 

There is great activity around us the this morning.

One of the Germans, who we have christened "the friendly German", (which is a bit unfair, because they are all friendly, is leaving for home, having been here since September.

Additionally, the group of French speaking Swiss, parked next to us, have one of their van's all decorated in balloons, since it is one of the women's 66th birthday.

The back is declared well enough to risk a bicycle ride, so, we cycle to Lidl, about 3 miles away. To do a bit of essential shopping.

For some reason, Kathleen feels the need to treat me to a couple of bottles of Rioja. Not only do I get two bottles of wine, but, Kathleen inadvertently buys "the good stuff", at 4,25Euro a bottle! Well, I do deserve it, I suppose?

In the afternoon, we cycle along the promenade to Aguadulce, checking out an alternative church enroute.

The plan had been to celebrate the recovery of the back, with cocktails, but, none of the bars in the Marina area are serving cocktails, on a Thursday lunch time.

Instead we, (well, I, since I am paying) fall dead lucky, and find a bar which is doing two beers and two tapas for 4.40Euro.

   

Roquetas de Mar, Aguadulce

28th February 2014 

A little exploring, on foot, to get our bearings, and, vitally, find the nearest church, for Kathleen's Sunday devotions.

Today is clearly some form of Public Holiday, although I have no idea what it is in aid of. All of the shops are shut, and the church is surrounded by the beginnings of a party. 

They have a stage set up, with VERY loud music playing over the sound system. There are many young girls walking about dressed in traditional Spanish dresses, a bar is being set up, and a counter to cook and serve food.

Mission accomplished, Kathleen has her mass times, and, the whereabouts of the church, we return to the van.

Normal service is soon resumed.

After lunch, I again venture forth on the scooter, to find the elusive Commercial Centre, this time, armed with a little more knowledge, I find it successfully, (and the Lidl), but, being a Public Holiday, everything is closed.

The Campervan forums have had lots in them about the popularity of Spain this year, it does appear to be more busy than usual at this time of year,  the last site we were at was almost full, and, this one is similarly almost full.

Here it is mostly Germans, perhaps they have all come down here to keep an eye on all of the Euro's they have had to lend the Spanish Government, to prevent financial collapse.

But, there are also a lot more French than usual, the French normally do not venture out of France, it being the best country in the world, but, for some reason, there are lots and lots of them sunning themselves in Spain this year.

Speaking of the French. This evening, a couple of French men, both with Yamaha scooters, engaged me in conversation about our Yamaha xMax 250. The fact that I barely speak enough French to order a beer did not seem to deter them, and, before long we (ie myself and Kathleen) were merrily discussing such technicalities as Engine Size, Weight, how many helmets could be stored under the seat, amazing!

The evening ends with a brilliant sunset.


Saturday 1st March 2014 

After the promise of last nights sunset, "red sky at night, sailors delight" and all that, Saturday is a mighty disappointment, overcaste sky, occasional rain showers, and when it is not raining, a howling wind.

Except for a trip to Lidl, for essential supplies (Wine and Crisps), our activities are limited to Kathleen doing the good housewife thing, ie washing, tidying the van (all of the mess is Kathleen's anyway).

Sunday 2nd March 2014 

Brilliant sunshine, and a delightful 22C.

We spend most of the morning sitting in the sun, then walk the mile or so to El Parador, so Kathleen can attend church.

During the church, I have a wander, as usual, there is some excitement.

There is a cycle race on, the Police close the road and a hoard of Police on motorcycles, followed by numerous cars emblazoned with well known cycle products name (Shimano, etc) whizz past, then a group of cyclists, then more Police on motor cycles.

The original plan, is to eat lunch in El Parador, this would appear to be not possible, there are no restaurants open, just snack bars.

Kathleen decides that her back has recovered enough to risk a cycle ride, so, we return to the van, collect the bicycles and cycle along the coast towards a place called Aguadulce (which translates as fresh water or sweet water, I think), this is about 3 miles away.

According to the internet, Aguadulce was one of the very first Spanish holiday resorts, way back in the 1960's, but, I must admit, I have never heard of it.

It is, very pleasant, some parts of the promenade are not yet finished, but, if they have only been building it since 1960, I suppose that is forgivable.

There is the obligatory marina, with lots of very expensive boats tied up, and, more importantly, a range of restaurants, where we manage to obtain a very pleasant lunch. 

  

La Buganvila, Marbella

Sunday 23rd February 2014 

It being Sunday, we are off to Marbella on the bus, and Kathleen goes to church, followed by a pleasant lunch overlooking the beach.

Waiting at the bus stop, on our way back to the campsite, Kathleen gets chatting to another woman, waiting for the bus. It turns out she too originates from Jarrow. It is almost like a normal family Sunday as a list of potential mutual friends and/or relations  are named, to no avail of course. I tell a lie, there is one "hit" an aunt of the fellow passenger worked as Matron at South Tyneside Hospital, and was known to Kathleen from her nursing days.. 

Monday 24th February 2014 

Rain overnight, but by morning, we are back to blue skies.

We are running out of food, and, more importantly, we are running out of wine, so, a trip to the supermarket is needed.

Kathleen has hurt her back, she claims, it is through washing clothes, I think it is through lying on the ground sunbathing.

While Kathleen takes it easy, I am free to ride about on the motor scooter, a bit of gentle cruising around Puerta Banus.

Tuesday 25th February - Thursday 27th February 2014.

I feel I have been a bit tame with my blog writing, not sure what it is. Kathleen says I am spending too much time reading the newspaper, perhaps she is right, she usually is, so she tells me.

We leave La Buganvilla on Thursday, and head for Almeria, which is about 200 miles along the coast, more or less North.

The old N340 has been dramatically improved, now, a lot of it has been replaced or upgraded to be the A7, mostly dual carriageway. 

It is a little disconcerting however, to every so often come across a section which the satnav thinks is finished, but, which in fact has come to a grinding halt due to Spain's financial woes. The satnav keeps telling us to "join the motorway", when all that is there is a stretch of unfinished carriageway, and a few abandoned earth moving machines.

There are still some pretty impressive sections or road, curving along the coast, with almost sheer drops into the sea, But, you could not really call the area north of Malaga "scenic". The hills which border the coast are composed of some kind of rock, which looks just like a "pit heap".   

Not only that, but sadly much of the countryside is marred by miles and miles of Polythene "greenhouses". No doubt they are very profitable, but, they do not look very attractive.

We arrive at Roquetas de Mar (N36 47'51" W2 35'28"), another ACSI site. A bit bigger than we would normally choose, but, it seems to be well cared for.

One bonus, it well off the A7, and, there appear to be lots of smaller and (hopefully) quieter roads, which may allow me to coax Kathleen onto the back of the scooter.

Went out for a scout around this evening (by myself) on the scooter, discovered the small quiet roads are almost totally lacking in sign posts, I thought I was going to run out of petrol before I found my way back to the campsite!

La Buganvilla, Marbella Contd

Monday 17th February and Tuesday 18th February 2014

Well, it cannot be fun all of the time, or, so Kathleen tells me.

There are chores to be done.

Kathleen initially amuses herself cutting my hair.  I notice, no scissors are used, only the elctric shears, hopefully, with the correct number attachment! 

I note the hairdresser is not wearing her glasses, which is not very reassuring.

It turns out fine, but, a bit short, well, very short. But, as people do, when it is not their hair which has been shorn, Kathleen assures me "it will soon grow". 

After the haircut, cleaning the outside of the van, I have to admit, it is very dirty after our long journey.

Wednesday 19th February - Friday 21st February 2014 

I still cannot convince Kathleen she is safe on the back of the scooter, on the A7/N340, but, I settle into a little routine of riding about to explore, and, of course go shopping for essentials (wine, bread, beer...etc).

I learn a valuable lesson on my second outing, it is hot, so, I am tempted into riding along with my visor open. Disaster, a wasp smacks into my face. The next thing I observe, out of the corner of my eye, is the wasp walking along the edge of my helmet. I have to wait until I get to the supermarket,  wondering all of the way, if it is about to sting!, before I can take my helmet off and get rid of the damned thing. I will not be making that mistake again, visor firmly shut at all times from now on!

The weather continues to be kind, cool in the morning, but, by 10:30 a warm and sunny 20C.

We become regulars using the bus into Marbella, so we can walk the promenade along to Puerta Banus, with drinks and snacks enroute of course.

The bus service appears to be good, but, the timetable appears meaningless, buses just come when they come with no apparent relation to the timetable.

No matter where you go, the fare appears to be 1.18Euro each.

First impressions of this site were that it was somewhat restricted because of the busy main road, but, once you find your way about, there are several walking possibilities, each with scenic views, and of course pleasant bars to partake of necessary refreshment in the heat.

Quarteira, Rain, Spain, Marbella

Sunday 9^th February 2014

 A day of rain and high winds. I do not even venture out!

 Kathleen being a good Catholic, walks to church in the rain.

 Monday 10^th February 2014

The rain has stopped, the sun is out. We decide to ride out on the scooter, perhaps as far as Fusceta, and visit Gordon and Kath (if they have not given up on the weather and left). We make it as far a Faro (about 15 miles), when Kathleen decides she has had enough. I must admit, it is very windy, I do not think I have been on a motorcycle in such high winds. We turn around and return to Quateira.

Something tells me the scooter is not going to be a success.

Once back, we get into conversation with an elderly (79) English woman, who, it emerges, hails from South Shields, although she has not lived there for some 40 years.

She recommends a restaurant (Tirimasu) for lunch. We walk the two miles to the restaurant, only to find, it is closed on Mondays! Fortunately, there is another restaurant open a short distance along the road, so, all is not lost.

Tuesday 11^th February – Thursday 13^th February 2014

You may have detected a common thread here, it is RAIN!.

I will dispense with the details, we have been here ten days on Thursday, it has rained for eight of them. Enough is enough, we are off to Spain, Marbella on the Mediterranean Coast, to see if the weather is better.

Friday 14^th February 2014

Marbella, La Buganvilla (N36 30’ 11” W4 48’ 12”), an ACSI site. This was not the most recommended of sites from the comments on the internet. But it seems to be perfectly OK to us!

The site is surprisingly busy, given that it is "out of season". 

We get a reasonable spot, but, then find the English couple parked near by (with a better spot) are due to leave in a couple of days, so, we arrange to move into their spot, as soon as they vacate it!

We even have a view of the sea!

Amazing, we wake to blue skies.

Time to explore, the site is fine, but, is separated from the sea by the coast road (A7-N340), but, there is a pedestrian footbridge, so, no need to risk life and limb. 

Not cycling country, but, I get out on the scooter, and check out the other potential site at Cabopina, only to decide we should stay where we are. 

Kathleen will not venture on the back of the scooter on the A7-N340, (well not yet anyway). 

Saturday 15^th February 2014

A trip into Marbella, on the bus, to check out the eating possibilities, and of course the church!

Other vital requirements (ie finding an Orange Shop, to renew my Spanish SIM card, internet time), are a dismal failure, we find two Orange shops, both of which appear to be closed down!

The good news is, unlike Portugal TMN, Orange-Spain have not closed down my SIM card for lack of use, and, have even retained the little credit I had left from last year.

Sunday 16^th February 2014

We are up early, our English neighbours are due to leave at 8:00, but, it is actually nearer 9:00 when they go, and we quickly move onto their vacated pitch.

Excitement of the move over, we head off to Marbella on the bus.

Kathleen goes to mass, whilst I look after more earthly things, like exploring the "old town" and finding a restaurant for lunch!

I must say, I am pleasantly surprised at Marbella, it is the ultimate "Costa del Sol designer tourist haven". 

Sure enough, there is a massive sprawl of modern high rise accomadation and "designer" shops, but, the "old town" is surprisingly quaint and well preserved.

In the middle of it all, there is even the remains of a Moorish fort, reputedly built in the 10th century. 

We enjoy an excellent lunch overlooking the sea, and even get to meet the waiter's newborn boy child, when his wife (?) turns up, to show off the new arrival.

On our return to the site, we find we have a new neighbour.

Quite an amazing character (if the story is true!). 

In 30 minutes and a bottle of Mexican Corona, (shared between myself and Kathleen), we get a story worthy of Harrison Ford.

This guy (Pierre) is (I may have forgotten some details):

• a French Canadian, living in Frankfurt, Germany
• was given a hand out of £250,000 from his father at age 30.
• after  heart attack, retired at 40, with an even bigger fortune.
• invested the fortune in gold, which has now increased 1000%
• having retired, he invented various equipment to help the third world
• everything he touches appears to turn into even more money
• plays five musical instruments (when pressed by Kathleen, none were actually named)
• married for the first time at 61
• has three "boats" dotted around the world, all of which, he has built himself
• when he is not sailing, he roams Europe (with his dog) in a campervan
• has been attacked by wild dogs in Romania, once saving his wife and once his dog
• ambushed and shot three times by bandits in Guatemala
• his wife, jets around the world, earning a fortune, as a banker, and helping the needy

I think that is it, makes you feel quite inadequate!.

You may have guessed from the volume of information imparted, it was not so much a conversation as a monologue.

Quarteira

Tuesday 04/02/2014

The road works near the entrance to the campsite are still not finished, they have progressed about 100 metres, since last March!

A shopping trip to Lidl, is required. Along with all of the other pensioners, we cannot resist the "bargains aisle". Kathleen is seduced into choosing some non slip protective mats, only 2.95 Euro. The have all kinds of uses: Protect worktop : protect sink, table mat ; drinks coaster ...etc, not to mention, double the shopping bil, when it is Ken’s turn to pay!

There is a hiccup in topping up my Portuguese SIM card, because I have not topped it up for a year, they have cancelled the card, but they give me a new one, with a small amount of data already in place. This is quickly used up, downloading the CoPilot GPS app, along with map of Portugal and Spain, which Gordon and Kath told us about.

The day time weather is pleasant, but, overnight, there is a howling gale, we never learn, we have left the awning out, we have to get out of bed to roll it in at 1:00am ! 

Wednesday 05/02/2014

A problem, we cannot get the handle which winds the awning in to detach from the awning, and, it is too high for me to reach to see what the problem is. Fortunately, our helpful English neighbours have  a ladder on the rear of their van. They reverse their van alongside ours, and, I am able to climb up the ladder on their van, so detach the handle.

It is dry and sunny, a trip to buy bread, vegetables, and top up my internet SIM, using the scooter for the first time. 

Thursday 06/02/2014

Weather is poor, not cold, but unpredictable, sunny one minute, violent downpours the next!

A day of reading and dodging the showers.

Friday 07/02/2014

Hurrah! The sun is out, it is sunny and warm!

We cycle for 5 miles along the coast, to the marina at Villamoura, beers at convenient stopping points of coarse.


Saturday 08/02/2014
The sunshine has been short lived. Grey skies and drizzle greet us this morning.

The plan had been to go to visit Gordon and Kath, on the motor scooter, but, the weather is too poor for a 50 mile round trip. Instead, we walk to Lidl to buy Pizza for this evening, and get thoroughly soaked in the process, when the drizzle turns to driving rain.


We manage a Skype call to Gary, Gabriel and Susana in Aberbyjan, and a call to Charlotte to wish her happy birthday.


Not even a photograph to show!

Caceres - Continued

Sunday 2nd February 2014 

There has been an overnight frost, but, it is dry!, and sunny!

We fall into conversation with another English couple, Gordon and Kath (Kathleen, her Sunday name), who are also planning a trip into town on the bus.

It being Sunday, Kathleen attends mass at the first church we encounter, (Sant Mateo), whilst I wander the historic area of Caceres.


The old town is like stepping into a set from El Cid.


There are narrow winding streets and ancient buildings, including a "Lancelot Taverna", but, none of the bars or restaurants are open.

The mostly lively scene I encounter is a busker

playing Spanish Guitar music and signing, what is no doubt a very moving song, if I understood a word of it.

It is soon time to make my back to the church, to meet up with Kathleen, who, her duty done, is ready for coffee etc.

We wander back into the sun filled main square, where we again encounter Gordon and Kath, drinking coffee in the sunshine.

More exploring, so back to the old town, to wander the narrow streets and make the obligatory visits to the Cathederal of St George, which no longer appears to be functioning as a church, but now appears to be a museum, telling the history of the (Roman) Catholic Church (beginning with Jesus of course), and mounting displays of religious bric a brac.

We encounter a parade going on, I am not sure what the occasion is.

Having had our fill of cultural activities, we make our way back to the main square, here we meet up with Gordon and Kath again, and spend the rest of the afternoon eating and drinking in the sun.

It is a hard life, but, somone has to do it.


Monday 3rd February 2014

We had intended to stay here another two days (Kathleen cannot resist the "bargain" of getting a free night if you stay three nights), but, when we wake, it is raining (again!).

So, accordingly, we set off for Portugal, Quateira.


The Spanish have built a nice new motorway, south to Seville and beyond, (that is where at least some of those Euro's went in the financial crash). So, we disregard our planned route, via Evora and do the 300 miles, free motorway (almost) all of the way. At the Portuguese border, they have installed automatic Toll Machines for all non-Portuguese vehicles. What a cheek!

We arrive at Orbitur Quateira (N37 W4' 2" W8 5' 14"), it is an ACSI site, but, it is cheaper to use our Orbitur memebership card and we get ten nights for 100Euro. 

The scooter is unloaded, with the assistance of Kathleen and a very friendly French couple.