Sunday, 7 June 2009
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Wind and rain were definitely NOT in her plans!
1st to 5th June
Today we decided to cycle to town for a paper (doesn’t arrive till Tuesday!), and a couple of minor supplies and then come straight back to spend some time on the beach. However with all this fresh fish around it seemed silly not to buy some. Having cycled all the way to the port and found the shop, we were just inside the door when Joan decided we should not cook fish in the van as it will stink for days! Then she saw the prawns, oh lets have those for lunch she said. So we bought a kilo of giant prawns for €3.50 (honest). I always thought that if they were pink they were ready to eat but when we got them home to the van and opened the bag they were definitely pink but still did not look right. My local fish expert announced that they would need cooking further but decided to peel them first. This took absolutely ages but when they were done she immersed them in boiling water and almost immediately they became a little pinker and were pronounced edible. This was a good thing as by now our backs were breaking, our legs ached and we were starving! About half way through we realised there were far too many and so tomorrows lunch was sorted.
Next after a brief rest it was time for the beach and a dip in the sea, lovely stuff. However our time there was cut short as it was becoming very windy and so it was back to the van where we could sit in the sun with a little shelter from the wind and of course enjoy a beer.
Tuesday arrived like an early March day except of course it was sunny but quite cold, the small one was not amused and who could blame her, we were ninety odd miles from bloomin Africa and it was cold! If in fact you got out of the wind the sun was pretty hot so as this was our last day here we were determined to enjoy it. Another quick trip for a paper, this time successful and then off to the beach only to be driven back by the wind which was threatening to sand blast us it was so strong. Being English of course we attempted to hunker down in the dunes but it was really hurting us so reluctantly we returned, had lunch and went to the swimming pool on the camp site. This proved a really good move, we got our swim after all as the water was really warm, and as it was a little sheltered we were able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
That evening we returned to the pool as it is possible to see the sunset over the wildlife area behind the site. This is one of those rituals that we do and for the life of me I cannot see why, although the sunsets can and do on occasion look really nice. I still remember when we drove all the way down to Key West in Florida and at the appointed hour gathered together with all the other people at the farthest point to witness it. Just before it happened a bloody great cloud covered it and we all went home disappointed. Fortunately we were there another couple of days and did get to see it but those who were only there for a day were gutted. Oh well I digress.
We left fairly early Wednesday for Portugal and with only 96 miles to do, arrived nice and early at Praia da Luz near Lagos on the Algarve. We had a nice lunch in their restaurant and were about to check out the pool but the wind really got up and was just blasting through, so we retreated to our van, and planned the next day. Ever since we arrived at the south coast of Spain from Gibraltar along to here, the wind really gets up especially in the afternoon and although it keeps us cool it’s not very pleasant. It’s very hilly round here which means we can’t use the bikes so today we got the hourly bus into Lagos and had a really good day wandering around the marina, the beach and the old town where we had lunch in a lovely square and watched the world go by, smashing.
On our return we made our plans to spend the next day on the beach nearby and then to set off for the most south westerly point of Europe, Sagres. All of this would depend on the weather improving slightly because it was quite cold as we prepared for bed. When we awoke it was cold and grey, then it started to rain! That’s it we are leaving right away, just get us unplugged and I will go and pay, said the small one raising herself up to her full 5ft1½inches, I am NOT putting up with this, it’s warmer at home. This of course was a slight exaggeration but it was a bit depressing to have come all this way for cold wet weather so we packed up and left without seeing Sagres in the rain. We drove the 186 miles to Lisbon along a motorway that cost us €32 but we did it in just over 3 hours and were at our new campsite and all set up sitting outside in the sun by 3.30pm.
I was just a little traumatised as this site is full of twisted gnarled trees with huge low boughs and branches so with my track record I was petrified. As we drove in we passed some pitches near a road and hadn’t gone there in case of noise. We tried to negotiate a couple of places and I actually managed to get into one with a lot of help from Joan but then when we got out and looked, we realised that if somebody parked opposite us we would not be able to leave! So we carefully extracted the van from that pitch and returned to a very nice one near the road but sans trees, phew.
Tomorrow we will wish Eleanor a very happy 4th birthday then take a bus to Lisbon for the day. Hopefully the weather will be nice to us.
Lots of love
Bryan & Joan XXXX
Today we decided to cycle to town for a paper (doesn’t arrive till Tuesday!), and a couple of minor supplies and then come straight back to spend some time on the beach. However with all this fresh fish around it seemed silly not to buy some. Having cycled all the way to the port and found the shop, we were just inside the door when Joan decided we should not cook fish in the van as it will stink for days! Then she saw the prawns, oh lets have those for lunch she said. So we bought a kilo of giant prawns for €3.50 (honest). I always thought that if they were pink they were ready to eat but when we got them home to the van and opened the bag they were definitely pink but still did not look right. My local fish expert announced that they would need cooking further but decided to peel them first. This took absolutely ages but when they were done she immersed them in boiling water and almost immediately they became a little pinker and were pronounced edible. This was a good thing as by now our backs were breaking, our legs ached and we were starving! About half way through we realised there were far too many and so tomorrows lunch was sorted.
Next after a brief rest it was time for the beach and a dip in the sea, lovely stuff. However our time there was cut short as it was becoming very windy and so it was back to the van where we could sit in the sun with a little shelter from the wind and of course enjoy a beer.
Tuesday arrived like an early March day except of course it was sunny but quite cold, the small one was not amused and who could blame her, we were ninety odd miles from bloomin Africa and it was cold! If in fact you got out of the wind the sun was pretty hot so as this was our last day here we were determined to enjoy it. Another quick trip for a paper, this time successful and then off to the beach only to be driven back by the wind which was threatening to sand blast us it was so strong. Being English of course we attempted to hunker down in the dunes but it was really hurting us so reluctantly we returned, had lunch and went to the swimming pool on the camp site. This proved a really good move, we got our swim after all as the water was really warm, and as it was a little sheltered we were able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
That evening we returned to the pool as it is possible to see the sunset over the wildlife area behind the site. This is one of those rituals that we do and for the life of me I cannot see why, although the sunsets can and do on occasion look really nice. I still remember when we drove all the way down to Key West in Florida and at the appointed hour gathered together with all the other people at the farthest point to witness it. Just before it happened a bloody great cloud covered it and we all went home disappointed. Fortunately we were there another couple of days and did get to see it but those who were only there for a day were gutted. Oh well I digress.
We left fairly early Wednesday for Portugal and with only 96 miles to do, arrived nice and early at Praia da Luz near Lagos on the Algarve. We had a nice lunch in their restaurant and were about to check out the pool but the wind really got up and was just blasting through, so we retreated to our van, and planned the next day. Ever since we arrived at the south coast of Spain from Gibraltar along to here, the wind really gets up especially in the afternoon and although it keeps us cool it’s not very pleasant. It’s very hilly round here which means we can’t use the bikes so today we got the hourly bus into Lagos and had a really good day wandering around the marina, the beach and the old town where we had lunch in a lovely square and watched the world go by, smashing.
On our return we made our plans to spend the next day on the beach nearby and then to set off for the most south westerly point of Europe, Sagres. All of this would depend on the weather improving slightly because it was quite cold as we prepared for bed. When we awoke it was cold and grey, then it started to rain! That’s it we are leaving right away, just get us unplugged and I will go and pay, said the small one raising herself up to her full 5ft1½inches, I am NOT putting up with this, it’s warmer at home. This of course was a slight exaggeration but it was a bit depressing to have come all this way for cold wet weather so we packed up and left without seeing Sagres in the rain. We drove the 186 miles to Lisbon along a motorway that cost us €32 but we did it in just over 3 hours and were at our new campsite and all set up sitting outside in the sun by 3.30pm.
I was just a little traumatised as this site is full of twisted gnarled trees with huge low boughs and branches so with my track record I was petrified. As we drove in we passed some pitches near a road and hadn’t gone there in case of noise. We tried to negotiate a couple of places and I actually managed to get into one with a lot of help from Joan but then when we got out and looked, we realised that if somebody parked opposite us we would not be able to leave! So we carefully extracted the van from that pitch and returned to a very nice one near the road but sans trees, phew.
Tomorrow we will wish Eleanor a very happy 4th birthday then take a bus to Lisbon for the day. Hopefully the weather will be nice to us.
Lots of love
Bryan & Joan XXXX
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
A fishy tale and a ferret?
31st May to 1st June
Just been reading Reena’s new web site of lovely recipes and cannot wait to try a couple but we may struggle to find the ingredients here. If you fancy having a look it’s = http://coconutraita.blogspot.com/
As we are staying here until at least Wednesday because the beach is so good and the whole atmosphere totally relaxing, I thought I would just mention a few other things that have happened. As some of you may know Joan is somewhat partial to fish which is apparently due to being a Piscean. Isla Cristina is the second biggest fishing port in Spain so it should certainly be fresh, how fresh we were to find out! We are convinced the locals will be dining out on our visits to their restaurants for some time to come. I should point out that our Spanish does not improve and this is one of the few places where they speak no English.
I am firmly convinced that if you want to know what’s good you should ask the locals in the office and look out for places that are packed with locals - not rocket science. The second part rather falls down as they do not eat until about 10pm and remember we are cycling there and back. The young lady in reception said, well it’s not pretty but there is a traditional bar down near the port where the fish has just been landed and I eat there all the time, and she drew us a route on our local map. At the same time fortunately she showed us where a more traditional restaurant was situated where she also goes and the food is good.
Off we went about 6.30pm cycling all around the back streets of the port. Being so narrow they are all one ways which made it more difficult, it all looked very dark and dodgy. There was not a soul about but like a horror film there would be a sudden noise, a crash or a shout then nothing. When eventually we found the bar it was firmly closed and did not inspire the small one who said could we please go to a street with lights and just a few people?
I of course pretended to be all brave but agreed and we got out to the main road asap. So now we had a problem, we were hungry! Worse, Joan had been promised a wonderful fish meal and it was so far not in sight. Time for plan ‘b,’ the restaurant. This actually did not prove quite as difficult to locate although it was again up a side street, there were lots of people around though. Sadly it was firmly closed but some of the windows were open and when I enquired if it would open soon, a lady sitting on a step in the street said octo something which I seem to remember meant 8pm. So we nipped off to take a look at the beach and get a soft drink to return after eight. What a transformation, all the windows were open now and blinds down over the road with tables and chairs outside in the road. There were no other customers though which was probably a good thing as we took up all the waitresses time. Although it was a glorious night with the sun still shining brightly they were amazed that we wanted to eat outside. Secondly the waitress proudly produced a menu and stood beaming expectantly, she was soo very patient and tried to go through it with us. As far as we could ascertain there was a huge selection of fish but we could not understand how it was priced. She said ah you see, and pointed to her eyes, then when Joan went to follow her she said no and motioned that she would bring it to us. Then we heard lots of shouting in the kitchen and she returned with a selection of fish on a huge tray for Joan to pick from.
Now I know nothing about fish but it looked as though it had been swimming 10 minutes earlier, and the small one was delighted, but as far as we could tell she had to buy all of whichever fish she picked. Well some of them were frankly enormous and would have given her enough food for a couple of days at least. What they had not yet grasped was that we were not going to share it. People often wonder why I go to a fish restaurant, they don’t realise I am strange. Finally she picked a medium sized fish and the girl now whipped the tray away inside and returned to me with a friendly but resigned look on her face.
The only thing on the menu I could attempt were prawns which apparently come cooked several ways. She nipped back inside and returned with a tray of six giant prawns and engaged me in a very complicated conversation of which I swear I did not understand a word! However with all her experience and possibly psychic abilities she left nodding and smiling, while we sat in nervous anticipation. Next she reappeared all smiles with a small plate each, a bowl of olives, some bread and the six huge prawns. Is it your meal or your starter or our starter wondered Joan. Anyway she had one I ate the rest, then suddenly Joan’s fish was served with salad and chips followed by another plate of 10 very large prawns cooked another way apparently for me! Having said all that the small one is still talking about how good the fish was and the prawns were delicious. By the time the poor girl had managed to get our order the restaurant had several customers and judging by the laughter when she went inside I think we were good value, plus we gave her a tip and asked the lady on the campsite to thank her next time they visit.
The next afternoon/evening we decided to spend a bit of time on the beach when the sun had lost a bit of its heat. So we saunter down and as we get onto the sand, as I am sure everybody does, your eyes sweep around to take it in and pick a spot to go to. What happened could only happen to us I swear, directly in front of me is a one legged man so I quickly move my eyes to see a woman getting undressed. Shifting my gaze rapidly I next see a man take off his trunks and finally having given up but found a place to sit, a young lad and his girlfriend appear with a ferret on a lead!
I SWEAR THIS IS TRUE.
Lots of love
Bryan & Joan
XXXX
Just been reading Reena’s new web site of lovely recipes and cannot wait to try a couple but we may struggle to find the ingredients here. If you fancy having a look it’s = http://coconutraita.blogspot.com/
As we are staying here until at least Wednesday because the beach is so good and the whole atmosphere totally relaxing, I thought I would just mention a few other things that have happened. As some of you may know Joan is somewhat partial to fish which is apparently due to being a Piscean. Isla Cristina is the second biggest fishing port in Spain so it should certainly be fresh, how fresh we were to find out! We are convinced the locals will be dining out on our visits to their restaurants for some time to come. I should point out that our Spanish does not improve and this is one of the few places where they speak no English.
I am firmly convinced that if you want to know what’s good you should ask the locals in the office and look out for places that are packed with locals - not rocket science. The second part rather falls down as they do not eat until about 10pm and remember we are cycling there and back. The young lady in reception said, well it’s not pretty but there is a traditional bar down near the port where the fish has just been landed and I eat there all the time, and she drew us a route on our local map. At the same time fortunately she showed us where a more traditional restaurant was situated where she also goes and the food is good.
Off we went about 6.30pm cycling all around the back streets of the port. Being so narrow they are all one ways which made it more difficult, it all looked very dark and dodgy. There was not a soul about but like a horror film there would be a sudden noise, a crash or a shout then nothing. When eventually we found the bar it was firmly closed and did not inspire the small one who said could we please go to a street with lights and just a few people?
I of course pretended to be all brave but agreed and we got out to the main road asap. So now we had a problem, we were hungry! Worse, Joan had been promised a wonderful fish meal and it was so far not in sight. Time for plan ‘b,’ the restaurant. This actually did not prove quite as difficult to locate although it was again up a side street, there were lots of people around though. Sadly it was firmly closed but some of the windows were open and when I enquired if it would open soon, a lady sitting on a step in the street said octo something which I seem to remember meant 8pm. So we nipped off to take a look at the beach and get a soft drink to return after eight. What a transformation, all the windows were open now and blinds down over the road with tables and chairs outside in the road. There were no other customers though which was probably a good thing as we took up all the waitresses time. Although it was a glorious night with the sun still shining brightly they were amazed that we wanted to eat outside. Secondly the waitress proudly produced a menu and stood beaming expectantly, she was soo very patient and tried to go through it with us. As far as we could ascertain there was a huge selection of fish but we could not understand how it was priced. She said ah you see, and pointed to her eyes, then when Joan went to follow her she said no and motioned that she would bring it to us. Then we heard lots of shouting in the kitchen and she returned with a selection of fish on a huge tray for Joan to pick from.
Now I know nothing about fish but it looked as though it had been swimming 10 minutes earlier, and the small one was delighted, but as far as we could tell she had to buy all of whichever fish she picked. Well some of them were frankly enormous and would have given her enough food for a couple of days at least. What they had not yet grasped was that we were not going to share it. People often wonder why I go to a fish restaurant, they don’t realise I am strange. Finally she picked a medium sized fish and the girl now whipped the tray away inside and returned to me with a friendly but resigned look on her face.
The only thing on the menu I could attempt were prawns which apparently come cooked several ways. She nipped back inside and returned with a tray of six giant prawns and engaged me in a very complicated conversation of which I swear I did not understand a word! However with all her experience and possibly psychic abilities she left nodding and smiling, while we sat in nervous anticipation. Next she reappeared all smiles with a small plate each, a bowl of olives, some bread and the six huge prawns. Is it your meal or your starter or our starter wondered Joan. Anyway she had one I ate the rest, then suddenly Joan’s fish was served with salad and chips followed by another plate of 10 very large prawns cooked another way apparently for me! Having said all that the small one is still talking about how good the fish was and the prawns were delicious. By the time the poor girl had managed to get our order the restaurant had several customers and judging by the laughter when she went inside I think we were good value, plus we gave her a tip and asked the lady on the campsite to thank her next time they visit.
The next afternoon/evening we decided to spend a bit of time on the beach when the sun had lost a bit of its heat. So we saunter down and as we get onto the sand, as I am sure everybody does, your eyes sweep around to take it in and pick a spot to go to. What happened could only happen to us I swear, directly in front of me is a one legged man so I quickly move my eyes to see a woman getting undressed. Shifting my gaze rapidly I next see a man take off his trunks and finally having given up but found a place to sit, a young lad and his girlfriend appear with a ferret on a lead!
I SWEAR THIS IS TRUE.
Lots of love
Bryan & Joan
XXXX
Sunday, 31 May 2009
The planes run across the road!
26th – 30th May
After the last marathon blog hopefully this will not be quite so long but you’ve all had a weekend off so should be ready for it.
With another 100 miles left to do to get to La Linea we made damn good time but at some point as we approached it Joan decided that the sat-nav lady did not have a clue and directed me to ignore her. What followed was a very extensive drive around the surrounding area until we returned to the point where the sat-nav had said turn left, and within a couple of miles we found the campsite. (I’m saying nothing!).
On our various detours trying to find it we had spotted several motorhomes parked apparently for the night and we were tempted to join them, thank God we didn’t. The next day when we cycled to Gibraltar we had to pass through a huge market set up where they had been, phew. As they were all French we now think they must have been waiting to catch the ferry to Tangiers.
La Linea campsite turned out to be combined with the local social/sports centre, this at first worried us but we soon realised that it was manned 24 hours a day and so was pretty safe. On the evening we arrived the temperature was somewhere in the thirties, but the next morning we were subjected to the Levant wind and a lot of cloud so the small person was definitely not amused. We spent the whole day wearing our coats which we’d put away a couple of weeks earlier!
As I said, we visited Gibraltar on our bikes and it was very strange as we were in this sort of manic rush of traffic and people trying to get on and when we returned it was just the same to get off again. The other thing is the road goes straight across the airport runway so it seems worse. We were stopped for passports and then had to wait while a plane taxied out and then returned and took off, the barrier opened and I thought somebody had said free pound notes for the first 4 across! Although there was a so called cycle way it was full of people and scooters, amazing. The small one was quite frightened.
Those of you still awake and who have been following this, will remember that I was attempting to find an ex-colleague who I believed lived here and we decided to try and find him first. We did not succeed but it was not for the want of help from the authorities. The lady on the door of the civic centre sent us to another building across the road and also went and scoured the phone books for us. Meanwhile at the other building which was the Parliament we were given access and helped to search the electoral roll. When we left the first lady came over and handed me a piece of paper with a possible phone number on it, which was kind of her. However we had a pleasant time there and it was certainly an experience. I did try the phone number at different times and got no answer but I’ll keep trying.
On the way back the wind was so strong that we kept to the back streets away from the coast to try to get some shelter as we were peddling against it. We were exhausted when we got back but just then the sun came out and it was red hot again. Having thought we might stay a while I was suddenly informed we were leaving in the morning! Actually we did look at the beach and it left a bit to be desired really.
So on Thursday 28th May we set off for our last stop before reaching Portugal. It was just over 200 miles so we tried to leave early and for once managed it. Ever since we arrived here at Isla Cristina it’s been good. I can’t explain it but it is just perfect, so much so that after one night we extended our stay to several days and I am not sure we won’t stay even longer. One couple in a caravan near us are here for the 5th year and have been here 7 weeks. Although very few people in the town speak any English at all they are all so friendly and helpful. We’ve got temperatures in the 30’s, free wi-fi, nice neighbours an amazing security system, the sea is warm and is only about 200yds away! A typical example of our stay here is we had a really nice German couple called Joe and Ingrid parked behind us in a Hymer van like the one we first owned. I am not sure how but we got chatting, I think Joan commented on the van. Over the next few days we spent a lot of time together especially in the evenings. They were so lovely, both had a brilliant sense of humour and spoke good English. We got on really well, so much so that they have invited us to come to Germany next year where they will introduce us to some nice beer gardens. Sounds good to us!
Some other good news is that we have heard by email from some of the St Reverend Boule club 2008 and we will be seeing them when we hit France again.
Happy 30th Birthday to John Bell, hope it’s a good one!!
Lots of love,
Joan & Bryan xxxx
After the last marathon blog hopefully this will not be quite so long but you’ve all had a weekend off so should be ready for it.
With another 100 miles left to do to get to La Linea we made damn good time but at some point as we approached it Joan decided that the sat-nav lady did not have a clue and directed me to ignore her. What followed was a very extensive drive around the surrounding area until we returned to the point where the sat-nav had said turn left, and within a couple of miles we found the campsite. (I’m saying nothing!).
On our various detours trying to find it we had spotted several motorhomes parked apparently for the night and we were tempted to join them, thank God we didn’t. The next day when we cycled to Gibraltar we had to pass through a huge market set up where they had been, phew. As they were all French we now think they must have been waiting to catch the ferry to Tangiers.
La Linea campsite turned out to be combined with the local social/sports centre, this at first worried us but we soon realised that it was manned 24 hours a day and so was pretty safe. On the evening we arrived the temperature was somewhere in the thirties, but the next morning we were subjected to the Levant wind and a lot of cloud so the small person was definitely not amused. We spent the whole day wearing our coats which we’d put away a couple of weeks earlier!
As I said, we visited Gibraltar on our bikes and it was very strange as we were in this sort of manic rush of traffic and people trying to get on and when we returned it was just the same to get off again. The other thing is the road goes straight across the airport runway so it seems worse. We were stopped for passports and then had to wait while a plane taxied out and then returned and took off, the barrier opened and I thought somebody had said free pound notes for the first 4 across! Although there was a so called cycle way it was full of people and scooters, amazing. The small one was quite frightened.
Those of you still awake and who have been following this, will remember that I was attempting to find an ex-colleague who I believed lived here and we decided to try and find him first. We did not succeed but it was not for the want of help from the authorities. The lady on the door of the civic centre sent us to another building across the road and also went and scoured the phone books for us. Meanwhile at the other building which was the Parliament we were given access and helped to search the electoral roll. When we left the first lady came over and handed me a piece of paper with a possible phone number on it, which was kind of her. However we had a pleasant time there and it was certainly an experience. I did try the phone number at different times and got no answer but I’ll keep trying.
On the way back the wind was so strong that we kept to the back streets away from the coast to try to get some shelter as we were peddling against it. We were exhausted when we got back but just then the sun came out and it was red hot again. Having thought we might stay a while I was suddenly informed we were leaving in the morning! Actually we did look at the beach and it left a bit to be desired really.
So on Thursday 28th May we set off for our last stop before reaching Portugal. It was just over 200 miles so we tried to leave early and for once managed it. Ever since we arrived here at Isla Cristina it’s been good. I can’t explain it but it is just perfect, so much so that after one night we extended our stay to several days and I am not sure we won’t stay even longer. One couple in a caravan near us are here for the 5th year and have been here 7 weeks. Although very few people in the town speak any English at all they are all so friendly and helpful. We’ve got temperatures in the 30’s, free wi-fi, nice neighbours an amazing security system, the sea is warm and is only about 200yds away! A typical example of our stay here is we had a really nice German couple called Joe and Ingrid parked behind us in a Hymer van like the one we first owned. I am not sure how but we got chatting, I think Joan commented on the van. Over the next few days we spent a lot of time together especially in the evenings. They were so lovely, both had a brilliant sense of humour and spoke good English. We got on really well, so much so that they have invited us to come to Germany next year where they will introduce us to some nice beer gardens. Sounds good to us!
Some other good news is that we have heard by email from some of the St Reverend Boule club 2008 and we will be seeing them when we hit France again.
Happy 30th Birthday to John Bell, hope it’s a good one!!
Lots of love,
Joan & Bryan xxxx
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