ann and andy lawrenson

Where did the week go?!! We’ve been to Calpe, Valencia Oceanografia, the rastro market, Javea, lunch out at my favourite restaurant again, swimming, babysitting, Guadalest and had a power cut, so we cooked and ate by candlelight. It was absolutely lovely to see the children again and to be part of their first adventure abroad. Thank you Nicky and Gavin for bringing the family over to stay for half term. You have three wonderful children.

Hola! The weather here is great. I am enjoying my holiday. We’ve been to the beach and tomorrow we are off to the mountains.

We’ve hired a cot and a highchair, we’ve got masses of food and wine in, we’ve ordered fine warm weather and now we’re ready for the invasion! We’re looking forward to seeing Nicky, Gavin and the three children this week. It’s the children’s first flight and a well deserved holiday for all.

I had a go at painting the blossom in the field at the end of our lane.

Acrylics 50×70

We shared a paella at a lovely restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean at Denia. It was the same restaurant where Roger, Sveta and Elena parked their car and started their walk to Javea. It didn’t disappoint. We explored a bit of the town and wandered around the market. Restaurants and bars seem to be getting a coat of paint and coming to life now, ready for  the tourist season.

Everywhere you look there are masses of beautiful almond trees in full blossom. The valley is stunning. Spring is definitely here and it’s getting warmer. The water in the pool is still only 11 degrees so I haven’t ventured in yet. Never mind, we had breakfast and lunch outside today. Musn’t grumble!

Hi All, sorry not to have posted for some time. Ann gave our new computer a large glass of brandy to drink a couple of weeks ago, and we are still waiting to get it back from the repair shop. This old one makes a moribund tortoise look quick, so it takes a real effort of will to sit down and write something, particularly when the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and we’d rather be outside. Added to that there’s not much exciting happening at present. 

We had a day in Alcoy, a town about 30 miles inland on Friday. The drive there through the mountains was quite exciting and the views outstanding, but the town itself was a bit of a dump, full of high-rise flats and derelict industrial buildings. The almond blossom is now fully out, and the valley looks a picture. We have taken some photos, but can’t post them using this computer, as it needs a lead which we left on a campsite in France! We both seem to be getting lazier, and are talking about taking on some sort of project to stop our brains atrophying completely.

Had a pleasant lunch on the sea-front in Javea with Wayne and Pip, who are moving on shortly in their motorhome, though the occasion was rather marred by a Spanish waiter who was rude enough to have been trained in Paris. When we mentioned this to the owner (in Spanish)  he simply shrugged his shoulders and replied “Well, if you don’t like it don’t come again!” Come back Basil Fawlty, all is forgiven! 

Looking forward to seeing Nicki and the grandchildren soon, and hoping the weather stays fine for them. Andy.    

Ouch! Just had the electricity bill. 250 euros for two months! The tax in Spain is very high and the house is not insulated so I reckon we’ve been heating the sky.

We found this barbecue at the medieval market in Benissa. Great atmosphere, Really interesting stalls but the BBQ itself was  a rip off!