It was an early start on Saturday. We popped to Santa Pola market with Dawn, to have a mooch around. I have been to Gran Alacant market, but never the one in Santa Pola. It was mighty impressive, I have to say. The strangest thing for me, was the stall selling real fur, coats and stoles. You just would not get that kind of thing, in the UK, Britain would never allow it. The stall was packed; Dawn bought a leather waistcoat.
Prices at the market were fantastic. I bought a very large Paella pan for 11,50€, which was cheap as chips. On one stall they were selling leather jackets for 10,00€, and all the clothes on sale, were at bargain prices. As the season progresses here in Spain, so to the market, will get bigger and bigger; there were only a small proportion of stalls, in comparison yesterday. I look forward to returning when it is busier, in the summer months!
Before we left, we had something to eat in a Spanish cafe. A cheese burger for 3,00€, a lot cheaper than the food on offer, in the tourist areas. If you want value for money, always eat in Spanish places. Santa Pola market is definitely, one of the best I have been to in Spain. If you get the chance, pay it a visit, next time you are there!
A big congratulations to our friends and members of the 'No Wives Club', Paul and Michele Stokes on the opening of there new shop at the Santara Life Resort, in Gran Alacant.
After our trip to Santa Pola market, myself, Darrell and Dawn, stopped off at Michele and Paul's shop, in Gran Alacant. It was their opening day; we were offered a free glass of wine, while we had a look round. The shop is light, bright and airy, with a modern feel, situated, just off the main road, near the reception of the resort.
Paul is offering mobility scooter leasing, for the exceptional price, of 70€ a week or 15€ a day. You can also hire a range of kitchen equipment, for your stay, self catering in one of the bungalows at Santara. Paul is also offering the rental of DVD's and other essentials. to make your stay more relaxed and trouble free!
Half of this spacious shop, is dedicated towards holiday and travel gifts; hats, scarves, toiletries, adapters and other items for the discerning traveler. Managed by Paul's wife, Michele; always welcoming, ready to help and look after you, while you browse around. As the season progresses, Paul and Michele, aim to offer an extensive range of goods, including swimwear, books, maps, greeting and postcards!
I would like to wish Paul and Michele every success, for their new venture. I have only known these two, for a short period of time, but their generosity, positivity and sense of purpose, has always shone through. Two people, who I have the pleasure of calling friends!
Had a wonderful evening at Zest last night. Most of the 'No Wives Club' were there, enjoying a glass of red wine or two. It was good to see Katie, who I haven't seen for a few weeks, since she started working at Jet2; all going well, by all accounts; After a long day out, we were home relatively early. Darrell made me an avocado, emmental, red pepper, tomato and herb, toasted baguette. He wouldn't tell me, what the herbs were, but it tasted gorgeous. Considering Darrell never cooks, I was pleasantly surprised. He will most certainly, be cooking more in future!
A gorgeous afternoon drive along the Santa Pola Coast Road, between Gran Alacant and Santa Pola. The sun was out and we were on out way to celebrate St Patrick's Day at the Leprechaun; a bite to eat and a pint of Guinness, to end the day!
There was live Irish music playing inside this lovely restaurant, when we arrived, for our early 5pm booking. Inside the decor has a decidedly Spanish feel; relaxed atmosphere, warm and welcoming, we had a thoroughly chilled afternoon. This was the first time we had been to the Leprechaun and it most certainly wont be the last, we enjoyed every minute of it.
We had the set menu for 9,95€. Broccoli Soup, followed by Steak and Guinness Pie, with mashed potato and finally chocolate and Guinness cake with Bailey's cream on top. The value was exceptional, quality excellent and everything tasted fantastic.
Thank you to Joan and Tony, for making us feel completely at home; good conversation and business advice, which is always welcome. A big 'gracias' to our friend Dawn, for the recommendation, and her professional service, looking after us, while we were there.
