I had one of those rare days off work this Tuesday, so we left the house early this morning, for a shopping trip to Torrevieja and La Zenia. Today has been lovely it has to be said; a warmish 22 degrees, travelling through Santa Pola, past the salt lakes and onto La Zenia, via the Chinese supermarket. I was going to buy a rug for the lounge, to keep the winter chill away, but at 92€, thought better of it; I'll cope with the cold for now. To be honest, I wanted to buy a new laptop, but in keeping with my frugal living, decided against it, waiting instead for the summer before I invest in a new work horse. Darrell bought some new socks for work and I bought a hooded dressing gown at Primark (classy as ever); 26€ for the lot; cheap and cheerful, just like me.

On the way home, we had a brief stopover at Pets World, where we bought Mollie and Wildling a new cat tree. As usual we had a look at the pets upstairs. Sadly, against my own personal views, there were some puppies for sale. The one aspect I hate about Spain, is their continual selling of dogs and cats from shops in the high street, at 500€, they aren't cheap either and there are no guarantees they came from reputable breeders. Come on Spain, ditch this terrible practice!

Finally it was into Iceland, Overseas Supermarket in La Marina, for some essential provisions; Twiglets, Cheddar Cheese, Baked Beans and British herbs and spices; a bill that came to 50€, not cheap; one will always have to pay a premium for imported items. Despite the expense, it is well worth a trip to Iceland, before Christmas, if you get the chance. I only buy essentials there, but if you want a traditional Expat Christmas, this place is for you!

All stocked up, now time for some chicken stew and dumplings; it really has been a typically British day today, apart from the weather, which made a change for both of us!

It has been a lovely day today. It may well get a bit chilly in the evening, but during the day, temperatures are still managing to reach the low twenties; as such, we took a drive down the old Santa Pola coast road. There were people milling about in the winter sun, the day was clear and you could see as far as Benidorm. The climate in this part of Spain, really is amazing for ones health and wellbeing; even a brief walk along the coast, is enough to blast the cobwebs away!

It was another sleepless night for me last night, as the summer really begins to bite here in Gran Alacant. By the time I got up, at 10am, I must have had about four hours sleep, which is standard for me these days.

Gemma was already awake when I got downstairs, which makes a change; she normally sleeps in longer than me. I think she is suffering from the strong Spanish sun, like us all.

I had quite a lot to do today, so didn't want to go too far. With two articles to finish and preparing for our next guest to arrive, when Gemma leaves on Wednesday, as well as opening the bar, LoungeD, this week, I have a rather packed agenda at the moment.

We decided to take a walk across the cliffs towards the lighthouse in Santa Pola and on to the Skywalk, with fantastic views over the mediterranean. We took Justin there when he came over last month; it is a popular tourist attraction in Gran Alacant.

​As usual, I refused to walk the entire length of the bridge; I have never been a fan of heights, and the Skywalk is certainly high above the cliff edge. Gemma seemed to enjoy the experience anyway, which gave both her and I perfect photo opportunities.

This afternoon Darrell and Gemma have been to the beach, just to give me some time to finish my writing, which does seem to be piling up, more and more at the moment. I am actually enjoying being busy and finally doing what I want to do, rather than what others demand, so life feels pretty good.

With Gemma asleep by the pool, Darrel and myself are cooking dinner this evening. A night by the box, watching Coronation Street, sat in front of the fan, with a can Mahou; perfect!

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.

​Highly recommended! 

Last night, myself, Katie and Lexi went to, what I believe was The Fiesta of the Virgin of Loreto, at the castle in Santa Pola.  Our City looked fantastic; lights, Christmas market, bunting and Spanish flags everywhere!

It was great to do something different, instead of spending the night, sat in a bar, getting drunk.  We did have a pint and a glass of red wine at La Glorieta; as with all Spanish bars we were given some complementary  tapas and wonderful service.  It is lovely sitting at this charming restaurant, in Santa Pola Square, especially in the summer. With everything decorated, even the band stand opposite, it was a joy, chatting the evening away!

The Christmas market was fabulous.  All the stalls were stocked with hand made crafts, reasonably priced and unique.  I brought Darrell a Christmas present, which cost me 4€, last of the big spenders.  I will give it to him when he returns to Spain, rather than risk the Spanish postal system.

A lovely chilled evening, great company and a wonderful Spanish Fiesta, just what living in Spain, is all about!

I wanted to find out a little about the festival, we attended last night. I had a look on the internet, but couldn't find anything too much.  Here is what I discovered!  The re-enactment, is of a battle between the Christians and the Moors, and is celebrated each year on 10 December in Santa Pola, the city of which Gran Alacant is a part.

The battle follows the so-called "embajadas" (meeting of envoys) in the castle, in which each side reads a text in an attempt to persuade the other side to surrender. Once negotiations have failed, a mock battle ensues in which thousands of kilos of gunpowder is used, ending in victory for the Christians.

Had to get Jamie up early today, to take him, with Katie to the Hospital in  Santa Pola.  The only Hospital I have ever been too, is IMED in Elche, which is private, just like a hotel.  This place was very different.   However, Jamie was in and out, having an XRAY within ten minutes.  The service was fantastic; can't fault it at all.

His wrist seems to be much better today; a lot better than what it was. He can move is fingers, although there isn't a lot of movement in his wrist or hand and the bruise on his arm is horrific.

Jamie was given another temporary SIP card at Gran Alacant Health Centre.  His last one ran out in October.  At least this allowed him access to free medical treatment.  I was expecting him to have to use his EHIC Card, but they were good enough to be accommodating, as they usually are in Spain!  

Let's hope Jamie learns his lesson; if he ever drinks in the way he has, again, I'll kill him and he will have something to moan about!

I had a busy day yesterday.  I went with Katie and Andy to pick up Lexi from school.  Personally I am not too keen on schools, having never liked going myself, as a child.  Santa Pola school, looks pretty impressive to to be honest. A very large, modern complex with state of the art facilities. Something else to put Britain to shame.  I don't have children myself, so it was also an experience, observing, just how different schools are, compared to when I was a child.  They have changed dramatically! 

We had a quick drink in La Glorieta in Santa Pola square, after we picked Lexi up.  It is a beautiful place to just sit and chat, passing the time of day.  After a few swift halves, we went on to the bar on the beach, along the old Santa Pola coastal road.  

Chloe

Chloe is leaving for The UK on Friday, to return to University; we had  drinks last night before she leaves on Friday. Chloe and myself have become very good friends.  I find her company stimulating and her conversation intelligent.  She is studying creative writing at University in Wales, so we also have that aspect of life in common.  She is one of the good people in the World, wonderfully bought up by her father Steve; she is a credit to him.  I will most certainly miss her, when she goes back, but she will of course be here at Christmas, so I will see her then.

Both Andy and Chloe leave on Friday; I will be sad to see them both go. Once again life will change, as it does in this place, frequently!  Change is of course a good thing, and like my life now, I am embracing it wholeheartedly.  It can be hard, with people coming and going.  As soon as you get to know someone, they are off again, but that really is the nature of the best out here.

Next week is another new start in many ways.  The season draws to its end and Autumn kicks in; friends return to University and jobs in The UK and the World keeps moving on.  

It has been a good first season in Spain; certainly not financially, but in every other sense of the word.  I have never felt so at home in all my life. The fact that I can walk to my local pub, on my own and know those who not only frequent it, the patrons, but also the welcoming staff, is testimony to both this place and also how far I have come as a person.  I met Chloe, whilst working at Zest and she is now, what I would consider, a very good friend.

The success for me, is establishing new and varied friendships; living in Spain without my partner, while he works in Australia; writing for a local magazine; feeling well, for the first time in my life and most importantly restarting my life, when others made it fail.  Gran Alacant has been instrumental in starting a new chapter, with new challenges and new friends.  Now that really can't be bad!