Category: Zest

Gran Alacant - The Square!

6/4/2020

Gran Alacant had numerous personalities living and working there, people who became good and close friends. There was of course a large British Expat contingent, but there were many other nationalities represented, from Norwegians, Dutch and even Russians. GA was a diverse enclave, far more multicultural than its British equivalent and despite the many differences, there was very little trouble and everyone lived together in relative peace and harmony. Whenever I think about the years that I lived there, I am always amazed by the camaraderie and common sense of purpose everyone had, living in a place that we all called home, enjoying a life style that we could only dream of in our respective places of birth. This was a time to explore and get to know the locals and establish oneself as part of this welcoming neighbourhood that was very much the life blood of this urbanization near Alicante!

Community life was centred around the squares in Gran Alacant. My nearest, just a short walk from my Casa was Sierra Mar, hidden behind a gated community, tucked away from prying eyes. Whenever I had the time, I would pop up the square and have a few drinks, chatting with the locals and staff alike; I found myself in a setting akin to home, comfortable, harmonious and full of good cheer. Like everyone else, we had our favourite bar and being the creatures of habit we are, we would spend our time settled, relaxed and chilled in our favourite setting.

Zest was our Oasis and a place where we always felt welcome. The staff always went above and beyond and in a relatively short space of time became friends to unwind with, a shoulder to cry on and a catalyst for advice when things weren’t going so well. Despite living on my own in Spain, while Darrell cared for his Mother in Australia, the customers and staff at Zest were always there to lend a helping hand. This was a location that I returned to time and time again and somewhere I miss very much today.

Saturday afternoons became a bit of a pilgrimage, as I made my way to Sierra Mar for drinks with neighbours Katie and Andy. These two became very close over my time living in GA and with both of our husbands away for a good chunk of the year, Katie and I established a great and important friendship. Katie was always on hand to take me shopping, the cats to the vets or to sit and have a glass or two of wine in the blistering Spanish sun. The square was also the perfect place to meet others and I gained many wonderful friends, while sat having a drink, many of whom still remain close today. The close-knit community wasn’t something I was used to, but it was a breath of fresh air coming from a large city in Britain. The locals and tourists did seem genuinely interested in me and were always there to offer guidance if they could. The reason we got on so well in Spain, was because of the encouragement we were given by others, when all else failed. Advice from people in the square was invaluable to us as we began to navigate our way around GA.

The square was a focal point for celebration as well as a hub for local life. Ladies Day celebrating June's Birthday, Christmas Carols around a central Christmas tree, Bingo on a Tuesday afternoon, charity events, raising money for worthy causes, including Elche Orphanage and Sunday lunch with friends at Zest. I spent more time in The Square than I did at home; this was an outdoor lifestyle that we can only dream of here in the UK and it is a time I always look back on with fondness.

Recalling my first tentative months living in Gran Alacant, I am reminded of just how important Sierra Mar was to my sense of well-being. I had arrived in Spain, shattered and broken after a year of torment living in the UK and this small square began my process of recovery and acceptance, giving me back my faith in humanity at what could have been a deeply damaging period. Within a short space of time, I felt accepted and a sense of belonging that I couldn’t have felt anywhere else. Spain changed my outlook forever and gave me back the life I lost. I long for the day when I can once again drink cocktails in the sun and enjoy the company of those who played such an important role in my life; reliving the good times, remembering the milestones and recalling events that made me the person I am today!

From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

3 October 2017

While the boys relaxed, I was at work......

4 October 2017

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