It's been a busy few days!

We've been getting the house ready for the arrival of Justin, from the UK. During this monumental task, I came across one of the biggest cockroaches, I have ever seen. We do get them in Spain, quite a lot, but this one was hidden in one of my bathroom drawers. Mi casa suitably cleaned, we were ready to pick Justin up later from the airport!

While Darrell was getting ready, finishing the hoovering at home and having a shower, I popped down to Zest, in Sierra Mar. They had a singer on, my sort of music, rather like Michael Buble. Bumped into Paul, Michele and later Nigel, while I was there, having a few drinks in the Square, which was packed, heaving on a warm summer night. A few pints later, Darrell picked me up; off to the airport we went!

We collected Justin from Alicante Airport at 11.30pm, heading to Masa Square, to pick up Natalee, grabbing a quick drink at Rogers before heading to La Piedra and finally on to Ohana's. Another late night, early morning. Getting far too old for all this! 

Today has been hot, very hot! After finally recovering from a hangover this morning, Justin took us out for the day; starting with a quick drink at Molly Malones. For me that meant a coke; I can never drink the day after a heavy night. Leaving Carabassi, we drove to Urbanova, on the way to Alicante. Urbanova is a small urbanization with a stunning beach and some rather nice restaurants.

We decided to eat at 'Pizzería Provenzal.'  I have been here once before and like last time, the food didn't disappoint. It is exceptionally high quality, home cooked international cuisine; highly recommended!

That's where my praise ends. The service in this busy sea front restaurant is probably the worst I have ever experienced. Our order was slow to arrive; the waiter forgot two of our starters. Two main meals finally arrived, without the third. Only after confronting the waiter, did the final main course appear. 

Without being too critical of Spain in general, I have noticed that the standard of service does vary from place to place. If you are eating, with a group of people, never expect your order to arrive at the same time, it doesn't, unless you are eating in a British establishment, where it is standard for everyone to eat at once. Spanish chefs tend to send out individual meals, as and when they are ready, with no thought, given to those you are dining with!

​Darrell and Justin are now down the beach, while I am here catching up on a pile of writing I have to get through. It has been nice spending time with Justin after nearly two and a half years. I am looking forward to the rest of a busy week  in Spain!