Tags

  • Published on

    A Tribute to Paul!

    Australia Friends Colleagues Gran Alacant Memories Of Spain Remembering Gran Alacant Zest blog
    Picture
    The death of someone close never gets any easier to bear, and God knows I've lost countless people in my life! 

    This week I heard of the death of Paul Bayley, a friend from Spain and a remarkable young man. Paul was there for me during the darkest of times, when I lived in Gran Alacant, as well as the happier and more humorous occasions, when the expat community celebrated milestones and events in their own inimitable unique way. Paul was an important part of the fabric of an urbanisation that I think about every day and a place I hope to return to one day.

    In today's blog, I have recorded a tribute to Paul and the special place he holds in my heart. Paul was quite simply a wonderful, honest, empathetic man, who ways always there if you needed him!

    RIP mate!
    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Catch Up!

    Zest no-wives-club
    It was a brief catch up with Dawn yesterday, who Darrell hasn't seen since he returned from the UK. Dawn has been busy working, as the summer season kicks in, here in Spain.  The weather was perfect, so we had a few pints, sat outside Zest, putting the World to rights. Dawn's husband flies in tomorrow, so there will be one less 'No Wife' for a while!
    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Luke's 46th Birthday!

    Events Zest no-wives-club
    So yesterday I reached the grand old age, of 46, not something I was looking forward to. To be honest. Since I reached the age of 40, I haven't really celebrated Birthdays. I don't see the point of celebrating, getting a year closer to death.  That sounds morbid doesn't it; it's not meant to, just a fact of life!

    My friends here in Gran Alacant, went out of their way, to make sure, I enjoyed my day; I really couldn't ask for a better group of people, to be a part of my life. With Darrell, away in the UK, they have been their for me, every step of the way, yesterday was no exception.

    After having pre dinner drinks at Zest, in Sierra Mar, we headed to my favourite Spanish restaurant, La Bodequite de Pascual y Agus in Gran Alacant, for some of their fantastic Paella; Paul and Michele had arranged a Birthday cake and champagne, which was an absolute treat and delight. I haven't had a Birthday cake in many years. Sitting, eating, drinking wine on a warm spring evening, was just the tonic I needed, to feel more positive, than I have for a long time. A fantastic Birthday, spent with some special friends!

    Thank you to everyone who sent me Birthday messages; I am always grateful, for your thoughts and good wishes! 
    Picture

    Click on the photo above, to take you to the La Bodeguita de Pascal y Agus, facebook page!

    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    La Bodeguita

    Paul And Michele Zest no-wives-club
    Picture
    It was good to finally get out last night. I hadn't been out and about for a while, mainly due to illness and looking after Lily, as she came to terms with her companions death. Paul and Michele had invited me out for a meal at La Bodeguita, a place I have been to before, but never for a meal.

    ​After a few pre dinner drinks at Zest, we headed to this Spanish restaurant, very near to where I live, in Gran Alacant. I think from what the waiter said, it was under new management, although I can't be sure. There were, at least, different staff working there. Talking of the waiter, he wasn't half bad; in fact he was a bit of all right; the biggest hands I've ever seen.  We paid 20€ each for what I can only describe as a banquet; starting with Spanish Tapas, followed by toast, with a selection of meat, olives, cheese and calamari; a tuna salad, seafood paella and finally desert, ending with a strong Spanish drink, the name which, I can't recall. The service was exceptional and the food was out of this world; the best mixed seafood paella I've ever tasted, actually the best paella full stop. The restaurant also sells wine, poured from the barrel from 1,50€ a litre bottle; that's what living in Spain is all about; good food and cheap wine! 

    As Expats, we probably spend far too much time eating in restaurants serving British food. Getting out and experiencing Spanish cuisine and culture is something I intend to do more of, as and when I can, after all I am living here!

    Thanks to Paul, Michele and Nigel for a wonderful night. a pleasure as always!
    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Zest!

    Zest no-wives-club
    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!
    Picture
    Picture
  • Published on

    Zest!

    Zest no-wives-club
    Picture
    We had a couple of drinks and a catch up with Dawn and Andy last night. I actually don't think I've chatted so much for ages.  We must have totally chewed Steve's ear off, behind the bar.  I don't think he minded too much and was happy to join in our conversations, commenting 'We do chat about some strange things, don't we?' Our chatter did range from 'what was your favourite time, in your life?' 'motorbikes,' 'religion' and 'death.' The thing I like about Zest, is the staff, their welcoming nature and the relaxed atmosphere, always a pleasure having a drink or two.....Thanks Steve for putting up with us! 
    Picture
    Picture