Santander 29th March 2017

Drove from Alcala through to Santander it was a beautiful drive aided by the lovely sunshine. The scenery was stunning you could have been forgiven for thinking you were in Scotland. We passed the snow topped Cantabrian mountains. On route Arthur pointed out this church it looked magnificent the town looked very medieval so we decided to stop. So glad we did, what a beautiful little town built on a hill so plenty of hills to climb up and down. The church was amazing and on the rooftop there was a nest. Arthur just said that looks like a storks nest and just at that moment a stork appeared carrying a big load of twigs. There was a market in this little quaint square. The name of the town was Lerma. We then carried on to Santander. I never realised that Santander is so hilly when we arrived at our hotel I was a bit apprehensive as there are apartment buildings all around but you soon realise that space is premium. The hotel is absolutely stunning I asked for an upgrade so we could have a balcony. OMG when I opened the door I could not believe our luck. The room was gorgeous and the balcony was amazing, we overlooked Santander bay. We sat out with our glasses of wine watching all the boats come and go. The hotel is called Art and the art work inside is stunning I know i have used this word a lot but I cannot think of a better word. We loved the hotel so much that we extended our stay. We went out for a walk and it is quite hairy as you are walking down a hill all the time. It is so steep in parts that there are escalators dotted all over the place to get up to a higher level. Santander is a beautiful place there is so much wonderful architecture and lots of lovely eating places. We stopped in a little restaurant as I reckoned I could have something off the menu as I can be a bit fussy. I was thinking Spanish cuisine, however, it turned out to be Peruvian chicken soup it was delicious although I did pass on all the chicken hearts etc, but a lovely fresh flavour to it. Then I had chicken an chips and salad it was really good. Today we went downtown shopping, came back to the hotel and sunbathed. I'm now going to beautify myself as we are heading out for dinner. I love Santander.

Madrid 28th March 2017

This morning we got up had breakfast at the hotel then headed out to the train station. Caught the 10am train and it takes 35 minutes to Atocha station which is right in the heart of Madrid. It only costs 6.80 euros return. It is quite an impressive train station. We caught the Madrid tourist bus as in order to see as much as possible. The architect is stunning I don't think I have ever seen such beautiful buildings in all different styles. We just hopped on and off when places took our fancy. We stopped for lunch at the Cafe Vergara in Vergara Street, it was so quaint and authentic. I had gazpacho soup, grilled chicken with rice and chocolate tarte washed down with a glass of rose. Arthur had chicken soup, iberico pork with Roquefort sauce, cheesecake and a glass of red wine. It was lovely just chilling. We then continued our bus trip. More wandering about then we caught the train back to our hotel. We had a fabulous day and the weather was beautiful. I am so pleased that I managed to see Madrid that's another place I can tick off my bucket list and my other place on my bucket list is Santander which I will see tomorrow. We just had a walk around Alcala de Henares before turning in. Early night for early start tomorrow.

Alcala de Henares Monday 27th March 2017

Arrived here today, quite different from what I expected it is quite a large town but it has the medieval part to it. The train station is literally a five minute walk from our hotel so we will be catching the train to Madrid tomorrow. Looking forward to it. We went for a walk to the big shopping mall it was about a mile away. Very nice shopping centre I had to buy new shoes yet again as my feet were killing me. It is becoming a joke that I am officially a centipede with the amount of shoes I have bought. Came back to the hotel then went for a beer at a local bar, very friendly. People are very friendly here.

Quesada 26th March 2017

Today is our last day with David and Carol they took us for dinner to Da Silvas we had a beautiful meal. We have been with them for a month which has been a great break for us, not so much fun for David and Carol, although I did tell them we won't be back for a while. Eternally grateful to them both. Tomorrow morning we leave first thing and set out on our adventures. Bye bye Quesada

Quesada 17th March 2017

We went to Crevillent to find the Museo of Sant Semana which houses all the figurines from Holy Week and different festivals. After winding through all the little streets we finally found it only to discover that it only opened at 6pm somewhat unusual, however we will go back the next time we're here. So we just wandered round the market instead.

Quesada 20th March 2017

Aileen and David arrived today it was great seeing them. We just had a night in which was lovely having a catch up. Tuesday we went downtown Quesada but at night we went to a dinner dance at The Coopers Arms, we had a great time, the three ladies danced the night away. There were two cabaret acts the first was Darren Jones who was a bit rank but the second guy Ritchie Alexander was brilliant right up my street he sang lots of Motown songs. Wednesday we went to the Chinese restaurant. Thursday the Indian restaurant and Friday dinner at the golf club. Then Saturday came and it was time for Aileen and David to go home. All in all a great time was had by all.

Quesada 15th March 2017

Today Carol and I went on a bus tour to Benidorm, we spent a few hours at the shopping centre and the remainder of the time in Benidorm not one of my favourite places, but at least the weather was lovely.  We left there at 5pm and got back to Quesada about 6.15. Arthur and David were waiting for us to go for something to eat. We went to the Hungarian restaurant Rosa and Stein. The food was beautiful but the service was a bit slow, there was a waiter there called Daniel who was very sure of himself, making stupid jokes etc. We left and walked to the car when Arthur realised he had left his phone on the table of the restaurant . We went straight back only to discover that it wasn't there, we couldn't believe it, this was all within five minutes and there were only 4 other people in the restaurant. They assured us it wasn't there, but the lady took my number should  it turn up. We went outside and retraced our steps but Arthur was adamant that he had left it on the table, the strange thing was when I rang his phone it was switched off. We eventually went home and Arthur tried to call his mobile company to block his phone, but we couldn't get any reception, so we went out in the car to find some. I just said to Arthur pull over I think we have service when my phone rang it was Arthur's phone. When I answered it was the lady in the restaurant to say they had found it. We went straight there and she told us that Daniel had apparently picked up the phone with the rubbish and that her husband went through the garbage and found it. She then said that Daniel was a professional waiter and she didn't understand how he could make such a silly mistake. We were convinced it was him who took it, because initially when we went to get it he was at our table and quickly went through to the back of the restaurant. The main thing is we got it back and the couple gave us a voucher for a free bottle of wine on our return, can't quite see that happening. It somewhat marred an otherwise perfect day. As for Arthur I'm buying him a man bag.

Quesada 24th February 2017

Arrived In Quesada the weather was great bright and sunny. David and Carol looked really well. We had a fish and chip tea from the new shop, it was quite good, we had a few drinks then retired to bed. Saturday the 25th we drove down the town, did some shopping, then stopped for some breakfast then back home. Sunday 26th we went to Zocco market, had breakfast then headed home to chill out. We then went out for dinner to Da Silva's, the food was excellent, we had a great time. 

Quesada 13th March 2017

Yesterday we went to the Lemon Tree market and it was very warm, got a few bargains. Cannot believe that today has changed completely and it has been raining non stop. We went through to Alicante today as Arthur and David require a fishing licence, th Spanish are very stringent about this rule. Eventually after a bit of tooing and vowing we got it. It continued to rain all through the night. Got up this morning, at least the rain has stopped but it is very breezy. Heading to Benidorm tomorrow with Carol on a girls day out.

Quesada 6th March 2017

Visited the cave houses yesterday at the Artists exhibitions. It was really interesting, you can walk round their houses and studios that are actual caves. Some are better laid out than others and you can understand why people will buy them as a cheap method of buying a house. One of the exhibitions incorporated a cellar that has been made into a celebration of dead people, a bit like a catacomb, sounds a bit macabre but it was a lovely idea. You can write a message for your loved ones and throw it into this abyss of colour. I put a message in for my mum dad, Russell and Anne and hope that it will remain there for a very long time. We have visited, Rojales, LaMata, we have been out and about every day, lunching and shopping. We had a night out on Saturday to the Country Club to watch the band Classix they were good and we had a great time, singing along to all the old hits and dancing away. Today the 12th we are off to Lemon Tree market. Having a wonderful chill out time. We will be staying here until the 27th March then moving on around Spain. Aileen and David are coming out next week for 5 days, so that should be fun.

Quesada 14th March 2017

Still here with David and Carol, we have been very lucky with the weather. Been to Rojales and surrounding areas. We have eaten out at the local Indian restaurant and the Golf Club the food in this area is of the highest quality. Arthur and I had a day out to the beach at La Mata it was a beautiful day. Today we are going to the caves market at Rojales