Monday 16 January 2017

Very sorry to have to report to all our UK followers – the sun was shining again!

Today we've decided to visit Benidorm so after breakfast we packed rucksacks and headed off down (it's always downhill to the beach!) to the town, joining the promenade at Benidorms Playa de Levante, 2km of golden sands from which Jamie, to his disgust, was banned!

We've decided to call Benidorm the mobility scooter capital of Europe – there are hundreds of them including some tandem 2-seater types! But at least there's plenty of room for them plus the myriads of (now) happy-faced pensioners enjoying their morning constitutional. We did notice a lot of police cars and bikes patrolling; I shouldn't think they have much to do at this time of year although unhappily, of course, it's more likely to have to do with heightened security against terrorism.

La Playa de Levante

Not much left of the castle

We walked the length of the prom as far as the old castle, or where it was, there being little evidence now except for four cannon in La Placa de Castell on the headland which bisects the Benidorm sea front. The return trip was planned along Avd Mediterranea, which parallels the sea front but we didn't stick to it as in parts it was in the shade and there was still quite a cool wind blowing.

The other (south) beach

Our thoughts were to have some lunch in town but having the dog limited us a little. There were plenty of cafe/bars open with sea front tables but none appealed to us. Surprisingly there were no take-away type places open – they were there but obviously closed “for the season”. No matter, we just continued our stroll and slowly (and even more slowly!) wandered back to the site. It must have been a little too much for Jamie because at one point he just lay down and refused to go any further. Mind you, there were two others in our party who felt a little like that..........!

Eventually we got back to Bertie for long cold drinks and a late lunch, after which Bren staggered up to the laundry with a weeks wash – we were going to do it first thing but were beaten to it. Then relax for the rest of the day.

We must admit that Benidorm, in the winter sun, is very nice evidenced by the hoards of old folk who stay here long-term, although it doesn't really appeal to us. But we would definitely steer well clear in the summer!