Casco Viejo

Villajoyosa

Cannot leave Spain without a trip to Cien Montaditos.  Una jarra por 1E con aceitunas.  Spain's answer to Wetherspoons.  Me encanta!

And next : dorada by the harbour.  

Tomorrow it's back to the grind stone till next time...................

Hasta pronto............Ojala

Mercado, Alicante
Built by Enrique Sanchez Sedeno and Juan Vidal Ramos in 1921

A highlight of today was visiting the Museo de Belles Artes Gravina (MUBAG)
Free entry and works by Borras, Carrillo and Sala Frances among many others.
http://www.mubag.org/.
The exhibition 'Clotilde de Sorolla' runs till 14.4.13.  She was the wife and muse of the famous Valencian artist Joaquin Sorolla (1865-1929).  Her life story is depicted in portraits and photographs.  Very enjoyable. 

We returned via the harbour.  Can you see the replica of  the Santísima Trinidad?   She was built at Havana, Cuba, to a design by Irish naval architect Matthew Mullan (domiciled in Spain under the name Mateo Mullán) and launched in 1769  

Earlier today I visited MACA (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo http://www.maca-alicante.es) and saw the modernist work of Eusebio Sempere.  I wonder if the shelters on the pier are inspired by him.  (His outdoor 'mirror' del castillo is fantastic) 

Next, Playa del Postiquet again.  We had a picnic then I walked the whole length of the beach along the sea shore.  Bare feet in the sea.   Lovely.  Five years ago I would have swam 2 strokes and rushed out but now I say 'too cold'.  Only one person was swimming. Loco!

Here are more photos from our meander through the old town this morning

Francisco Javier de Balmis (2 December 1753 – 1819) was a Spanish physician who headed an 1804 expedition to Spanish America to vaccinate the populations against smallpox.  He is remembered here, Casco Viejo, Alicante

Travelling back to Alicante by tram

We visited the playa at Villajoyosa: Bar Zepplin (great coffee)  and Natalia's bar for Alhambra beer from Granada

Villajoyosa: Casco viejo

Views as we travel north to Villajoyosa

The best way to travel north on the coast from Alicante is by tram. There are four lines with a frequent cheap service.

El Casco Viejo then back to hotel for a cup of Earl Grey. True! Somos Británicas!

Bajando del Castillo hay mucho para ver. Who can see the tram?

The origins of the castle date to the 9th century at the time of Muslim control of the Iberian Peninsula. On 4 December 1248, the castle was captured by Castilian forces and named after Saint Barbara, on whose feast day the castle was captured. The ruins are extensive and very inspiring. Hay vistas hermosas desde la cumbre

A good night's sleep and definitely in the mood. Hasta la playa! Puedes ver El Castillo de Santa Barbara desde La Playa del Postiguet

Arrived in Alicante after bumpy flight to clouds and warmth. So much better than the N European winter we have left behind. Time to re-connect