Oldies On Tour

Saturday 29th May and today we start the trek back home with a car full of all-sorts.  After a “not-so-comfortable” night on a hard bed with thin mattress and a room with its own particular odour we were ready to leave soon after 0800hrs and headed “hell-for-leather” to the boarder as there was nothing to keep us in France.   We also had the added issue about our PCR test.   Though we were within the 72-hr period, it was Spanish and we weren’t sure if we should have had a French one; who knows and the rules are so vague when crossing boarders by car.

As we approached Soria, there was a sigh of relief as it was immediately apparent it wasn’t going to be a “one-donk-town”, in fact the first major building we came across was the Cathedral!!  

Tom-Tom took us straight to the hotel, just off the main area where all the action takes place.   Checking in was a doddle then we went to their under-build car park.   As we approached the entrance the door opened and we gasped at what we saw, an entrance we could barely get through, a very steep ramp into a parking area that had pillars everywhere, and when we checked in, we were allocated two spaces, now we know why, only a “smart-car” would fit into one!!  The good news was the lift came down to the car park.

Once settled into the room, we headed out to have a look round and dinner, and “armed” with the directions and map given to us by the hotel receptionist, we set off.

Soria, a city in north-central Spain is known for its medieval streets and Romanesque architecture, in fact everywhere you walk you find a stand with a plaque giving the history of this building or that building. It is also known for a local dish “Torrezo de Soria”; basically a thick chunk of streaky bacon fried to produce crackling then cooked.  In a bar it comes cut up and enjoyed cold, like crisps with a drink, or hot with a meal, in fact quite versatile one could say.   

The main action area is a pedestrianised street with the Plaza Mayor one end, and a park the other.  Running off this main thoroughfare are a number of small squares and narrow streets and alleyways.   We meandered along exploring and eventually arrived at the Plaza Mayor, a stunning area with interesting buildings, including the historic town hall.   OK it was time for a drink and sample the “Torrezo”; our first bite into this “fat-sodden” piece of pork was surprising, it was very tasty and the crackling was really very good, the fact it was 90% fat seemed to be hidden by the taste.  Our drink now turned to eating and after some discussion with the waiter, because the kitchen was officially closed, he offered us steaks, ok, that’ll do thanks.   

When the steaks arrived it was immediately obvious that we weren’t at Gallego’s, they didn’t have that “come-and-eat-me” look  that the the big, fat, steaks have in Pilar, still they filled a gap.   This region produces its own wine, so naturally we had to go with it.

Towards the end of the meal enjoying the last of the wine etc., it rained and though we were outside, we were protected by a big umbrella, so sat there and watched the rest scattering to avoid getting wet.   10-minutes later it stopped and the sun came out.

Back to the hotel for a quick game of crib and bed, we were both tired.

Sunday morning breakfast, predetermined again due to COVID, but being a 4* it was far better than the previous ones, our hot dish comprised of Serrano ham, fried or scrambled eggs, a large slice of slightly “plancha” toast and of course, a slice of “Torrezo”, I said it was versatile!!!   With the rest of the breakfast, we were stuffed.

The first thing on the agenda was to catch the 11.00am tourist train for a ride around the town, sorry, city🤭🤭 unfortunately we arrived just in time to see it leaving, never mind there’s one at midday so we will head up this street.  After passing several historical buildings we came across one of the numerous Churches, so went in; oops there was a full blown Sunday catholic service in full swing, so after a few minutes we quietly withdrew.

Heading back, we stopped for a coffee and arrived at the train with 5-minutes to spare.  

This train is operated by the Soria tourist board and the route takes 40-minutes and makes its way down to the river passing by all the historic buildings, plazas and places of interest,  once down by the river and at his turning point, we had a 5 minute break to walk about and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful spot.   We had planned to walk here but realised during the train journey, we wouldn’t have made it.  Apart from the distance, the town is a couple of hundred meters above the river😖😖.   Back on the train and back to the start point by which time we had agreed that after leaving the hotel we’d drive back down there prior to heading back.

Due to being “stuffed” by the big breakfast, lunch wasn’t on the agenda but a drink was, so sat at bar in the sun and ordered drinks and gave Torrezo another go, unfortunately this Torrezo wasn’t too good.  The cracking wasn’t right through and the bacon was over cooked for me, never mind we’d bought a pack of the bacon they use and I’m going to “have-a-go” myself, having seen how they make it on YouTube!!

The park at the opposite end of the main pedestrianised street is the the sprawling “Alameda de Cervantes” park, beautifully kept with manicured grass and colourful flower borders.  This park professes to have nearly every species of tree on the planet including a “red wood”. There is a very unusual bandstand with a big tree growing up through the middle.    Being Sunday the world and his wife were out promenading or drinking at the bar in the park where there were signs at each entrance telling people to “respect the distance” ha ha, they were packed in this bar area like sardines!!!!  It was a beautiful day so we sat and “meditated,” enjoying the “ambiance” of this lovely space.   Apparently back in the middle ages the church gave this land to the peasants to graze their sheep etc., but towards the end of the19th century, the grazing wasn’t really needed so the decision was taken to turn it into an open space for the townsfolk and over time this land has turned into this wonderful park for everyone to enjoy.

Time to eat so tried to get a table in the restaurant in this park, but alas we hadn’t booked so that was that.   Walking back through the park along a different route heading to the main main gate, we came across another small chapel hidden amongst the trees: nothing particularly special here other than up in the exposed bell tower were a couple of nests with what looked like storks on top.

Back outside the park and started looking for somewhere to eat but by now it was about 1500hrs and most places that were open were bars and the only food served was Tapas.  We then stumbled on a place called the “Red Lion”, an “Italian” restaurant!, but we were too late, the kitchen had closed until 2100hrs tonight🥵🥵🥵.   OK, plan “B”, back to the hotel and have a rest then back out again around 2000hrs.

During the time in our room resting the heavens opened, but by the time we ventured out again, the sky was clear but as we wandered up and down the pedestrian precinct, we were no better off, just bars with Tapas so we ended back at the Red Lion, it was nearly 2100hrs.   In we went, ordered, and enjoyed a super meal though in reality it was too much  too late, again accompanied by the locally produced wine, “Camino Soria”, a little more expensive than most but excellent.

Back to the hotel but having just eaten a rather a lot!!, we had another game of crib.  ChristIne had a good night, I paid the price of too much, too late, I was very uncomfortable and couldn’t sleep👹👹👹👹

Monday, the drive home but before setting off there was that small problem to face, extracting the car from the Hotel’s under-build.  Whichever way one looked at the situation, there was going to be a lot of manoeuvring to avoid the pillars, other cars and acute corners.  We watched someone leave just before us and the trouble he had getting out with a small car was embarrassing,  well for him!!!, our turn next🤞🤞.  Here goes, back and forwards several times and at last we had avoided the Pilar right behind us, now for the next obstacle, to get round a very tight corner missing other pillars and parked cars.  After more back and forth we could get to the ramp but to get onto it we had another 90-degree turn with minimal clearance either side, the cars bleepers were in overtime, all four corners and front and rear, one didn’t know which to believe first, fortunately this time ChristIne was out of the car as my extra pair of eyes.   We eventually escaped and boy, was I hot!!!!!    This hotel was excellent in every respect except for the car park, and to make matters worse, they charged €14 per night for the privilege, huh😡

We now headed back down to the river Douro, though being Monday morning, the place was deserted and the water museum was closed, wether we were too early or being Monday, everything closes, so after a short stroll we headed back to Campoverde.

Wednesday morning, 26th May and we’re off to France to collect a mobility scooter, what for I hear you ask??? Wait and see!!!    Our plan is to head to Pamplona for a couple of nights, nip across to France to collect and stop in a hotel with Christine’s nephew and family.  Our plan was for a moderately early start, in fact we surprised ourselves; we were in the car and on our way by 0845, excellent.  We will stop en route for a leisurely lunch somewhere and enjoy the freedom of leaving the Valencia’s  region.

As we were passing “Sarah’s” Christine blurts out; “I’ve forgotten my purse!!!!   Oh dear, so we turned round and went back, collected the purse, re-set the alarm system, re-locked the gates  and off we went.  Heading along the Torremendo to San Miguel road, I casually asked where the passports were, after all we were heading for another country…………………..  “Oh, s—t, they’re at home” says Christine.    Earlier I had jokingly said we should have some reminders attached to the front door so as we were leaving, we can look for the appropriate reminder to ensure we had what we needed.   Board 1: travelling abroad. Board 2: going away for a weekend. Board 3: going shopping, etc etc., I think this is going to come to pass now!!!!!

So back home again, collect passports and of course went through the ritual of securing the house, and off we went again for the third time; 0930, three quarters of an hour later.  Now our extended lunch will have to be a quick “Menu del Dia”.  

Our journey was without incident other than driving the through a dollop of severe rain half way, about lunchtime, which we enjoyed at a roadside restaurant; quick and simple!    

Arriving in Pamplona we said thank goodness for technology, the prospect of finding the right public car park nearest to our hotel would have been daunting without it.  “Waze” took us straight into the central car park under the “Plaza del Castillo” where our hotel is situated in a Pedestrian precinct in the old town.

No problem booking in, but our room with balcony overlooks a small side square full of Restaurants and bars heaving with “punters”, tonight should be interesting!!!!!

An evening stroll enjoying a few drinky-poos with a selection of Tapas before retiring was the order of the day.   We sat in the main square, the sun beaming down on us enjoying the ambiance and supping wine, what could be better.

Breakfast was interesting and a total contrast to our last hotel in Valencia.  Here we sat down and “told” to touch “nothing”, the lady served us, but not that much choice and a prescribed amount!  Needless to say at coffee time we enjoyed “churros” with the usual!!!

This morning had a chill in the air so it was long trousers with cardigan to start.

We were going to take a chance travelling to France but Christine read that we definitely needed a PCR test so we decided we should, on balance get one.   We went to the local Pharmacy to make enquiries and what luck, the lady behind the counter was a good English speaker and gave us the address of the hospital where we could get one.   Back to the hotel and the receptionist kindly telephoned the hospital and found out we could only book online, oops, our Spanish doesn’t quite run to that we said, so our friendly receptionist did it for us; what a wonderful woman.  She got us two appointments, 1306hrs & 1312hrs, so we jumped into a taxi and headed to the hospital.  After some “bureaucratic” and “Jobsworth” procedure we had our PCR tests.   €190 later all was completed and it was still only 1317hrs, efficient or what!!!   We were told we would get our results, by SMS within 24hours🤞🤞🤞

Taxi back to hotel, back into shorts as the sun was blazing and the temperature had risen followed by a mooch around the old town, visiting the Pamplona Cathedral and Town Hall en route before gravitating back to the main square, firstly for an aperitif followed by luncheon.

After far too much to eat and drink we headed back to our room to gather our strength for tonight.

Oh yes our “NEGATIVE” results arrived, 5-hours after the tests, is that good or what?????

We were still “stuffed” in the evening so stayed in our hotel room, I downloaded and we watched a good film.   We followed this by some crib before settling in for the night, France tomorrow 

Sunday, 16th May was a bit of an anticlimax after the brilliant week culminating with a super-dooper birthday luncheon, and being Sunday everybody seemed to descend into the breakfast restaurant all at once, just like Noah’s arc jostling 2 x 2 to get in;  this was an even longer queue than Saturday.

Being Sunday the streets were empty, this morning’s taxi fare was just over half what it was on Saturday!!!!   Our taxi dropped us outside Valencia North station, adjacent to the massive bull ring.  

Our first port of call was a coffee and of course a brandy, sat down at a table and ordered.  The coffee and tea arrived with an apology, they’d run out of Brandy, shame on them👹. When I went in to pay I watched the chef preparing a massive paella, this was this restaurant’s speciality.

The outside of the station building looked very impressive but we were a little disappointed with the inside, rather like any other terminus, never mind we can’t get everything right every time!!!   Even though the station was empty, we managed to be “directed” by a “job’s worth” for trying to exit through the entrance.  Both the entrance and exits were about 4-meters wide with hardly anybody using them, but of course, “rules is rules”!!!!!!

We had a mooch round the outside of the bull ring but due to COVID, it was all closed😡😡. We would also have jumped on the “hop-on, hop-off” bus but couldn’t find one, again, probably cancelled because if this virus, so we ended up walking into a beautiful big square.  We stopped here for a sit down and watched the Spaniards promenading with their families.  It was rather hot this morning and we spotted a temperature gauge on a lamp post, it read 42-degrees, we thought it was hot!!!  Time for a drink, so headed back towards the historic district which was a few minutes walk, but as we turned down a narrow street, “Wham-Bam” we found the obligatory“Irish Bar” so naturally a pint of Guinness was “Mandatory” but unfortunately there were only high stools outside, and as they weren’t very comfortable, sadly no second pint!!!  

Being early afternoon we headed back to that restaurant that didn’t have any brandy as we both fancied a Paella and from what we saw earlier, theirs looked very appetising .  On arrival the waiter immediately recognised us and sat us down but unfortunately by now this restaurant was heaving so hopefully we had made a good choice.

To start we had a plate of prawns and I can’t remember ever having such monsters, there were two each, both excellent and after eating them, frankly we really didn’t need much else!!!  The paella arrived, we gave it our best shot but having looked forward to it so much, we were disappointed, not the best we’d ever had: oh well you can’t win them all.

Back to the hotel and an night of Crib and an early one as well, we were both tired or perhaps still a little hungover from Saturday!!!!!

Monday morning breakfast was totally different, hardly anyone in the hotel for breakfast, no queue and of course there were more staff on duty!!!!

On our way back this morning we had an appointment at “Patricia”, a retirement complex just outside Benidorm.  As we were passing it seemed an ideal opportunity to go and have a look, just in case we may have to move into one.

Returning back back past Denia for the “fourth” time this weekend we arrived at Patricia’s, and immediately struck by its size.  This resort is set in 25-acres of beautiful mature parkland overlooking Benidorm with sea views.  The accommodation consisted of 10-blocks of 190 one and two bedroom apartments, all with front doors opening into outside covered walkways; no claustrophobic corridors here!  There was a central administrative block complex with a library, several spacious recreational rooms, bar and restaurant etc., though very quite due to COVID restrictions.  The complex sported 5-outside swimming pools with an indoor pool and a gym.

After an initial discussion we were shown several apartments and were impressed with their size,  general layout, accessibility views etc.  As a bonus, some of the ground floor apartments had small private gardens, right up Christine’s street.   The site also had its own medical centre with resident doctor and a nursing home; in fact as one would expect, everything for retired living was catered for and the “inmates” we casually spoke to, were enthused with the place.  

After the “grand tour” we headed to their restaurant for a “menu del dia” and a quiet chat about what we’d just seen and heard.

We were very impressed by what we had seen, it certainly is an impressive complex but our  conclusion at the moment is, we’ll put this on the back burner and consider alternative options, after all it’s not that we are that old and need to go to a retirement complex yet!

Our drive back from Benidorm was un-eventful, but our chatter was really “deep” and “soul-searching” about the next chapter in our lives.

Our mini birthday unfortunately came to an end far too soon, but thank you ChristIne for organising everything, and especially my sailing surprise, and of course, a big thank you to Andrew for putting “ELTON” at our disposal and her skipper Ollie, and the superb chef, Annica.  Top this birthday ChristIne!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

15th May

The day has at last arrived, cards in bed followed by breakfast.  Unfortunately due to COVID we had to queue, 2 x 2 and the numbers going into the restaurant were controlled by the speed of the two girls behind a line of tables handing you whatever you wanted onto a tray.   Starting with orange juice and bread rolls, through the pastries and cold meats then onto the scrambled eggs and bacon, and lastly tea/coffee.  It was the most inefficient system I think I have ever seen but I suppose it did what it was designed to do, regulate the numbers in the restaurant.

ChristIne booked this particular hotel as it was the nearest she could find to the centre of the historic district, but it was still just under 2kms, so into a taxi we jumped, which was just as well as it seemed to take for ages to get there.   

We were dropped by the central market, a magnificent building, built on the site of the original market which started in 1839.  Todays building, started in 1914 and finally completed in 1928 covers over 8,000 sq meters and is supposedly the largest indoor market in Europe.   It has an unusual outside roof made up of domes and sloping sections at different heights.  Inside, the roof has panels letting in light and large coloured glass window at the ends.  This light and airy building was bustling with activity, and apart from a wet fish stall, everything else in the food line one could imagine was catered for.

After strolling around for a bit we stumbled upon an old, well preserved building open to the public.  This was Valencia’s Merchants Exchange, in Spanish “ Llotja de la Seda” built between 1482 – 1533 and is one of Valencia’s top tourist attraction.  Inside it has an amazing hand carved ceiling and the roof is held up with extraordinary twisted Pillars.  This building has been a world heritage site1996.  They run a film with English sub titles which gave the remarkable background to both this hall and the prosperity of Valencia during the Middle Ages, it was well worth watching.

We’ve never been to Valencia before, but have now come to realise there is so much to see and do that it is more like a week needed than a couple of days!   In fact the earliest town here was set up by the Romans in 138-BC, and from that date to more recent times Valencia has been involved in something or other, and it was here that “El CID” defended against the Moors towards the end of the eleventh century.

Wandering around the historic area, we were “accosted” by a fellow standing outside a restaurant drumming up business, looking casually inside from the street,  it looked intriguing but we were still digesting our breakfast.   Naturally as custom dictates, we walked into one of the 9 or 10 churches that are in this small area, only to interrupt a christening, but we were quiet and left immediately, oops!!!

OK it was time for a beer, we sat at a table in a square watching the proceedings of a wedding that was taking place, in fact many of the wedding guests were also drinking beers waiting for the ‘photos to be taken.   We would have stayed for another but the waiter was miserable, couldn’t give a fig about us and lost trade because of his attitude.  Had he’d been more accommodating, I have no doubt we would have stayed, enjoying the ambience and the sun, 32-degrees!  But because of his intransigence we drank up and left.

By now it was after 1400hrs and the prospect of lunch started to dawn on us.  As I was being treated I plumped for a late lunch that we could linger over rather than an evening meal.  We then stumbled across another lovely “round square” surrounded by restaurants, but after exhaustive enquiries, everything was pre-booked, so we couldn’t get a table.

After some deliberation we decided to return to the place where we were “accosted” outside a restaurant, the one where the inside intrigued us.   Fortunately we found it and went in but first we had to gel our hands under supervision before having our temperature taken, all good thank goodness, only then were we taken to our table.

The inside of the restaurant really surprised us, it sounds odd but all the walls and roof had been sprayed with concrete giving it a “cave” look and it didn’t end there.  There was a mezzanine floor and a lower area and the barriers depicting the edges was sprayed concrete and the ropes between the pillars were also from this concrete.   The floor was covered in small mosaic type tiles and put together, it was amazing, and that’s before we have even seen the menu!  This place is called “Restaurante Bacco Valencia” and advertised as a“Mediterranean Restaurant in Valencia”

Like everywhere now all menus are by QR Reader but unfortunately my phone decided to run out of data allowance this weekend, something that’s never happened before, but very inconvenient so the waitress lent us her ‘phone.   Today we went of the à la carte menu, special treat by ChristIne.   We were having a little trouble ordering, my accent was obviously crap, I wasn’t used to the Valencias Dialect and all I was trying to get across was that I wanted my steak “rare”; anyway eventually the chef arrived and blow me he was English, came from Leicester, his name was Josh but the problem was he was a Leicester Tigers Supporter, and as he said, we “could” have been friends!!!   Still everything we had, and it was a lot, was cooked to perfection.  Their wine list was small but well selected which complemented an excellent birthday meal washed down with a couple of bottles.  The problem was the Brandies afterwards.  We asked if they had a Carlos 1, no she said but did have something better, “Gran Duque D Alba”, never heard of it but ordered two, it was a limited bottling, came from Jerez and it was magnificent, but that was not all, when that time came to pay, she brought the bottle back and gave us two more!!!   How we found our way to the taxi rank and managed to get the driver to know where we wanted to go was surprising.  Our problem is that during lockdown we haven’t drunk much as we haven’t participated in parties etc.

We got back to our room and that’s where we stayed, probably comatose ‘till 0900hrs Sunday!

What a great day, sorry, what a great birthday week, thank you 

After the late night, the not so early morning!!!!   Today is our departure, and though we were in the Valencia Marina about 3kms from where our hotel is in the centre of town, our trip there necessitated a diversion via Martin and Marian’s villa, where we left and forgot to remove the milk from the fridge.   Now I expect the more astute of our readers will say, “why not sort it on the homeward journey?”; sensible question but we have an appointment on Monday morning in Benidorm, this appointment has been changed many times that we didn’t want to alter it yet again.  Alternatively we could leave the hotel early, no way!!!

After saying our goodbyes we sadly left Ollie and Anneka to carry on where they had left off at the start of the week, preparing the boat for their first charter.   Though only 4-nights aboard, it was a magical experience being on such a beautiful and so large a sailing boat, can’t wait to return, please Andrew.   Ollie and Anneka are excellent hosts and I have no doubt that when they are hosting charters, the clients won’t want to leave, just like us.  Thank you both again for making our short trip so enjoyable. 

Leaving the marina we had a little trouble getting waze to work on my ‘phone but we have a reliable back-up with Christine’s phone so we headed back to Alcalali, about an hour away.

Arriving around 1300hrs we collected the milk, checked around then left about 1330; ah, lunch time so we headed back to Xalo and Del Hierro, the restaurant we had visited on the Monday, it was that good!!!

Back in the car and we headed back to Valencia, arriving right outside our hotel at the appointed hour for getting into our room.   After settling in and sorting ourselves, we headed out but there was rather a chilly wind so didn’t go too far but on the way back we stopped at a bar and enjoyed another bottle of wine accompanied by some Tapas.   It was amusing, as last nights lateness was catching us up and we couldn’t stop yawning so headed back and tried to play crib but we couldn’t concentrate on that either, so gave up and had an early-ish night.