Europe here we come! \240Both vehicles are stored away in the garage (s). \240We will spend tonight at the Microtel Hotel in Eagan before our flight leaves tomorrow, Wed., Nov. 28th.

Kim was nice enough to drive up yesterday and will drive us to the cities and our hotel.

A very cold day here in single digits.

ADD PICTURE HERE OF DELTA TICKET?

Wednesday - departure day - 17 degrees and sunny. \240Snow is predicted for this afternoon. \240Our nonstop Delta flight to London, is scheduled to leave at 5:30 pm, arriving in London at 8:35 am. \240(1:30 am CST)

Our Itinerary

11/28 - 5:30 pm, depart MSP to London

11/29 - 8:35 a.m. (1:30 a.m. CST) Arrive London

11/29-12/2 - London, Premier Inn London Tower

12/2 - 1/31 - Split, Croatia, Pomalo apartment (AirBnB)

1/31 - Split to London

2/1 - \240London to Alicante, Spain

2/1 Bus to Benidorm, Spain

2/1- 4/15Airbnb, Portofino 1, 2 bedroom apartment

4/15 - 4/30 - Unplanned

4/30 - Delta flight, London to MSP

Thank you for choosing Delta. This information is a copy of your itinerary and not a receipt. If you are holding this itinerary, be sure to complete your purchase before the deadline by calling 1-800-221-1212. For a complete list of world wide phone numbers, please visitwww.delta.com/contact _us.

Wed, 28NOVDEPARTARRIVEDELTA 10

Main Cabin (T)

MPLS-ST PAUL

5:35pm

LONDON-HEATHROW

7:35am
**Thu 29NOV

Tue, 30APRDEPARTARRIVEDELTA 11

Main Cabin (T)

LONDON-HEATHROW

12:55pm

MPLS-ST PAUL

3:54pm

London. \240The 8 hour flight was long. I couldn’t sleep but Bob dozed off and on. \240We rode the Tube (underground train) from Heathrow Airport to our hotel, London Tower Premier Inn. \240The transfer went fine but a little confusing when you don’t know where you’re going. \240Our hotel room is nice and just a few blocks from the London Tower and Thames River.

We walked around the neighborhood in the afternoon and enjoyed a brew and wine at a few pubs. \240The Hung, Drawn, and Quartered Pub was a fun place (love the name).

I ran out of energy and was in bed and sound asleep by 5:00 pm. \240Bob lasted until 9:00.

London people are friendly and offered us help when we looked lost and confused. \240A bit of a challenge understanding the British slang. \240One woman in our hotel elevator commented we must be from the U.S. - our accent!

Londoners are thin and well dressed. \240Businessmen are dressed in dark suits and women in dark skirts or dresses. \240Very professional looking. \240No corporate casual here!

$1.00 U.S. = .78 pounds

Sightseeing in London

Our flight left London early morning with a 5 hour layover in Munich. Very cold and rainy. \240Fortunately, we didn’t have to claim our luggage and go through customs.

Going through Customs at London Heathrow was a breeze as was security.

Split, Croatia.

Enjoyed an informative Uber ride to our apartment, thanks to Karlos, our driver, arranged by Grgo, apartment mgr. \240The Airbnb “Pomalo” is perfect for us. \240Clean, spacious, quiet and a great location. \240It’s a short downhill walk to restaurants, bars, shops, and beaches.

The weather has been rainy and in the mid 50’s. \240An umbrella was out first purchase. The Diocletian Palace is an amazing place. \240Numerous alleyways and courtyards with many shops, bars and cafes. The Croatian language and currency (Kuna) will be a challenge while we’re here.

We’ve been walking and walking - more than 10,000 steps every day!

$1.00 U.S. = 6.53 kuna (kn)

We walked 14,600 steps today exploring the area. \240The Palace and surrounding areas are amazing. \240I’ve never seen so many shops, restaurants and bars nestled in nooks and crannies. \240And bakeries!!!! \240There’s one or more on every block with fresh breads, pastries, deserts, pizza and calzones. \240The Green Market where vendors sell meats, nuts, veges and fruit every morning is the social gathering spot. A separate fish market is close by with fresh caught fish. Very reasonable prices.

We discovered when meeting locals on the sidewalk, they do not make eye contact or smile, and no “Good morning” greeting. \240They’re not being unfriendly, it’s the Croatian culture. \240When asking them for help however, they’re very friendly.

A sunny day! \240We hiked to the top of Marjan Hill. \24012,000 steps up and down. \240A good work out with great views! \240We packed a sandwich and water to enjoy at the top. \240So peaceful and the sun felt great. \240We enjoyed coffee at an outdoor patio on the Riva Promenade

We joined the Olympic Gym, a block away from our apartment. \240The gym cost $550 Kn a month for unlimited visits. \240It’s clean and has many machines. \240We’re the oldest folks exercising. \240Most are serious weight lifters.

The locals eat their meals about 2 hours later than those in the U.S. \240The restaurants don’t get busy until 8-9:00 at night.

Many cigarette smokers here with smoking allowed in the bars, resulting in many of them being quite smokey. Almost every bar/restaurant has an outdoor seating area, most with heaters. \240If food is served, the area is non-smoking. \240It’s common for the locals to have a 2-3 hour break mid day where they socialize over coffee, wine, or beer.

We found a fun little bar called Marvyls Library Jazz Bar. Tin, the owner, provided tips on which islands to explore and restaurants to try. \240He introduced us to James, a writer from California, who is hoping to relocate to Split.

Split has strong winds called Duro which are bitterly cold. We discovered a great pizza restaurant, Pizza Gust, \240a delicious large pizza and 4 beers cost $10. \240Locals order a large pizza for each person and they usually eat it all! \240The first time we ordered one pizza to share, the waiter was surprised we didn’t order another. \240The pizza was cut in half and served on separate plates for each of us.

Out for a walk.....

We ventured to the Split Mall via the bus. \240The public buses are quite new and clean - 11K ($1.80). \240We enjoyed the ride and seeing other parts of the city. \240The Mall was just a regular mall with many high end and name brand stores. \240Not cheap. \240Bob did buy a pair of workout shoes for $20.

It was a gorgeous sunny day, high lower 50’s. \240We went to Toto’s Burgers for dinner. \240Bob had an excellent burger and fries. \240I had a burrito which was more like a chicken vege wrap but very good. \240We stopped at the Jazz bar and visited with our friends we met the night before.

Today, Zdravka, the cleaning woman is coming to clean the apartment. \240Twice a month cleaning is included in our rent.

Lastnight was a “first” for us. \240A poetry reading was held at the Jazz Bar. \240It was in a cozy back area of the bar where patrons could get up and read poetry they wrote or enjoyed. \240Some was in English or Spanish but most in Croatian. \240

The last few days have been cool (cold?) in the 40’s for highs and 30’s at night. \240I believe MN was warmer a couple of those days. \240The sun is warm but the winds are chilling.

We discovered more new restaurants and enjoyed excellent meals. \240We had excellent pizza at Bakra. \240The restaurant next door, Kanoba (which means tavern) Lucac, had the same owners and shared the kitchen. \240A complimentary shot of homemade brandy (rakiya) is brought before and after the meal. \240Tasty brandy with different flavors such as cherry, lemon, herb.

We listened to a 3 man group singing at Bakra. \240It was interesting that no one clapped after a song and pretty much ignored the guys singing. \240They even sang an Elvis song!

Duje was another restaurant close to home where I enjoyed Homemade ravioli with shrimp and salmon.

Visiting the island of Brac.

A beautiful sunny day and in the mid 50’s. \240We took the ferry to the island of Brac. \240The cruise was calm and peaceful. \240Several boats were out fishing and we saw a few dolphins.

We enjoyed a self-guided walking tour of the city, Supetar, visiting the Parish Church, gallery and cemetery. \240The cemetery was beautiful with a variety of flowers, pictures and candles on the family mausoleums.

The beach area was stunning with exceptionally clear water but totally deserted due to it being low season. \240Most of the restaurants and shops were closed for the winter and not serving food. \240Several cafes were open but only serving coffee and cocktails.

Split was busy when we returned. \240A cruise ship had come in for the day and the Riva was bustling with locals enjoying their coffee and lunch. \240We sat outside at an outdoor vendor and enjoyed Sarma.

15,000 steps today.

Christmas in Split - temps around 50. \240

It was lonely not having friends or family around so Kathy splurged on a Christmas centerpiece for the coffee table to add some Christmas cheer to the apartment.

Bob made pasta with red sauce, improvising as best he could with the limited cooking utensils and food purchased from the grocery store.

Christmas was a gorgeous day but only a high of 49. \240We went to the beach and walked the stone pathway/boardwalk. \240It was surprisingly busy with families, singles, couples enjoying the day, playing in the water and yes, some brave souls swimming, and having coffee or cocktails at the few coffee shops that were open along the beach. \240We sat at one cafe for over an hour watching the water and people passing by. \240Such a range of individuals. \240Some bundled up in winter coats, hats, and mittens, classy women in their long fur coats, and then those actually going for a swim or playing a game in the water.

Message from Mom? \240As I was looking at pictures on my IPad that I had taken on Christmas Day, there in the middle of all those pictures were 4 of my mom. \240It was the same beautiful picture of her taken on her 90th birthday. \240How did those get mixed in with the Croatia pictures? \240Mom was saying “Merry Christmas”!

Today, the 26th, is St. Stephens Day in Croatia so some places are closed in observation of the holiday.

Christmas week on the Riva. \240

We discovered a bar called Sanctuary that was recommended on Trip Advisor as having reasonably priced drinks. \240The only place in Split that serves Bloody Mary’s. We had a drink but didn’t stay long as it was a small bar and too smokey for us.

Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Zinfandel. \240We strolled to the Riva where a band on an outdoor stage was playing. They started out playing U.S. music (Elvis, Johnny Cash) and then switched to Croatian music. \240All very good but couldn’t understand the Croatian.

Bakra - One of our favorite restaurants mentioned earlier. Always busy, great service, delicious food and complimentary shots of homemade flavored brandy.

New Years Eve.

Another awesome dinner at Bakra (again). \240The steaks melt in your mouth. \240After eating, we walked to the Riva. \240A large outdoor stage was set up for a live band. \240Many people were sitting in chairs, all bundled up in winter coats, stocking hats, scarves and blankets. \240It was COLD! \240I had hoped we could’ve joined them, but with the wind and temperature in the high 30’s, home sounded warmer. We \240enjoyed beautiful fireworks at midnight while standing on our balcony.

Very cold temps with a high of 36 and extremely windy with a wind chill of 26. \240It was warmer in MN today!

Woman’s hair appointment-100 kn ($15) for a wash, cut and style. \240Enough hairspray to keep my hair in place for months!

Jan. 8th - Sick with terrible cold

7 hours in the Split Public Hospital Emergency Room.

After a week of coughing, headache, nose blowing and little sleep, and now difficulty breathing, I told Bob we had to find a doctor.  He went to the pharmacy close by and they gave us directions to the closest emergency room. \240Due to it being a Saturday we didn’t have much choice of where to go.  Off we went on foot to the ER leaving our apartment at 9:30 a.m.

We barely found the Emergency Room as it’s not marked in English, of course. \240Following the building where the ambulances were, the entrance hall had chairs with sad looking souls.  No reception window or medical person in sight. \240We took a seat after confirming with a paramedic we were at the right place.  After an hour, our turn comes to go into the exam room.  After explaining my symptoms and that I have asthma, 2 girls examine me. Next, a doctor entered the room and asked if I’d ever had pneumonia (no) and says I need to go to a pulmonologist who is right down the road. Apparently we were in some type of Emergency pre-screening area.

As we set off to find the Pulmonolgy Dept., there are no signs in English to direct us in the right direction. After finding the building we enter an empty hallway with no signs in English and several closed doors. A woman points towards a door and motions for us to go through.  We do - and there is the saddest ER Waiting area I had ever seen. There were people sitting in chairs with face masks and all the hospital staff had facemasks on which we soon learned why.  It was peak flu season. \240A hospital bed was in the middle of the room with an elderly man, moaning and raising his arm every so often while being totally ignored.  A glass sliding window looked like it may be where a receptionist might be.  Ignoring us while we stood there, I finally got her attention. I hand her the paper from the first ER along with my passport.  She takes it and says “you must wait”.  We have no idea what we’re really waiting for - see a dr., admission to the hospital? \240So we sit, watch and listen while  everyone is speaking Croatian around us.

2:00 PM. \240We waited 3 hours before finally getting called into a room. \240The problem with sitting that long was that the lack of hygiene and cleanliness became very noticeable. In addition, we’d had little or nothing to eat or drink before we left our apartment.  

It was the strangest arrangement I’ve ever seen.  People would get called in to the exam room come out and sit, go back in, come out and wait.  The worst was a woman who had something that sounded similar to me but was gagging and coughing and then spitting into a waste basket next to the seating area. \240I told Bob to put on a face mask but he said he probably already had been exposed by now.  Meanwhile, the elderly man is still laying in the hospital bed, moaning.

After finally getting called into the exam room, the doctor (who spoke English) orders blood work and a chest X-ray. \240I’m put me in a wheel chair to go to the hospital radiology dept. via a basement tunnel that connects to the hospital.  The Dr. tells me to keep my coat on because it will be cold.  

Bob pushes me in the chair while we follow 2 medical staff pushing a man in a hospital bed.  I told Bob I felt like I was in “One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest” going through that long winding tunnel. Dirty, dark, and the cement floor peeling.  

More waiting at the Radiaology Dept. \240finally called in, the X-ray tech tells me to take everything off on top.  Standing there topless with nothing to cover myself and in the open, the tech finishes the conversation she was having with the other staff.

Xrays taken she tells me I can go. I get dressed and push my wheel chair out the door.  Waiting another 30 minutes for X-ray results and someone to take us back to the ER.

Back in the Pulmonology Dept, I’m placed in a big treatment room with the same man in the hospital bed that joined me on the Radiology Dept. journey. I’m put on oxygen in my nose and then a face mask that I have no idea what it’s doing.  Later, we find out it had a medication to open up my lungs and bronchial tubes.  Then hooked up to an IV thinking it was an antibiotic but found out later it was a steroid to reduce the inflammation in my lungs.  

Another hour waiting for the results of the blood work. During our wait another elderly man is brought in a wheelchair so there’s 3 of us.

FINALLY, medical staff removes the IV and mask, handing me a glass with liquid in it and says “drink this after it stops bubbling”.  Asking what is it, he tells me my “K....” something or other is low.  Bob, the Biologist, asked, “Potassisum?” which it was.  Apparently, they don’t call it potassium in Croatia.

The dr. reports there is no sign of infection. \240There was fluid in the bronchial tubes which the treatment given should provide relief. The Dr. recommended being careful with my asthma and see a pulmonologist when returning home.   A 3 day antibiotic was prescribed.

4:30 and discharged! Charges of $163 U.S. which is reasonable. \240

Bob came home and immediately took a HOT shower.  I crashed on the bed.  Now fingers crossed, we didn’t pick up any additional illnesses while there.

-30 degrees in MN today. \240Glad we’re here although it was only in the high 40’s with rain. \240That’s still better than MN.

Split Cooking Class with just us and the chef!

We met Chef Zeljko Neven Bremen by the Green Market where fresh fruits, veges, meats, cheeses, flowers, \240nuts and so much more are sold. \240Open every day, locals come to socialize and make selections for their days menu. \240With the chef’s guidance, we selected tangerines, miniature brocolli, Swiss chard, and celery root for our meal. \240As we walked towards the Fish Market he gave us a history of the palace and pointed out significant areas of interest. \240All types of fish were available and freshly caught that morning. \240The chef selected shark when we mentioned we had never had it before. \240Also purchased was a kilo of shrimp and a smaller white fish.

The cooking school provides classes for groups of tourists, children and other chefs. \240It was a dream kitchen; sparkling, modern and clean with any cooking utensils one could wish for. The chef is well known throughout the world and has won numerous awards.

After enjoying light snacks and lemon brandy, the food prep began with Chef’s instructions. \240Our menu included a risotto with shrimp, braised shark in fish broth, broccoli, salad, swiss chard with potatoes, fresh bread and flan.

The shark was sliced into filets and placed in milk to marinate. \240Next, the shrimp were peeled and the fish cleaned, gutted and filleted. \240The fish were sliced into tiny pieces and marinated in vinegar and lemon, similar to a ceviche.

The bread dough was mixed and set aside to rise. \240Kathy prepared the sugar glaze for flan and set aside to cool. \240When cooled a mixture of egg, milk, lemon, and squeezed orange was lightly beaten, poured into the flan dishes and placed in a steamer to bake.

No food scraps were wasted. The shells from the shrimp, fish head, tales and bones were placed in a kettle filled with water, celery root, onion, carrots, salt and pepper and simmered into a broth. Once the broth was ready the shark filets were placed in the pot to simmer.

Meanwhile, potatoes were peeled and boiled. \240Once fork tender, broccoli was added to continue cooking with the potatoes. \240Bob prepared the risotto adding half of the peeled shrimp, stirring consistently. \240The remaining shrimp were added prior to eating.

Here and there wine and brandy were added, along with \240olive oil, salt and pepper.

Dinner is served! \240Once our meal was complete we enjoyed the prepared dishes along with wine and and entertaining conversation about the Croatian culture from Chef and his wife, Alma.

Everything was delicious! \240This was the highlight of our trip. \240We learned much about the use of seasonings, oils, spices, and cooking techniques in addition to more about Split and the country of Croatia. \240We are looking forward to trying the recipes at home.

WHITE FISH CARPACCIO

INGREDIENTS:

White fish (Sea bass, Sea bream, John Dory,…)

Lemon juice

Olive oil

Salt, grounded black pepper

METHOD OF PREPARATION:

Filet the fish, using tweezers take out the rest of the fish bones. Cut into small bites. Cover with lemon juice, Olive oil, adding salt and Black pepper. Leave covered in fridge for abouth 2 hours.

Serve on the top of some green salad (rucola, lettuce,….).

If you want to keep it for couple of days, you can, but do not add salt into lemon juice, only before serving.

GREGADA (FISH STEW FROM ISLAND OF HVAR)

INGREDIENTS, FOR 4 SERVINGS:

Fish 1000 g

Scampi 4 pieces

Squid 4 small pieces

Mussels or other shells 500 g, or wathever Seafood combination you can find

Fish stock, made from fish bones and vegetable leftovers

Olive oil 100 ml

Onion 2 pieces

Potatoes 4 large, or 8 small

Garlic 2 cloves

Walking tour with Sandra, Emaus Tourist Guide.

Cold and windy day - gusts up to 60 MPH with windchills in the 20’s.

Despite the cold weather we enjoyed our tour with Sandra. \240Sandra was a 30 year old English teacher who offers private tours. \240She said the majority of tourists were from the U.S.

Children in Croatia attend 8 years of classes with the first 4 taught by the same teacher. \240The start of each child’s education is based on their age and maturity, usually around age 6 or 7. \240After 4 years of schooling, students change classes by subject. \240As Sandra teaches English, she has the same students for 8 years. \240After 8 years of schooling, students attend high school and focus on their primary education major (science, language, history, etc.). Most children ate encouraged to attend the university afterwards.

The school year runs from Oct. through July with similar breaks as the U.S. (Christmas, Easter). \240They attend one week of morning sessions and then switch to afternoons the following week. \240This continues throughout the school year. \240Students are encouraged to participate in sports with practices before or after the school session.

Diocletian Palace - first stop of the tour, walking through the Palace, Sandra pointed out various historic points and explained what life was like many, many centuries ago. \240Fascinating history and amazing stone architecture.

Salina - Second stop was at the ancient village of Salona. \240While Sandra drove, we enjoyed views of the city with more history. \240Croatia has charities and social services established which greatly minimizes the homeless problems the U.S. struggles with. \240Drug issues aren’t an issue due to the low income of the locals. \240Marijuana use exists but there is little money available for opioids and more serious drugs.

The village of Salona included ruins uncovered over the years. \240Sandra described each area in the village which helped imagine the life style during that time.

Trogir - final stop. \240Trogir is an old town on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. \240The old town area was similar to Split with narrow stone avenues, tunnels, and apartments built in a winding maze but on a smaller scale.

After our tour, the bus took us back to Split which turned out to be an adventure, getting dropped off at an unexpected depot in Split (in the dark) and not knowing where we were. \240Walking downhill, we eventually ended up at the Palace and found our way home.

Beautiful, sunny day in the 50’s.

Mestrovic Gallery. \240Ivan Mestrovic was a famous European painter and sculptor. \240His works are seen all over Croatia as well as in the United States - Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Washington D.C., New York. \240Fascinating works of art.

We enjoyed lunch at the Adriatic restaurant which overlooks the Sea.

Croatia visit comes to an end. \240Up next, overnight in London before our flight to Spain

Leaving at 4:16 a.m. \240Cold and drizzly, our departure from Split arrived in London at 3:45 pm after a 5 hour layover in Munich. \240The National Express Bus shuttled us to the Stansted Airport \240where we’re scheduled to fly out of in the morning. \240After rush hour traffic, we arrived at the Stansted Airport 2 hours later. \240A shuttle took us to the Novotel Hotel, 10 minutes away.

Up at 3:00 a.m. the following day, a shuttle to the airport, and in the air at 7:30. \240After landing in Alicante, Spain at 10:10 the BeniConnect bus transported us to Benidorm. \240FINALLY, arriving at the Port Hotel bus stop at 2:00, we met our landlady, Julia, who walked us to our apartment.

Benidorm, Spain!

2 days of travel to 4 countries, 5 airports and 3 bus transports. \240We met Jim and Kathleen, Canadian friends also staying in Benidorm, on our walk to the Portofino Apartments, our home for 2 and half months. \240The Stag and Pheasant bar, down the hill from our apartment, was the selected meeting place after settling in.

Julia and her partner showed us around the apartment. What an amazing view!

After meeting Jim and Kathleen for a beer, we walked to Vera Cruz, the closest supermarket, and picked up a few supplies. \240Back to the apartment to get settled in and clean up before meeting J & K and their friends for dinner.

First full day in Benidorm. \240Temps in the high 50’s and WINDY! \240

We enjoyed a fabulous walk on the boardwalk which is several miles long, following the shoreline to Poinette Beach and LaCalla. \240Poinette Beach is as beautiful as Levante Beach where we are staying, but a little quieter with more of an older crowd. \240

A market is held on Sat. in LaCalla where we bought nuts, olives and seasonings (1 Euro a bag). \240A great lunch with Jim and Kathleen at the Waterfront restaurant while watching surfers

Jim Plutt, Minnesota friend, arrives.

Most of the day was spent cleaning and organizing the apartment. \240Jim arrived at 8:00 pm on the Alsa bus. \240After meeting him, we stopped for something to eat and caught up on MN news

The next day Jim, Bob and Jim walked to the Cross while Kathleen and I went shopping. \240The Cross is an uphill 35 minute walk to a beautiful overlook. \240We met for drinks and lunch at a half-way point sidewalk cafe. \240Great views on our walk home.

Bus trip to the city of Altea.

The 5 of us had a great day walking the promenade at Altea. \240Such a charming city with Caribbean blue water. \240When the waves came in, rocks would roll out with the waves, making a soothing, rain-like sound.

We had a delicious lunch at Columbus 1492 - a restaurant with a ship-like atmosphere. \240After returning to Benidorm, we stopped at J & K’s apartment for a glass of wine and admire their view.

El Masón restaurant

A group of 10 of us rode the bus to a Japanese restaurant for dinner in Albir. \240All you could eat and drink for 3 hours -13.95 Euro’s. \240Fabulous food and so much fun.

9 of us enjoyed another delicious dinner at El Mason. \240After dinner we went to the Paladium to hear Sean (friend in the middle of the picture below) sing. \240He has a fabulous voice!

Views from our apartment, Portofino 1, Unit 12B which we are enjoying! \2402 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, washer.

A walk to the Cross on a paved road straight up with many other walkers/hikers. \240Beautiful views!

Bob’s Birthday Week

What a way to celebrate. \240The “gang” surprised Marj for her 70th Birthday at Columbus 1942 in Altea. The food was amazing!

Road trip to southern Spain

We rented a car with Jim and Kathleen for a week. \240It was a fabulous trip with so much to see and do. \240The weather was perfect.

Tangiers, Morocco

The ferry took about an hour to cross from Tarifa. \240 We met our tour guide at the harbor and boarded a bus for a city tour, stopping on the beach for a camel ride and shopping in the Kasba (old town). \240After a delicious Moroccan lunch and shopping, time to board the bus for the return ferry. \240A long day, up at 5:00 and back to our hotel around 10:00.

Gibraltar City

Our car parked across from Gibraltar, we walked across (literally) the airport landing strip to the city of Gibraltar. \240It was very, very windy. \240Unfortunately, the cable cars taking us to the top of the Rock were not operating due to the high winds so we booked a van tour \240that turned out to be very informative with scenic and historic stops along the way.

Torremolinos, a beautiful city and not as touristy as Benidorm.

Granada - a busy metropolitan city

A scenic drive, going through mountains with miles and miles of Olive and Almond tree groves.

Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex located in Granada. \240After falling into disrepair for centuries, Alhambra was rediscovered following the defeat of Napoleon. \240Now it is well-known for the Islamic architecture, together with 16th century and later Christian building influence and gardens.

Calpe day trip

The city of Calpe is about an hour from Benidorm by train. \240It’s a scenic ride that goes through Altea and a mountain valley.

1 hour boat trip from Benidorm to Calpe.

The trip cost 25 euros each. \240It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed seeing the city and coastline from the water

St. Patrick’s Day

Around the town of Benidorm

Falla celebration in Benidorm. \240

The annual celebration lasts for 4 days starting with the display of fallas at 3 separate locations in Benidorm. \240They are made of plaster, paper macháis, various building supplies and then beautifully painted to represent different local topics. \240On the 4th day, they are set on fire at midnight. \240The 4 days include parades with a band and families dressed in decorative attire in addition to large and loud fire works at all times of the day and night.

Day trip to the city of Alicante

The tram to Alicante takes an hour from Benidorm, following the coastline. \240We had a wonderful time visiting Santa Barbara’s Castle, eating tapas in the town center, and walking along the beach.

Fun times in Benidorm, Spain

City of Albir and lighthouse

Bob’s goal - walk to all 4 peaks on the coastline

Our last few days in Benidorm.

Alicante, Spain

Our last few days were spent in Alicante, an hour from Benidorm. \240Easter celebrations were taking place all week with parades and religious events.

A wonderful stay in Spain comes to an end.