Yes, here we are in the south of Spain where winter temperatures average in the mid 20's... Unfortunately, while the weather is milder than at home, we are stuck with torrential rain. Yikes! Thankfully we are prepared for most eventualities so are getting through it ok. We rolled out the awning on the side of the van which keeps the ground dry outside and so less cleaning of floors is required. It also means that we can keep the door open which makes the place feel a lot bigger. Pretty essential when you are stuck inside.
So, we had an uneventful drive from Oliva down to Torrevieja on the coast. Had an overnighter, then moved on past Cartagena across the hills to Almeria. This place is a sight to behold. The entire landscape is covered in plastic. Without exaggeration, every place that has earth has been cocooned in swathes of white plastic. Even the hillsides have been terraced to allow the construction of these monstrous greenhouses. The price of having year-round salads I guess. Not pretty...will post a pic to let you see.
We moved on again towards Malaga. My lovely friend June offered us the use of her apartment for Christmas, unfortunately it was on a pretty steep hill and we couldn't drag the 5 tonne beast up there without the possibility of blowing up the engine or gearbox! Not to worry...ever onwards, this time to Marbella. Thankfully quiet compared to what it is probably like in high summer! The campsite is lovely, very peaceful, close to a small beach and with the most terrific showers! It is amazing what becomes important to you when you motorhome.
We have found Spain to be a real mix. Can't say that it has been the most enjoyable part of the trip, although to be fair we haven't had many opportunities to explore, as we have been moving south to get the best weather. It is very set up for tourists. There are extremes like Benidorm, which we drove past, where there are the most enormous skyscrapers, and there is still building work going on. There are the smaller places on the south coast that have a mix of tourism and farming, but they feel quite run down. Maybe because it is off-season. There are stray dogs everywhere, mostly pretty malnourished, and yet the pet shops have windows full of puppies. Not quite sure what to make of the place to be honest.
Anyway, we have Euan's birthday tomorrow and then Christmas, so lots to do. Hope you are all making the most of the snow. Typical, first white Christmas for years and we miss it!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!
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Hope Euan had a lovely birthday, and I love the Fiat 500 T shirt. Very tricky being born so close to Christmas but I'm sure you made it special for him. Hope also Lesley managed to conjure up some culinary miracles for Christmas dinner. To-day is Monday 28th and we are still in the grip of freezing weather, no snow in Fife for a couple of days but the temperature has not risen above freezing, so everything is turned to ice. I believe it is even colder in Aberdeen, so anyone up there please let us know what is happening further North and make your valuable contribution to the blog. We all want to hear your news especially Lesley, Bill and the boys, so get typing...... I keep feeding the birdies to try to keep them alive as food must be in very short supply. Anyone reading this please make the effort, they need all the help they can get. Remember you must keep on doing the feeding daily, so that they can rely on you. Aside from the weather we have all had a very nice Christmas day/Boxing Day. N.L.N came for boxing Day dinner and it was very nice. Showed him your blog and the pic of Euan, he was most impressed, thought it was very informative and interesting - terrific was what he said, and I have to pass this on to you as he does not use a computer, or mobile. Hope you and your boys, big and small are all enjoying Marbella and being static for a while, I'm sure you need the rest. My Christmas Cake was fantastic, thank to good old Delia's recipe. Bought myself her latest Christmas cookery book as my present to me, some lovely new recipes as well as lots of lovely vegetarian recipes. How is Joshua doing with his lack of meat, is it all meat he wont eat or just certain things? I think a visit to a continental market would do it for a lot of people, they cook everything but the squeak. I don't think I could buy my Sunday dinner alive in all honesty, so I admire Joshua for taking this stand. I think Caroline was about the same age when she announced she was a vegetarian. Anyway the days are very short and if I want to get out to-day I must go now. Two days in the house and I'm stir crazy, even if I just to go to Asda and the Garden Centre for more bird food. Boring stuff compared to your travels. Anyway lots of love to everyone, and hope to speak to you soon. Mum. xxxx
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