11 May - Girona Flower Festival

We parked up necessitating a walk over the river into Girona the city. On our way across the bridge we spotted a family of wild boar snuffling in the undergrowth. Definitely didn't expect to see them!

The first time we came to Girona Flower Festival was two years ago so it was lovely to see what was on a display this year.

This is a good idea for a rockery and reusing old breeze blocks.

Several of the bridges were decorated.

They have plants and flowers hanging off everywhere.

It was lovely to access many churches to see their displays - many aren't normally open.

We certainly had a good nosey around Girona - this was in a college courtyard.

A decorated 4 poster.

Flowers made out of plastic bottles. A great way to recycle.

The scouts had a display - a floral fire.

Anyway, with over 130 displays we didn't manage to see them all. We might be returning with friends at the end of the week so hopefully we'll get to see the majority this year.

With a busy day in Girona I think it'll be a local day tomorrow.

10 May - Roses Market

It's Sunday so it's Roses market. We missed it last week with our trip into Figueres for the people towers so it was nice to get along to it.

We had fog first thing but by the time we'd had breakfast it was clearing. The surf was coming in strong though at our end of the beach and there were even people trying to surf! A first for us to see.

The market was busy and nothing caught our eye. Ian likes those markets as nothing was spent 😂. But we stopped for a beach side cuppa on our walk back.

Surprisingly not many people on the beach for a Sunday especially as the market was so busy.

Unfortunately Ian was out having to rub down the side of the car which somehow someone has managed to scratch. Possibly a coach squeezing through as there's a hotel up the road from us, and our road is the only road out for them. A bit infuriating but Ian's done a good job.

A lovely lazy Sunday afternoon on the balcony - well over half my tome read. Tomorrow it's a trip into Girona for the flower festival.

9 May - A Bit of Retail Therapy

On our way out of the apartment gardens we were admiring how the plants have grown (especially the orange blooming cactus) and smell! The white blossom was lovely smelling this morning.

This is the same cactus from May 2024! I found this picture from when it was originally planted.

Out the front there's a lovely bush that has flowers that look like red bottle brushes. Guess what the plant is called?

Yep! A red cluster bottlebrush plant!! 😂

We also spotted honey bees laden down with pollen zipping from flower to flower.

Anyway. We cycled into Empuiabrava for the Saturday market - our equivalent of Bluewater. Loads of clothing outlets, opportunities to buy deli items, fruit and veg, a selection of cooking equipment (like Lakeland on a tressel table) and plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants. Just no multi screen cinema.

These are the newly installed bike charging points - pretty snazzy.

Down at the harbour end of the market we noticed a new installation. It's one of those art things that has the name 'Empuiabrava' painted in sections.

After having to have a good look at it we worked out how to see it.

You had to be standing in a certain position at a distance - unfortunately this photo doesn't really show it but it did work.

If you don't follow instructions for not parking on Friday evening you could get towed.

Or as this Brit found out, you get clamped and the market takes place around you!

After a spot of shopping - a kg of strawberries for €3 and a bargain dress, we cycled back for late lunch. Then we mozzied for a walk down the prom as it was too overcast for sitting on the balcony.

Remember that tree that was being held up by another? Well it came down. I'm sure we'll see it replanted once they finish filling in the hole - still lots of sand to be shovelled back in.

Hopefully this dreary weather will hold off tomorrow. I feel in need of some decent sunshine.