17 May - Train to Girona

We had a great evening over at our friend's watching Eurovision song contest and eating a local fruit called naspero crumble sort of pud. It was very tasty and the Spanish couple who were also with us enjoyed it. It ended up being a European evening with German, Spanish, Irish and UK guests.

As for us it went on quite late we left before the results started to come in so woke up to find out that Bulgaria triumphed. But I don't think we were really surprised that UK came last. At least we got 1 point!! 😂  

So this morning we met up with friends to take the train from our most local train station in Vilajua into Girona. As there's no ticket office or machine you have to pay on the train, but today there was no conductor so we ended up with a free ride into Girona!!

Coming out of the train station the first thing we saw was this impressive roof.

We later found out that it's an historical building called 

Casa Texidor which is no a school.

It was the final day of the flower festival so we managed to see some displays we didn't get to see on Monday.

Some were on display on the city walls.

 This was in a solicitors office!

This was clever with the outfits made out of leaves and flowers.

Even old books were recycled in some displays.

We enjoyed our bocadillos (a panni like sandwich), tapas and drinks in a very Spanish cafe, slightly off the main route of the flower festival. We didn't have to wait to be seated, drinks came straight away and the food was great. Kept us full for the rest of the day.

It stayed warm all day and despite a half an hour delay on the train we were back early evening. As our friends are journeying back to Kent on Tuesday we'll be out for a farewell lunch tomorrow. Probably another leisurely meal 😄

16 May - Over to L'Escala

Today we took ourselves southwards, along the coast to the lovely seaside town of L'Escala. This is the town famous for it's anchovies and salt.

Along our seafront route Ian spotted a small lizard with an odd tail. We reckon it must be a regrowth after having lost part of its tail previously.

It looked like there was a bit of a regatta going on today. With not much wind they were having a tough time making any headway in the minimal breeze.

We stopped at our favourite cafe for 'lunch'!

Some interesting sculptures on our walk today.

We came across a VW rally. Lots of horn honking as they all arrived - as is the Spanish way of doing things.

A huge variety of this minivan classic.

On our return trip - more wildlife!

A few terrapins spotted in a stream leading down to the beach as we neared the car park.

As we started our drive back we could hear a clicking noise so pulled over. After lots of slowly driving the car about in a layby Ian located a screw in our rear tyre.

Luckily we managed to get into a garage just before it closed. They soon had the car jacked up, screw pulled out and tyre mended! In Spain they mend tyres from the outside!!! All very efficient though as only took about 10 minutes and we were back on our way.

This evening we're going out to an Eurovision Song Contest gathering!! How many 'null pointes' will we be getting? 😂

15 May - Windy Today

We continue with our unseasonably wet May with rain overnight and then it's been windy from this morning.

With a lunch date at 1pm we headed out for the obligatory walk before eating and then being unable to move.

 It was lovely to see that the fences had been moved but it looked a bit slap dash without paving slabs. Maybe over the next few months they may get them put down.

We were intrigued to see the workings of the bin set up. They have huge pits under the variety of bins (seperate ones for paper, glass, plastics etc) which are then lifted out by huge lorries. No wheelie bins over here.

Lunch was over in Empuiabrava in an Italian restaurant. Opposite the marina so we had a great view watching the comings and goings. Lots of boats being lifted in and out today.

My tiramisu was delicious!

After a fabulous meal we were invited back to Richard's boat for a coffee. Sitting there the wind was howling around.

Back at the apartment we have had the wind whistling around. The tremontana is making itself known! Interestingly there's still snow on the mountains. Definitely not normally seen in May.

Tomorrow is market day. Hopefully the wind calms down to allow us to cycle there.