Simat De La Valldigna

Oh what a night, in late October! The rain pelted, the wind pummelled, and Marge got a natural van wash, which she much needed.

All of this resulted this morning, in Marge being in a puddle. Makes a change from a muddle.

On route out of Xaboa, we passed a very smart garden centre, by the front entrance was a very large whale made of metal. It was very impressive, and a good draw to the centre.

Today we have travelled only a short way to Simat De La Valldigna. It rained most of the way, and felt cold, after weeks of great weather. After a late lunch, the rain now abated, we took a walk into the nearby town. In a large water area, we stopped to look at the fish, and spotted the largest goldfish either of us had ever seen.

At four o' clock the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Valldigna reopened. The building was a real surprise inside. Beautiful stone archways and painted ceilings.

Outside more painted stone work. The monastery has undergone some extensive renovation over the years, but now the funding is no more. Sometimes, it is perhaps best to leave an old building alone, allowing people to enjoy the ruins, and imagine how it once was. Afterwards we walked a little more around the town, visiting the old Arab cemetery, alongside which were many Calvary's. The weather had settled, and the sun even broke through for a few minutes, so we are hopeful for a better day tomorrow as we head further north.