Torrevieja

Late last night, we took another walk out to top up John's ten thousand daily steps. The lighthouse above put out four wands of white light. The sea below, catching the lights, still and serene. Marge also looked serene, settled beneath yet another palm tree, just needing a camel beside her to complete the picture.

After breakfast today we drove up the coast, leaving the architectural influence of North Africa, which we had liked. Instead, towers of apartments, in white, cream, terracotta, yellow and blue. Welcome to the Costa Blanca Marge. We know, it's a bit in your face, and not our kind of place. The original plan for our trip, was to travel the Atlantic coast of France, north Coast of Spain, west Coast of Portugal and south and east coasts of Spain, which we have pretty much done, diverting inland once in a while.

Now we have arrived in Torrevieja, we are thinking of moving a little inland. The area is not really us, we prefer quiet, unspoilt coves.

Also, we are a little worried about Marge. One man who is staying alongside us tonight, has had his van broken into twice. Once in Marseille, and recently in Barcelona. Both of the places are hot spots. Looking on the internet, there are only a few places in this area that appear totally safe, unless you pay to stay on a campsite. A lot of the vans with us are from Scandinavia, having recently arrived for the winter. An English couple, out walking their dog, who had moved here from Scotland four years ago, were amazed that we were heading back to the U.K., when everyone else was looking for winter sun. We explained that if we had a choice, we'd be staying longer. Next year we definitely will.

This afternoon, Angela treated John to his first meal out. Coffee and cake. For the same price, he could have a had coffee and a tart! By late afternoon, the wind was up, ruffling the sea, giving the Mediterranean some character.

As we walked along the seafront, passing a residence for the third age, (nice, right on the seafront), we noticed the beaches were beginning to empty, despite it still feeling warm, the wind was enough to send the holidaymakers back to their various accommodations, for an early gin and tonic or glass of wine.

On the seafront a couple entered Kiosco Gloria, he dressed like a cowboy, her like a Dolly Parton look a like. We were a little concerned about the way the woman walked. Looking at her face, which had been lifted to the maximum, we wondered if her buttocks had just received the same treatment, and she was going through the post op period in some discomfort.

In the morning, we will make a decision as to our onward journey. The weather is due to become a little unsettled for a few days, so we will also consider this when deciding our route.