Day 144, Fernes les Fontaines to Frejus, France

The 7 k's stretch 

I know I keep going on about this, but today again I really appreciated the beautiful drive. Anyone considering visiting Provence in autumn, I can highly recommend it. I'm sure we get stunning autumn displays like this at home, but I obviously miss them, too busy day to day I guess. But driving through the hills of Provence, with even all the grapevines in various hues of reds and orange takes your breath away. In a way it's a perfect final to the Europe part of my travels, it's the season telling me that it's finished, but even then it still has to show me how enjoyable this trip is every day. 

Pretty colours but hard to capture

It was very difficult to capture on camera, often I was driving slowly, just soaking it in and looking for a camera shot, but not very successfully. The photo up top is taken on a 7 km stretch of road with the canopy of trees covering the road the whole way.

Tonight I'm staying on the coast, midway between St Tropez and Cannes, 40 k's each way, a town called Frejus. My accommodation is great, I was upgraded, the benefit of travel out of season. A one bedroom apartment, balcony and small kitchen, so it's perfect. Here for two night, which means I can get some washing done, repack ready for travel to UK and Dubai.

And to cap it off, the great guy at reception found out for me I could watch the game live this evening. The Coup du Monde belongs to the All Blacks, what an awesome game, I am sure the people next door were wondering about the yelling!

Day 143, Perpignan to Pernes Les Fontaines, France

My pretty room tonight 

A quick post tonight, very limited wifi access.

A beautiful drive again, but long, 5 hours and I didn't stop.

Arrived at my lovely room for the night, prettily decorated French style (when, I am in France after all) with some cane furniture on the little balcony. The sun was still streaming in, so had a cuppa there, enjoying the quiet.

Then a walk and a bike ride to the next town which was slightly frustrating due to shoddy gears, but still enjoyable. Had to bike fast on the way back as it gets dark at 5.30 now and the temperature drops as well!

Anyway, like I said, a small post today, catch you tomorrow 

Day 142, Figueres, Spain to Perpignan, France

Cadaques steps

I got a rude awakening at 1.30 this morning; a 4.3 earthquake just off the coast. Don't need any of that carry on while over here, thank you! Luckily not too bad.

Today was all about the drive, not the destination! First stop was Cadaques, a small village on the coast. It used to be a simple fishing village, and it's very cute , a little Greek in its look. A walk through there, a coffee and back on the road.

Cadaques 

I then decided to drive through to Perpignan in France all along the coast and it was very pretty. At times the Pyrenees on the left and the Mediterranean on the right, the road winding up and down and through little towns.

Pretty from the water

My final destination was Perpignan, a nondescript town I am sorry to say! I walked into town, even felt a little uncomfortable in some of the alleys as dusk comes early now. Anyway, like I said, today was about the drive, not the destination! 

Day 141, Barcelona to Figueres, Spain

Salvador Dali Museum 

Ten weeks since I arrived in Spain, and tonight is my last night here. 

I will admit, when I first came into Spain, I wasn't too sure about this country, but it sure has grown on me. I had a couple of 'breaks' away, to Portugal, then back to Seville and Jerez, and later two weeks away in Morocco. Each time I have come back I have enjoyed it though, and I am now quite sad to say goodbye. Hola is such an easy greeting to say when you walk into a shop or cafe, eating out is so cheap and I have found Spanish people to be very friendly and hospitable.

Streets of Figueres 

Today I drove from Barcelona to Figueres, about two and a half hours drive north. I didn't take the motorways today and what a lovely drive it was. The sun was out, the mountains were full of autumn colours, I passed some nice old villages and there was not much traffic on the road either. In the distance though (over the Pyrenees; I'm close to the French border here) I could see a huge cloud, dark as. I wish I had been able to take a picture of it, as I managed to get myself caught in the middle of this huge thunderstorm carried by this cloud! I was having a look through Figueres, a pleasant town, with its claim to fame being the birthplace of Salvador Dali, a surrealist painter.

And more of Figueres 

I had a drink and some tapas and then needed to put more coins in the old parking meter, so started walking, and then it hit! It was full on, and flooded the streets in a matter of minutes! The lightning was spectacular! Thank goodness for me raincoat, although my shoes didn't stand a chance, haha!

Day 140, Barcelona, Spain

Arc de Triomf

Day started with rain, so stayed home for a bit, but then got going as the sun came out. Visited lots of places, the Barcelona Arc de Triomf first. The day had warmed up nicely and it was a lovely walk down to the gardens, short sleeve blouse weather still (although the locals are in winter coats, god knows what they'll do when winter comes, or maybe this is as bad as it gets).

The Gothic district 

Next visited old parts of town, windy streets, pretty facades, El Born and The Gothic districts.

El Born in particular, with its narrow streets and alleys, is full of lovely little boutiques, with the artists working in the back of the shop making their wares. I spent a nice time strolling and browsing, and there were relatively few tourists here. It reminded me of Melbourne a little, with little cafes cramped in and artful graffiti.

The streets of El Born

I have the Metro well sussed and used it to the max today, very helpful. 

Unfortunately the light starts to go now by 6.00, not quite dark but you can sure tell it's autumn then. I felt I had made the most of my time in Barcelona, and I couldn't have walked and seen more in my three days if I tried!

Day 139, Barcelona, Spain

The beautiful stained glass

I was up and out the door early this morning, on a mission to get to Sagrada Familia early to beat the queues. Well, so much for that, no queue, but the earliest I could get in was 12.45. Seems the story of my time here. So rather than hang around I decided to get a two day Metro pass, good way to get around ( I was going to hire a bike today, but it was raining). It took me a wee while to get my bearings with the Metro, figure out which line to go on etc, but once I got the hang of it I was off. 

One of the many statues 

Had a look at a different side of town, some (window) shopping, then back for my 12.45 time slot to get into the Sagrada Familia. This Cathedral was designed by Gaudi, work started in 1882 and is yet to be completed. It is unlike anything you've seen before. Very difficult to describe as well, Gaudi was very much inspired by nature and this shows in his work. The inside I thought was breathtakingly beautiful with stained glass windows in vibrant colours. The pillars are like trees, branches narrowing into 'fonts' up the top, forming the top of the ceiling.

The pillars narrowing to
branches

Everywhere you look there are unusual designs. It is hoped the church will be finished by 2026, which would be the 100th anniversary of the architect's death. He meticulously planned the completion of it, but aware at the same time that his plans could and would be interpreted differently than planned. In the last 15 years or so computers have helped with the final details.

It was surely worth the visit; one of those places that stays with you for a long while.

Part of the very unusual
outside of the Cathedral 

After lunch, finally, some more sights and lots more walking. Finally my feet gave up and said no  more. Luckily I'm close to town, so it was feet up time! 

Day 138, Miami Platja to Barcelona, Spain

View from the Park Guell terrace

An extra hour sleep didn't really work, I was awake early. Always a bit of a mission, going into a big city like Barcelona and finding my accommodation/ parking/meeting up with my Airbnb host at a certain time and place, so I wanted to get away early, which I did. Got to agreed place with 20 minutes to spare, and drove straight there, AND found a park, so smooth as. 

First, Airbnb. Haven't mentioned it before I don't think. It's ordinary people who have a spare room (or two), quite often with ensuite, and they take guests. But it's very casual, not like a B&B really. They show you the house, kitchen, your room, give you the keys and make yourself at home. It's cool, as you get to meet locals, and especially in a city like Barcelona, so much cheaper than a hotel. So tonight, private room, bathroom and car park included (which go for €25 p/n) and I'm paying €45 p/n, so bonus! And right in the city centre too.

Salamander fountain 

Anyway....after 'check-in', I walked up to Park Guell, which is off course designed by Gaudi. (http://www.parkguell.org)The huge terrace, with mosaic seating all around, is engineered to catch rainwater, filter it through the sand, to be collected underneath, and used as water for the fountain (the mosaic salamander).

Stone walkway 

It's engineering and architectural designs are very interesting, and the views from the park over Barcelona beautiful.

Unfortunately when I got there at 2.00 I was told the first tickets available to the terrace and fountains were at 5.30, so it was rather a long afternoon, but since I walked all the way up I didn't want to do that again tomorrow! Never mind, I always have my book with me, so time passed just fine.

Gingerbread house? Gaudi style

I really like Barcelona, what I have seen so far obviously, and feel I have left one of the best cities till last!

Day 137, Miami Platja, Spain

Reus town square 

Visited the nearby town of Reus this morning, which is the town where the famous architect Gaudi was born. No, I had not (uneducated me!) heard of him until I came to Spain and told people I would visit Barcelona. They would go all dreamy eyed and go 'oh Gaudi'). 

So visiting Reus was a double whammy, a nice town, cobbled streets etc and secondly, the Gaudi Centre is there, so a chance to familiarise myself before going to a Barcelona tomorrow. It was very interesting, well put together. He has a very unique style, which I will take photos off in the next few days in Barcelona.

Back to Miami Platja to pick up my bicycle, just before the shop shut at 2.00. Had a map, a 'city bike' and sunshine, so off I went. In search of a town which was going to take about half an hour, then the plan was to have a cuppa, a ride around the back of the town, and home again.

Uhm. So, I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere; the fact the track # changed from 1 to 7? I put that down to the Spanish getting confused when they put the signs up. It was a rough track, more suitable to a mountain bike, and quite steep in places. An hour later I am cursing the map, the bike, the track. Off course when you're the one who had the idea to go biking, you can not curse yourself! Anyhow....about 30 k's later, (the same 3 k's done three times) I finally found my way, but not the town. The sight of a bar with a cold beer was welcomed though. But I did enjoy it and a great way to see the countryside.

And then we won the semifinal rugby game, so that finished the day perfectly. Daylight saving (Summer time as it's known here) is finishing tonight, meaning I will be exactly 12 hours behind NZ.

Day 136, Canet D'en Berenguer to Miami Platja, Spain

A pretty sunrise 

Nothing too exciting today, a drive of just over 200 k's North towards Barcelona.

Nicest was getting up to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean this morning, bit fresh out but very pretty.

The drive was lovely too, most of the way along the coast and if not then through the mountains. Had a very confusing cloud about though, that threw me off quite a few times. As I would come over a hill, the cloud looked like the sea in the distance, and gave a very strange feeling of space while driving!

Stop confusing me!

Town I'm in tonight is extremely quiet, obviously a very busy place in summer as the nearby (numerous) beaches are lovely, but hardly anyone here now. Went to the beach at 4 and still had a lovely swim, plenty of warmth in the sun yet.

Not quite Kaiteriteri,
but nice all the same.

Day 135, Canet D'en Berenguer, Spain

Entrance to the church 

A perfect autumn day, yes, I finally have to admit that it's autumn. I still wear my shorts, and today I got away with it, as it was still 23 degrees and just perfect. 

Walked up a big hill in the nearby town of Sagunto, to see the castle ruins dating back to the first century. It's got Roman, Moorish, Islamic, you name it, influences, so a real hotchpotch. 

Nicest was the walk up, came across a wee church (see pic) and the sun was just so lovely. Usually it's uncomfortable to be sightseeing, too hot, but good today.

View towards Sagunto 

The views from the top were great, right across the plains to the sea, and on the other side the mountains, so you can see why the castle was built up there in the first place.

Lunch in town, it's so quiet now, hardly any tourists, and the ones you see up at the castle, you actually say hi to them when you meet them in town having lunch.

And the mountains 

This afternoon I still braved it and went to the beach. I was the only one there, and enjoyed a swim, although the water was a bit rough, but certainly not too cold.

A walk along the promenade was a perfect finish to the day.

Day 134, Almagra to Canet D'en Berenguer, Spain

Loving the sea

Luckily feeling better today after a good sleep. Such a beautiful B&B, the sheets have the monogram embroidered on and the towels are so think and fluffy! 

The day was clear, but started very cold, only 12 degrees. I had a 400 k drive, and most of the way it stayed at 14, 15 degrees! The drive was so easy, motorways the whole way, some boring but also some lovely countryside. I only mucked up once, coming into Valencia I missed a turn, which added an extra 9 k's, just like that. Anyway, found my hotel easily, right on the beach in a wee town about 30 k north of Valencia, called Canet D'en Berenguer.

Right across the road

It's funny, I started in Italy close to 5 months ago, at the very start of he season (it hadn't actually started yet I think), and the weather was still variable. I have seen the temperatures soar to 40 degrees, in equal measure to the amount of tourists and I have come full circle. The temperature here on the coast is still a pleasant 23 today, but there are hardly any tourists about. The hotel is maybe 25 percent occupied, so I am sure they were pleased when I decided to make it two nights!

I went for a lovely walk on the beach, bit late in the day for a swim, but maybe tomorrow.

Day 133, Granada to Almagra, Spain

Corral de Comedias

Went for another walk into town this morning to the Moroccan medina and some breakfast in town. We had a huge thunderstorm and lots of rain overnight and I noticed at least 90 percent of the locals carry an umbrella. Do we do that at home and I have never noticed? 

Anyway, I stayed dry, back to hotel and hit the road. My drive today took me 250 k's North of Granada to the small town of Almagro. Another big downpour and a ten degrees drop in temperature, but then the sun was out again soon. Came across a horrific accident, the police had just arrived but no ambulance yet, both cars were a mess! 

My accommodation in Almagro is lovely, a really old Spanish farm house, full of antiques, a big room overlooking a wee courtyard.

My room 

The lady who checked me in only spoke Spanish but we made each other understood and then her daughter in law came and checked ten minutes later to make sure all was well. Almagra's claim to fame is it being home to Spain's oldest open air theatre, which I went and visited. Opened in 1628, it actually got closed by some king in the 18th century as he thought all open air play houses were immoral. The building then became an inn, with the theatre being accidentally 'discovered' in 1952 and it's use restored. 

Unfortunately I am feeling a bit blah, cold coming up I think, so I am self medicating with chicken soup and a bourbon! That'll knock it on the head

Chicken soup & bourbon
Will fix my cold ☺️

Day 132. Granada , Spain

This morning I got up at 6.00, in order to get a ticket to visit the most popular attraction in Spain, namely the Alhambra. It's very difficult to obtain tickets; they are sold mainly on line, which are sold out a couple of months in advance. The other option is to queue, as they have a certain number for sale on the day. So I walked up, a brisk 40 minute walk in the dark, and got there at 7.20, to find a big crowd already there. At 8.30 the office opened and by 8.50 tickets into the Palace were all gone, however, tickets for the rest of the gardens, the Alcazabah (fortress) and some more were still available, so decided that while I was there, on top of the hill, I would do that. Still had to wait for those for ages until I finally got in at 9.45. 

Still brave in shorts!

It was well worth the wait though, perched high up above Granada the views alone make the climb worthwhile. The gardens are so pretty, and everything is well maintained. Despite not being able to get into the Palace itself, I appreciate how the number of visitors allowed in each day is so tightly controlled. The whole visit was very relaxing, a chance to really admire all and with plenty of opportunities to take photos without people crowding in.

A wander around town afterwards, I really like Granada. There's a tiny part that's like a Moroccan medina with lots of wee shops, some great browsing there.

Nice views all directions 

Back at the hotel after a lot of walking I had another swim, might as well while I'm here! 

Day 130 & 131, Ferreirola to Granada, Spain

Farewell dinner with Inger

I have had to say goodbye to a very lovely part of Spain, Alpajurra and Ferreirola in particular. I was going to stay for two weeks and it ended up three. It was such a nice experience, but it's time to move on.

Cleaning (a little) this morning, a cuppa and then it was time to leave for Granada, only an hour and a half away.

Granada cathedral 

I'm staying at a very nice hotel, with a gym and pool! It's such a contrast to the B&B, obviously, but it's like a different world. I haven't seen a television since before Morocco, so over 5 weeks, but it's only in Spanish so not so exciting. Had a swim this afternoon, then a walk into town, where unfortunately most shops were shut due to being Sunday, but still nice to have a look around. An early night I think, we had quite a few drinks last night, so a little tired today, haha!

City scene Granada

Day 125, 126, 127, 128 & 129, Ferreirola, Spain

Check that dictionary Inger!

Dear diary, it has been a long time since I wrote, haha!

Yes, oops, days just flow and disappear, so it's easy to lose track.

5 days gone again, and my second to last day here, it's Friday as I write this and I'm leaving on Sunday. The weather has still been wonderful, although a bit fresher at night and in the morning. Breakfast started at 9 when I first came, but now it's 9.15, as the sun doesn't come over the hill before then! We've had a walking group from Finland here this week, they're all leaving tomorrow. We've been for a few walks this week, I have spent some time on the car, getting it ready and tidy for its return soon, so no earth shattering events for sure. I weighed my suitcase the other day and very pleased I'm just under the regulation weight for Easyjet (20 kg's), so was pleased dad had taken my unnecessary clothes home. I never missed them, in fact hard to remember what I sent away. I have the light packing down pat now and know exactly what I need to bring to Asia with me and what not.

The Local 'Carlos'

Tomorrow will be a bit sad, last day here. I have so much enjoyed the Workaway experience, it was everything I had hoped it would be; an opportunity to get to know the country and people better, rather than just be an observer. It also gave me a sense of purpose and a chance to make some lovely new friends. The picture up top is of Inger checking her many dictionaries. She speaks Danish, German, English, French, Italian and Greek. Oh and now Kiwi as well she reckons, haha!

Day 122, 123 & 124, Ferreirola, Spain

Everything old...

So easy to disappear into the rhythm of village life here in South Spain. I was meant to have gone yesterday; my two weeks were up, but it was an easy decision to stay on another week.

Days flow into each other, work is busy enough, almost full house every night, but certainly most is done by 2, just some washing to mind later. Then there's always another walk I haven't yet done, yesterday we went to a wee village that's the highest in Spain; there was an artisan market there, so a nice hustle and bustle and off course we had to stop for wine and tapas.

Lasse, May, Inger
and baby Alfreddo 

May and Lasse left yesterday, and a shame to see them go as they were always lovely to chat with.

Tonight Inger had organised lamb chops at the local ('Carlos') especially for me, so that was very tasty.

I booked almost all my flights through Asia today, 7 in total, so took a bit of fiddling but mostly done.

Ferreirola 

It was a very dull and drizzly day today, and much cooler than it has been. A walk to nearby Fondales helped me blow the cobwebs. I will soon have to buy some warmer clothes, argh!

Day 120 & 121, Ferreirola, Spain

Inger, May & Lasse

Nice to have Inger back at the B&B, lots of chatting. Yesterday she asked if I wanted to take over from her (ex) husband and buy half a share in the B&B business. I can see how easy and effortless your life could just take a big turn like that, but not for me. I am really enjoying it here and am staying another week, but don't think I could live here.

A walk with  Inger yesterday, couple of hours and then out for a couple of beers and dinner. Today quite a bit of work, which is good; the B&B is full again from tomorrow for almost a week. May and Lasse invited us for dinner tonight, so I decided I should make dessert. First I was going to make 'fluff', as we know it, or Ambrosia for the posh folks. I needed marshmallows though, and they don't sell those here, so then I decided to make a pavlova. Yes, first time ever and I choose to do it in a Spain.

Mmm, interesting, is it meant
to look like that?

A lot of scrounging through the pantry and found all I needed except baking paper, cream and kiwi fruit to garnish. I picked the raspberries myself! Unfortunately the supermarket (20 minutes away) is really small and didn't even sell fresh cream, only strange UHT stuff, which wouldn't whip for me. Anyway, the pav turned out okay, in a little too long, but tasted fine and they all made appreciative comments (obviously no other pavlovas to compare to). Dinner was lovely, few wines, just great.

Day 120 & 121, Ferreirola, Spain

Nice to have Inger back at the B&B, lots of chatting. Yesterday she asked if I wanted to take over from her (ex) husband and buy half a share in the B&B business. I can see how easy and effortless your life could just take a big turn like that, but not for me. I am really enjoying it here and am staying another week, but don't think I could live here.

A was itch Inger yesterday, couple of hours and then out for a couple of beers and dinner. Today quite a bit of work, which is good; the B&B is full again from tomorrow for almost a week. May and Lasse invited us for dinner tonight, so I decided I should make dessert. First I was going to make 'fluff', as we know it, or Ambrosia for the posh folks. I needed marshmallows though, and they don't sell those here, so then I decided to make a pavlova. Yes, first time ever and I choose to do it in a Spain.

A lot of scrounging through the pantry and found all I needed except baking paper, cream and kiwi fruit to garnish. I picked the raspberries myself! Unfortunately the supermarket (20 minutes away) is really small and didn't even sell fresh cream, only strange UHT stuff, which wouldn't whip for me. Anyway, the pav turned out okay, in a little too long, but tasted fine and they all made appreciative comments (obviously no other pavlovas to compare to). Dinner was lovely, few wines, just great.

Day 118 & 119, Ferreirola, Spain

Phew, half way!

Yesterday I felt extremely pleased with myself as I managed a three hour walk, down to the river, back up the mountain, along a road, back down and up again, man, my legs got a workout. The weather was perfect, not too warm and overcast. Off course I don't look anything like the other hikers that stay at the B&B; all of them seem to buy there clothes at the same 'hiking' store,haha, except the Danish couple who are just like me. Anyway, that's another walk under my belt, and my feet can just be quiet tomorrow!

Pretty views

Had a lovely dinner with May and Lasse (the 'Danes'), great to hear about different countries and their customs. 

Today after finishing work I went first to the beach and then to Malaga to pick Inger up from the airport, which was quite confusing but we finally managed to find each other!