• Somewhere in Europe
  • Julia Pearman

Espagna

9-päiväinen seikkaillu — Somewhere in Europe & Julia Lue lisää
  • Matkan aloitus
    25. maaliskuuta 2025

    La Roca 209 torremolinos

    24. maalisk.–1. huhtik., Espanja ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    So here we are! A good journey from Gatwick, well oiled by a very relaxed few hours in Lounge 1 at Gatwick followed by a top up.prosecco en route.
    The apartment is great, but we both woke up freezing cold at about 4am. Finally emerged at 9amLue lisää

  • Torremolinos station

    25. maaliskuuta, Espanja ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    This morning we went exploring through the town. This involved the purchase of a sweater, fleece jacket, and a pair of shorts. This after we had a delicious brunch and coffee.
    A short interlude in which we tangled with the purchase of train tickets to Seville tomorrow. We will be up at 7am!!Lue lisää

  • Sevilla

    26.–29. maalisk., Espanja ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Up at 7.00 am!
    Washed, dressed, packed, and off to the station in time for 08.22am to Malaga for the 09.17am high speed non stop train to Seville.
    We had time to buy coffee and croissants before boarding.
    Seats very comfortable and plenty of leg room. Sun is shining and we are very excited about our trip. More to follow.

    On arrival at Sevilla St Justa we found a taxi and were taken to the Mercado Lonja del Barranco adjacent to the Quadalquiver River where we had tapas and cava🥴
    Once refreshed we then walked to the hotel using our map reading skills. Hotel very nice. Changed clothes and went out straight to Cathedral. We had to go and chance our arm for tickets and were successful. Very big cathedral, which has the tomb of Christophe Colon.
    On the spur of the moment, we booked a boat trip and had ice cream while waiting. Had a beer on the boat and saw lots of bridges.
    Decide to cross the river to the Triana area, once home to prostitutes and gypsies. We attempted entry to a church and failed, but we could hear the singing from outside. We then found a beautiful little church...see pics.
    Eventually, we came across a small flamenco bar and stayed for the show. It was excellent and authentic. Rolled home on the way we dropped into a restaurant to eat. It was the most hilarious couple of hours🤣.
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  • Cordoba

    27. maaliskuuta, Espanja ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We had a good night's sleep and set off this morning on a last wander round Seville old town. Bought coffee in a small coffee bar and continued to jardines du morelles where we sat in the sun and had a picnic breakfast.
    We walked all along by th alcazar and then sneaked into the beautiful teatro Lope de Vega. After taking pics outside, I spotted open doors. In we went. We were then remonstrated with, for being inside, when the theatre is not open to the public! This man escorted us on the way out, but on learning we are English, he asked Manuel, his mate, to light up the auditorium for us. It was lovely and we thanked him mucho!🤣
    It was now time to retrace our steps. On the way, we popped in to the Hospital de Los Venerables which was also lovely.
    Wandered round the old town, narrow streets, eventually dragging ourselves away to collect our cases. Said goodbye to the man at the hotel and took a taxi to the station.
    Our train left on time and we arrived at Cordoba about 14.20. Grabbed a taxi and went on a hair -raising journey to our hotel. Booked in, dumped everything, and off we went. First stop Alcazar at 16.00. The gardens were beautiful, but not a lot to recommend the Alcazar inside. We took pics of the Puente Romana and then wentb to find alcoholic refreshment in the sun. Met some people from Leeds and later had dinner in the Judaian quarter in the Umaueyon Restaurant run by Muslims. Delicious food. Now back at Pension International resting our feet. Mezquita tomorrow and the Synagoga, then back to Torremolonos!
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  • Cordoba and home to Torremolinos

    28. maaliskuuta, Espanja ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Up and ready for the off by 0930 to locate breakfast ,coffee, and croissant before our visit to Mezquita.
    Students questioned Sue about our visit and they were highly amused when Sue told them she was 21!

    WOW, no other words to describe the size and beauty of this magnificent structure which marries the Muslim and Catholic worlds so beautifully
    Sue was able to get her cathedral passport stamped with no bother before we left to find the old Synagogue.
    It was hot and the map wasn't playing but we found a nice Policeman who pointed the way.
    Synagogue was small but interesting and as we left we noticed a small Jewish house/museu , in we went. It was so interesting, and I had no idea how much history I don't know. One of the rooms had an event on. The beautiful Jewish songs added a special extra to our short visit.
    Taxi to station bought food and water for the journey back to Malaga Maria Zambrano in the very fast and noisy train.

    Off the train and walked to the bus station to find out times to Mijas
    Off to supermercado for urgent supplies (Sangria and Cava) plus food
    Dragged ourselves back to the apartment and literally collapsed for the rest of the evening and these party girls were tucked up on bed by 9pm zzzzzz
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  • Mijas

    29. maaliskuuta, Espanja ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    1030 bus planned but got on the 1005 which was a bonus 1st on, and eventually the bus was full to bursting !
    Hair-raising hair pin bend sky high journey. We arrived safely in a very pretty village opposite the beautiful white painted town hall.
    1st stop a shrine built into the rock very pretty and cool inside
    Amazing views from all sides.
    Al Fresco Flamenco show in a pretty square was marvellous and totally unexpected.
    Followed the trail suggested on the map
    All the properties were whitewashed and flowers everywhere, a beautiful little place
    Our feet and knees needed a rest, Cava and Tapas stop was next
    Fully refreshed, we set off again through the narrow streets and found another church locked. We took a look in the local bullring
    Sue had an interesting chat with a man about a donkey cart ride, which resulted in us walking to the beautiful hermitage Santa Ana. Well worth the visit
    We were in desperate need of ice cream, so headed to nearest ice cream shop.
    We sat in the shade and took our time enjoying our ices and watching the world go by before we took the bus back to Torremolinos

    After a bit of a lie down, we were ready for our steaks table booked for 8
    A lovely waiter bought us a jug of sangria perfectly cooked steaks, and we sat chatting and enjoying our evening out
    Quick stop at supermarket before heading home for tea and a well earned rest...
    Flea market and feet in the sea adventure tomorrow
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  • Torremolinos and Benalmedina!

    30. maaliskuuta, Espanja ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Lazy start. Mother's Day gifts and cards from Anna opened. Delightful. Once booted and spurred a route march to find the flea market. One vast boot fair. Bought nail polish remover...don't ask!
    Visited and took pictures of Torremolinos Bullring. Then walked back into town through a beautiful park, and found the beach and Promenade, seething with masses of people. We made our way dodging people, dogs, children etc to the Ferris wheel which is in fact not in Torremolinos. It's I Benalmedina. A most extraordinary place most unusual buildings and lots and lots of people. We stayed long enough to buy a pair of trousers for me and two T shirts. One each
    We had a sangria and bruchettas lunch stop before shopping so after shopping we rushed off to Torremolinos for an ice cream stop on the way back to the apartment.
    We were too tired to go out and eat so we stcked up with Sangria,and bread,, and had dinner at home using .meat and cheese, tomatoes and butter already purchased.
    Washed up and went bed to recover from the 20k+ steps undertaken during the day!
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  • Malaga

    31. maaliskuuta, Espanja ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Caught the train no problem using debit cards through the barrier. In Malaga, Julia got out ok but computer said no to my card. Had a heated discussion with Spanish official. Just shrugged his shoulders. Got out with Julia's card and found a Santander Bank. Further dispute took place and achieved nothing. Thanked her very much and swept out. After bread and honey for breakfast during which time I froze and unfroze my card, we set off for the Cathedral. Just before going in to Cathedral I attempted to withdraw som cash with my card. All was well.
    Very lovely baroque cathedral. Quite enormous building. Got my cathedral passport stamped with no bother and it had plenty of ink!
    We wended our through the gardens to the Pompidou Centre to visit the Kandinsky exhibition.( Russian abstract painter). My favourite.
    We opted for lunch at a harbour side bistro. Delicious seafood cocktail and local beer. The waiter had a fabulous moustache and a great smile 😃
    Wandered round the little market and set off to see the old town. We saw the Roman Amphitheatre and some roman pots for making fish sauce. We saw some nice old buildings and came across a Turkish teashop, where we had tea and baklava. Very refreshing. Eventually we found our way back to the station. My card still refused so again had use Julia's. No idea what's going on with card but Julia will pay for everything from now on.
    We went in search of a small gift for Gavin. Proved extremely difficult and our limbs together with our feet were screaming by this time. Gift purchased we headed home changed and set off to find the lift to the beach. Once on the beach our feet were in the sea quick sharp. Absolute bliss.
    Dinner in the neatest restaurant and back now busy packing....not easy and having tea and lemon meringue pie.
    We have totted up our steps and distances which amount to 53 miles. No wonder we are tired.
    Wonderful time away with my favourite sister. Thank you Larry
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  • London Gatwick

    1. huhtikuuta, Englanti ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    So we were up at 'sparrows' and managed two cups of tea each. We had an entertaining time packing last night but only left behind one pair of old shorts I no longer want!
    Walked to the taxi rank and were driven to Malaga Airport. Easy check.in etc., and then onto the plane. We left on time and arrived at Gatwick at midday. This confused me no end, as, according to my phone, it was 13.00 gmt.
    Checked through passport control, had a farewell hug and went our separate ways. Julia will be picked up by Anna and I am travelling to Norwood to stay overnight with my sister in law. Home tomorrow. Should be there around 12.30pm.
    It was a great trip and we had enormous fun. Lots of walking, laughter and interesting events.
    Hope you have all enjoyed the ride.🙂
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  • London Euston and home

    2. huhtikuuta, Englanti ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Set off from Norwood Junction at 08.40am having left a carrier bag of clothes behind at Mary's to collect on next visit!! Manoeuvred suitcase fairly well to Euston walking.

    Now at Euston waiting to leave for Birmingham New Street. Train on time.
    Delayed arrival at New Street. Caught local train with moments to spare. Next stop Droitwich and taxi home. A long trip of 2 parts all of it fun and interesting.
    Time to book the next one🤣
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  • Birmingham Airport

    25. syyskuuta, Englanti ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Up at 5am. Repacked bag..as you do, we'll I do! 🙂 Taxi to ocal station in Droitwich. Train to Birmingham New Street. Another train to Birmingham International. A la borrows wait through security, which I dislike always and then a gentle wait to board. A route march to Gate 41.
    Nice iced coffee and a muffin for lunch and a trip round Duty free. Bought some Elizabeth Arden perfume. Most unlike me.
    Boarding the plane was a nightmare! Two thirty something blokes - reported to crew as the worse for drink nearly drove everyone mad. Would not sit down, shouting, and calling all women 'sweet cheeks'. Eventually, matters resolved. He shut up, and we were all able to sit down and get settled.
    Relatively peaceful journey. On arrival down the steps and walked across tarmac. Crowds of people at a zebra crossing. No traffic so I sef off. All he'll broke loose. I was roundly told off and set back. We all thought it wS very funny. It is a very small airport so they operate crowd control in and out of the airport building. It is a route march to get there. Once through passport control, I made a beeline for the bus stop. Young woman there said bus had gone early. Her partner popped up. He had rounded up a guy also going to the train station so the four of us took a taxi at 10 euros each. At the station, I approached the ticket office in hope rather than expectation. Having established where I was going and paid for the ticket, there then seemed to be some uncertainty about where Coma Ruga was. I validated the ticket and hoped for the best. Arrived at my destination at 18.10 very hot and tired! I took a taxi rather than walk 3 km. It was worth every euro of 7 to get there. I will add more pics tomorrow. Time for dinner another adventure!!#🙂
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    Matkan lopetus
    2. huhtikuuta 2025