Sunday, April 14, 2019

Cretas Medieval Fayre

This afternoon we went to Cretas to pay a visit to their annual medieval fayre.


As usual they had traditional crafts being demonstrated...


...and a collection of hobbyhorses which played authentic clip-clop sounds and whinnied with their lips moving! I almost bought one for myself!


The interior of the church is splendid.


On our annual shopping list is a loaf of real handmade bread.


Margaret bought me a very good quality leather belt which was made for me as we waited...


...and another purchase was a mug with a name - but they only had Spanish names so it is for one of our Spanish friends.


How high can you kick? Admittedly, this guy was on stilts...


...while his very slim friend was close behind...


...as they walked through the narrow streets accompanied by traditional musicians.


Say "cheese" for the photo. We bought a goats cheese here to go with the bread.


Another craftsman chipping away - I didn't like to distract him while I took the photo.


The pillar in the centre of the Plaza Mayor with the moon making an appearance...


...and the ladies concentrating on their lacework. A great afternoon out!

Friday, April 5, 2019

Margaret's birthday!

To celebrates Margaret's special birthday we booked 4 nights at the Gran Hotel PeƱiscola.


Margaret is on our balcony in the photo above...


...and here's the view from our balcony.


The day of the special birthday started with a glorious sunrise...


...and after a very good breakfast...


...we got the bus to the centre of the town, had a coffee...


...and a walk around then back to the hotel for lunch.


Another view from our balcony later in the afternoon.


The following day we went on the tourist train from the hotel...


... around the town and up into the neighbouring hills where the train squeezed past a cement lorry...


...to get some great panoramic views of the coast...


..and back to the famous castle and old town.


The hotel also has a spa centre which we treated ourselves to each day - I've never been so clean!


Below are the birthday cards and some of the presents that Margaret received along with lots of Facebook and WhatsApp greetings from her friends.



















Above is the card which I have been giving Margaret since before we were married and it contains greetings for virtually every year we have known each other...


...and this is my present - a traditional Spanish lightweight lace mantilla or shawl which is to be worn during the warmer months with the regional costume that Margaret made herself.


What a great birthday!