On to Benidorm with the Aguilas Housewives.

In my last post (which if you missed it, can be read a little further down this page), I was on a day trip with the association of the Aguilas housewives. Having been to Calpe and Altea we continued on our way to Benidorm.

Altea

We stopped at what appeared to be a small bar for lunch, but it had a distinct resemblance to the tardis from Dr Who. There were around a dozen seats outside, thirty in the bar, an inner room of two hundred, and then ours which sat about another seventy. Because Spanish families are so large family get-togethers often take place in these bar/restaurants and many bars which appear small at first glance have a huge room further inside. We had a large and sadly mediocre meal - salad, a so called Paella, (which was basically rice with some chicken or rabbit shot into it) and then some pre-cooked 'pressed pork' with about six greasy chips. However the committee were really kind to me and came to ask me several times if I was OK.

We got back into the coach and went on to Benidorm. The view from the coach window,(shown here), filled me with gloom.It appeared to be even worse than I'd imagined.

 I am however reliably informed, (by the members of a walking group), that, like so many resorts here, once you get into the countryside it's extremely beautiful.


When we reached the town at the back of the beach it consisted of tatty souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. I was greeted in English everywhere that I went. Egg and chips, and cups of tea abounded. Benidorm was one of the first places that opened up to the tourist trade in the sixties and unfortunately it shows. Just as they did in Altea all the ladies walked around in groups of twenty or so. There is a definite feeling that there is safety in numbers when one is out with the Spanish. A shopkeeper in a leather shop looked slightly alarmed when we all invaded en masse but he needn't have worried.

The beach itself is massive and sandy but the overcast weather certainly didn't show it off at its best. The Spanish women that I went with didn't seem to like it much either. I think they were just on the trip for a day out, and the chance to met up with friends away from the constraints of their family.

As the evening drew on it took on the appearance of the English seaside in winter. The bright lights illuminating an almost deserted beach. I imagine that now,in the middle of August, you would have to fight to get a space for your beach towel.

Everyone on the coach on the way back was subdued quite a contrast from the outward journey. It was about ten pm and it had been a long day. However when we reached the close by town of Lorca it was as though a switch had been flicked on unbeknown to me. All the ladies started to shout, laugh and screech. Many rang family and friends to excitedly inform them at top volume that they were almost home.

Aerial view of Lorca castle.

                                                      

We travelled onwards to Aguilas some fifteen miles away everyone continuing their animated conversations. At last the castle perched above Aguilas hove into view and everyone started to sing a traditional and very lovely song about Aguilas.

I felt very privileged to have been accepted into this group of lovely women. All in all it was a long interesting and tiring day. My Spanish may have even improved a little!
As always thank you for reading. My next blog will be the week-end of the 8th of September. It will detail a fascinating encounter, which led to us hearing rumours about strange goings on in post WW11 Murcia, and a link with Hitler's chauffeur!
All comments via the page, email or face book are very welcome. Speak to you next month, Cathy

Gracias para leer mis paginas. Mi blog proximo sera el fin de semana 7 de setiembre y es sobre rumores de Murcia despues de la Guerra del Mundo Segundo y ! un enlace con el chofer de Hitler!