From Malaga, we took the coastal highway to our friends’ house in Jávea. After joking about the landscape looking like the backdrop of many spaghetti westerns, we passed through the Almeria Province. We started noticing an overwhelming number of plastic grow houses. Theo asked me what I thought they were growing and my instincts were right. But to better explain it, I found this article very interesting.
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- Plastic-wrapped Almeria.
Until the world learns to eat local produce in season, this phenomenon will continue. Such a waste of beautiful coastal areas.
Beautiful cactus at our hosts’ home.
We instantly felt like we were ‘at home’ upon arriving at our friends’ house in Jávea, since we stayed in the apartment in their house so many times while house hunting in the region in past years. Of course, as you know, we decided against a permanent home in Spain and, although the winter weather is lovely, this area is not for us. It was very validating that we chose the southwest of France instead!
A beautiful day on the Arenal Beach in Jávea.
But that doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t enjoy spending the winter months down here! And so we called upon some of the realtors we had gotten to know over the years and went out to look at some properties. After all was said and done, we have decided to not make any hasty decisions and made some inquiries about winter rental possibilities, so that we can bring the dogs along. Made some good connections, but need to wait until about September to dial in a rental. But with the almond trees in full blossom, and the Mediterranean beckoning, it’s hard to not think about basking in the winter sun down here next year!
We enjoyed driving around our old stomping grounds to see if our attitude for the area had changed. And it’s amazing how differently we felt! Of course, we’re looking at the whole experience through different glasses—part-time winter living vs. full-time investment.
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- Valencia’s coat of arms, found everywhere, even on the manhole covers.
After relaxing (and catching up with laundry) in Jávea, we headed for one of our favorite cities, Valencia. Again, a vibrant modern city with a breathtaking old town. Nice to see that renovations are still taking place and tourism is booming. A very lovely town to visit in February, as we enjoyed 20° temps and clear skies. Revisited neighborhoods and soaked in some new culture and architecture.
See no evil, speak no evil…
Hi Theo and Cindy, I am Angel, the guy you met at the restaurant Vinha d’Alho in Porto. I have been reading your blog since I came back from Porto; I have decided to return to study English again as a result of start reading it, so I have read almost all the archives you got in the blog. Reading them makes me feel some fresh air touches me. I agree with your points of view in almost of the aspects. I really enjoyed your description about Albufeira “overrun with red-faced geriatric sun worshippers. The place had no soul.” I went to Albufeira five years ago or so and I felt the same. I am going to follow your blog for ever. By the way my invitation for a PAELLA still stands although if you can’t come I will not be disappointed anyway. I can’t wait to read your new archives and I hope some time we can meet again.
Thank you. Kisses from Maria and Angel.
So nice to hear from you, Angel! Our time in Valencia went by so fast, we actually forgot all about calling! But, have no fear, we will be back, as we really enjoy the city. I’m glad you enjoyed my antics in the blog. It has been so great to keep a journal, of sorts, for our own memory purposes and is a great way to keep in touch with friends, near and far! Glad to count you two among the newest in our circle of friends! Congrats on getting back to English.