Week 4

 We have really noticed the slow down for the off season here, most notably our complex.  It looks like we are down to 3 occupied units in our building (there are two buildings in our complex).  There are some more in the other building but not many.  We have also noticed some of the local businesses have adjusted their hours, longer siestas and not staying open as late in the evening.  Also the number of beach goers is less, especially Monday to Friday.  

The weekend did pick up a bit and we had some people return to the complex who had left last week.  Not sure if they are just here for the weekend or longer, we'll see!

I continue to explore on my bike.  Went for a trip inland a bit.  There were some dedicated bike lanes along some of the major roadways that I took advantage of.  I rode by orchards, lemon, orange and pomegranate.  I did find a couple of off road trails that I explored as well.

On Saturday we went out in the morning and walked to the open market again.  The market was again packed!  Even with things slowing down all around, the market seems to remain popular and well attended.  Munchie was able to score with a pair of shoes (she is running out of shoes you know!) a top and a bathing suit.  There was also an awesome outfit for Peanut that we just couldn't leave behind!

After the market we walked into town.  We were on the hunt for a nail salon.  Munchie said she is in dire need of a fill!  We did find one, however it was closed until Monday.  So we now have a mission for Monday morning!

We walked on down to the marina area and found the Asia Tsukimi Restaurante.  It just happens to be above the Burger King!  The food was very good.  We tried some appies, and this green curry chicken dish that was very good (Munchie says she can re-create it, bonus for me!).

The terrace dining area.

(Zoom in to see the wind surfers)

We went to the  beach on Sunday around noon.  We like to sit and enjoy the sun, Munchie reads (she is on book #15 since getting here!) I read a bit and do crosswords and when I get too warm, I take a dip in the sea!  On this day, it was quite windy with some clouds, so when the sun was behind a cloud it was coolish!  In-fact, Munchie didn't take off her cover-up!  But it was a great day for wind and foil surfers.  There were a number of them who went out while we were there.  Some of them were obviously quite skilled at it, and some of the others, well they could use the practice!

A storm front moved in and we had to call our beach short!

Monday was another walk-about day!  We went into town to the salon we found on Saturday, Vicen Belleza y Salon and Munchie set up an appointment for the next day.  The downtown is about 2 km from our condo, so forays into town allow us to "get our steps in"!  On our way home, we cruised the market.  There were not as many vendors set up as on the Saturdays and last Monday I was at the market and there were more set up than this time.  You can tell this is the beginning of the off season!

That night there was a terrific rain storm, lightning, thunder, wind, the works!  Mother nature put on a pretty good show for us!  

Munchie's nail appointment was set for 5:20pm on Tuesday.  I went out for a quick ride in the morning, only going for about 1 1/2 hours When I got back we went down to the beach just before noon to soak up some rays!  The wind picked up and brought out the sails!  Lots of both kinds (regular and foil) plus a few kite surfers.  They are awesome to watch.  I think I may try windsurfing.

Later, we walked down to the salon.  While Munchie was in the chair, I went for a walk up to the castle.  I stopped for a refreshment and met a wonderful couple from the UK, Mary and Lyn Clifford.  Lyn said he and Mary have had a place up in Gran Alcant for nearly 20 years.  I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and meeting such a pleasant and friendly couple!

I left my new found friends from the UK and headed off to meet up with my darling bride.  She was quite happy with the salon and commented on how nice the young lady was who did the work.  

Wednesday, September 28 is an especially significant day, our friends Pat and Dave arrived!  They will be here for the month of October and we are looking forward to sharing some wonderful adventures with them!  We rented a car for the rest of our stay as we intend on seeing the countryside and making some trips to see some more of this wonderful coastal region and other areas of interest.  

The car rental was from the airport and our awesome new friend, Carlos, gave me a ride to the airport.  Was going to take the bus, but the Carlos option was definitely faster and more convenient!  Munchie provided some fresh cookies baked that morning as a thank you!

Welcome Pat and Dave!

Cheers!

Back next week!