I must admit this is something of a cheat as our long weekend in Bilbao was at the end of March, but with all the sightseeing, bars and pintxos (basque tapas) I didn't get around to updating the blog, which seems a bit of a shame as Bilbao is a brilliant city to visit. It apparently rains 45% of the year, but we were treated to warm blue sunny skies and not a drop of rain fell. There is so much more to the city than just the Guggenheim museum such as good food an...

Our last day in Spain and a rather long and tiring drive 450 km to Barcelona. Considering the tolls and night in a hotel when we arrived I am not sure it was worth the 'free' Airmiles flight compared with paying for a cheap flight to Alicante except for the fact that we stopped off on the way back to visit Pensicola 200km south of Barcelona. It has an imposing walled old fortified town with castle, picturesque narrow streets and stunning views of the turquoise M...

Well the weather finally broke a few days ago. Wednesday we were in the beach and thursday the heavens opened and we had Hammer Horror style thunder storms. Still they come and go quickly and in between it is back to hot sunny walks and swimming in the pool. We have reached a state of permanent fullness after so many long lazy lunches that neither of us can manage more than bread and fruit for a couple of days, washed down with good local wine at £1.30 a bottle....

We have explored some villages just inland of Denia which seem to be mainly inhabited by English expats judging by the newspapers for sale. Still very pretty countryside. Today we walked along one of the local capes with beautiful views of bays and rocky islands to both sides. We have retired to a favourite spot for lunch mainly for the views and the free wifi rather than the food to be honest. Generally relaxing with long lazy lunches and swimming in sea or pool...

Relaxing on the Costa Blanca. Hot and sunny although we gather England is enjoying the start of an Indian summer. Yesterday we spent the afternoon on the sandy beach at Denia and swam in clear warm blue sea. Its a struggle to do enough exercise to justify the long lazy lunches. Yesterday we bought some fresh squid, plenty for dinner for two for a quid. I needed Simon to tell me what to do with them really but very tasty seasoned and fried, but not sure i prepared...