This morning it is very, very windy. We wake and see through the skylights the eucalyptus trees swaying wildly, together with the odd tap and rattle of twigs landing on the roof.

Both Nicks decide not to venture into the city so Ali and Grete go on the bus.

They find a bar and enjoy a tapas lunch then look around at some of the sights. The cathedral is magnificent with huge buttresses, sculptures and carved stonework. Grete tells Ali the inside is incredibly ornate, but the queues are long and time is limited, so they continue their whistle-stop sightseeing tour taking in the parliament building [where there is a petition or protest rally] and the alcazbar [fortress]. A visit to the tourist information office provides details of opportunities to see flamenco dancing. They make the booking and return to the marina where the receptionist helps make a booking for a taxi.

At 20:00 we wait by the gate and ten minutes later the taxi arrives to take us to El Palacio Andaluz. We enter the theatre's foyer, and through the wrought iron gates it looks like the end of the previous show, but what we're actually seeing is a life sized film being shown to a group of Japanese tourists. A few minutes later they troop out and we are invited into the museum where rows of glass cases around the walls display flamenco costumes, shoes and instruments.

The show is upstairs so Nick is guided onto a creaky platform lift. In the theatre we ask if we can upgrade our tickets to include tapas. We can and we are shown to our table. The theatre has a barrel shaped ceiling with simple flamenco themed murals and an enormous red satin lampshade like an upside down crinoline.

The hall is about two-thirds full by the time the show is about to start. Wine and prawn cocktails arrive at our table as the lights dim, curtains open and the show begins.

All the while on stage the musicians and dancers strut their stuff with energetic, elegant and sensuous movements; women in tight dresses with long trains posturing with shawls and castanets; men in shiny suits, long dark curly hair and tap shoes; guitarists strumming with blurred hands or plucking intricate Spanish rhythms and all the time wailing and chanting from the singers. Then there is an excerpt from Carmen, complete with roses between the teeth.

Meantime, between our teeth, various courses continue to arrive throughout the show, a plate of appetisers, cod and samphire, pork and potato, and a plate of a mixture of deserts. The waiters skilfully change courses and serve without spoiling anyone's view. Finally a last drink is included, we choose Bailey's for the ladies and the Nicks have brandy and whisky.

It's been a fabulous show, and the €20 each supplement for the food was excellent value.

We wait outside for our taxi and return to the marina all a bit merry from the entertainment and refreshments

Ali is delighted as flamenco was one of the things on her 'really want to do' list.