Days 262-268, 1-7 March ' 15, Flamenco, Tapas Trail in Mijas, Markets, Paella, Farewell to Winter, hello Summer, Tostada con Tomate y Aceite for breakfast in a hole-in-the-wall cafe.
Three weeks down and another glorious three weeks to go in our Spanish townhouse. As the weather warms up, we're thinking more and more about getting in the pool. It's still below 10 degrees overnight though... so just thinking still. Here's a giggle. We were having tapas down in Fuengirola and I'd ordered the "special" they had on for the La Cazuela de la Abuela (Granny's Casserole) promotion. Short rib, saffron spuds and a poached egg. Hmmm.... So nice, that James decided he'd order one too, so nipped in and ordered. I was so impressed! He came out and proudly told me he'd ordered a pinto as he felt like a red wine (vs. the white I was having). I rather hoped he'd get it, but he did end up with a pint of Glacial Cruzcampo beer... Pinto. Tinto. Similar, but just not quite. We succumbed to the luxury of having a kitchen during the week and the chef went into action and magicked up one of his world famous "Jamie's Chicken Lasagnes" with red wine and mushrooms. Luscious. We haunt the twice weekly markets and don't feel we've done our bit for the economy without spending a euro or two... jewellery, a shirt, some moroccan argan oil - even a massive new sunhat. Quite simply Spain has had it's issue of winter this year. We were up to 25 degrees the other day - a far cry from minus temperatures in Ireland just 3 weeks ago. We headed up to Mijas mid-week for the Flamenco show - squarely aimed at the coach loads of tourists who are religiously taken there, it's still fun. A singer, two dancers, a Spanish guitarist (of course here, it's just a guitar). They also have an artisans' market - Hecho en Mijas (Made in Mijas). We enjoyed the outing and for only a euro in parking, well worth it. We're into another tapas promotion now - based around Mijas. Same deal, €2 for a tapa and a drink. Made a head start on Friday with three different places. Amazing how wine tastes better by the third glass... We were actually quite happy by the second spot - but the newsagents where we needed our bus-pass recharged was closed for siesta until 5 pm. Sigh... had to have another tapa and drink then found a spot overlooking the Med for coffee and cake. Yes it is a hard life. Plans for the week? Really, really need to do some day trips to show James this wonderful part of Spain. We've been having so much fun in our own neighbourhood - what a problem to have. For instance, on the way to today's Saturday flea market, we stopped at a back street, hole-in-the-wall locals cafe. One of those spots where my Spanish is actually quite handy. Coffee that put hairs on our chests and James got to sample a traditional Andalusian breakfast - Tostada con Tomate y Aceite. Toasted baguette with squishy tomato stuff and fresh, super fresh, olive oil with a sprinkle of salt. It was a day for firsts. After the market we headed to a cafe behind the main square where they do Paella by the dish on Fridays and Saturdays for €3.50 each including a drink. Hugely popular and economical... can cost €20-30 if you get a paella cooked to order for a 2 person minimum. By the by. Euromillions was won on Friday night... and, luckily, since we'd missed getting a ticket, the whole first prize went to one ticket in Portugal. That's right all €100 million of it (A$150 million). They could probably buy Portugal with that much. Next time. Definitely next time, it will be us.