Farewell to the Costa Brava

We have had a great week staying in L'Estartit.It was a lucky choice as I had no idea where it was when I booked it months ago.

The location was great,close to the beach, a supermarket close by with a bakery attached,perfect for our croissants and baguettes. The town was pleasant too with a walkway around the beach and into the town with its shops and restaurants.

We found a nice restaurant called Les Saline at the far end of the bay that had delicious sea food on the menu.I had a sardine entrée that was a taste treat along with a baked cod in vegetables.

The final few days have passed quickly and all to soon we were driving Chris to Girona to set him on his way home to NZ.
We had to find somewhere to get our boarding passes printed out so we had a short diversion into Girona town but we could not find an Internet cafe to print out stuff but we found a shop Lou recognized and we found some very good bargains.Pity about luggage restrictions.I bought a blue jersey as most nights I have been pretty cold by the time we get back.Not tonight though.Lou bought a dress for cooler days.We eventually found the information centre at the beach had a computer and printer we could use- free too.

We negotiated our way back to the beach for a final swim and sunshine to keep Lou happy until she can find more sun following the London winter.The wind was a bit cold for me but a sleep on the sand compensated.

Later we took the car for a drive to see, Peratallada, the oldest village in the region. Brad and I had the option of walking there during our second to last day but then an extra hours walking held little appeal so driving there was a bonus.
Peratallada was close to Paulou-Satour where we had stopped for coffee on our walk.It too was an interesting old town.We also drove passed the rice fields on the River Ter.These are protected as an area of national importance.

Well worth a visit. Peratallada really is old. Building of the defences started in 1065 and they found earlier evidence of habitation on the site during restoration.
Today it is a tourist mecca with lots of hotels,restaurants and craft shops to poke around.The streets were cobbled and flagged in stone and the old fittings on windows,doors testified to the age of the place.

We had a neat time poking around as it was late afternoon and most tourists had left. A wedding was underway as we arrived.
Our batteries ran out so our photographs were limited but we managed a couple of hours there before heading back for dinner on the waterfront,packing and our final night in L'Estartit.

Relaxing in L'Estartit

Rather weary today but the day is clear and sunny so the beach is a priority later on.
We had our breakfast sitting outside on the deck overlooking a wetland reserve which is noted for the bird life and aquatic features.
We decided to explore the market day which happens each Thursday before lunch.A good option as it turned out.It was quite extensive,covering a number of the main streets and featuring clothing,foods etc.We bought some yummy cheeses,smoked ham and dried meats,dried figs and some honey melon for lunch later on.A handbag for Jo and a coffee in the square.It was an enjoyable way to spend a morning.
After our lovely lunch we headed to the beach for a swim.The wind was still cool so it was a little bracing to start with but it got better and swim we did plus some baking on the sands.
Later we walked the full length of the waterfront before stopping for sangria at a outside bar.Lovely sitting in the sun enjoying the local tipple.
We ate out at a restaurant called Robert and the believe it or not ended up watching the All Blacks play Namibia at a sports bar nearby.
Another lovely day came to an end about midnight as we strolled back along the promenade towards home.

L'Estartit

The wedding weekend was over.Monday was departure day for most of the guests so a long breakfast sitting under the trees, a final chat and goodbyes said we loaded into the little Fiat rental car and took off for our apartment further up the coast to a small seaside town called L'Estartit.It took less than a hour to drive too and for me, passing places it had taken me hours of walking it was a bit surreal.Pals, where we had taken ages to find our way out of we were through in minutes  and the frigging castle was in our sights quite soon after leaving Hotel Eetu.
The first impressions were favourable when we drove into the town,there was no reception open but eventually managed to contact the agent by phone and while we waited we had a nice lunch of tapas on the beach,literally on the beach as cafes are on the sand.
The apartment was as promised,close to the beach and good facilities,even a washing machine and a coffee maker so we can self cater quite happily.
The afternoon was well on by the time we got a key and unpacked but we got in a swim and Chris a run before sitting out on the deck enjoying our own version of tapas.
The weather forecast was not great for the next couple of days however so we had plans to visit the Dali museum and Barcelona as Chris had not been there.
Tuesday we explored the waterfront area and found the main shopping street and the information centre so we have all the information needed but the wind was cool and skies overcast which was not what we had hoped for so we drove to Figurers so Lou and Chris could visit the Dali-Theatre Museum there. Brad and I had been earlier so
I did a reconoitre of the town and located the train station for the fast train to Girona,Barcelona and a timetable for getting to Barcelona.
They were impressed with the collection as I was so a good decision.
We had a home cooked meal of local sausages and salads plus local wines to finish our day.It was lovely sitting outside as the sun sank and illuminated the town.Quite a dramatic sunset.

The Pool Party

Well -the party continued on Sunday afternoon - and beyond!The venue is amazing so there were games activities, eating around the BBQ, lots of lovely food and wine flowed and the sun continues to shine.Not very warm but alright for swimming and the kids just loved it.
We had a leisurely start to the day at the hotel before going up to Mas Touroello. A swim in the bay was refreshing and the breakfast under the trees a good way to catch up with other wedding guests.Some guests were recovering from an all night party as the band played until daybreak I believe.The old aunts were in a taxi going home at a reasonable hour!
Els and Nick were great hosts and made everyone very welcome.They would be glad to get back to a nights sleep.It has been full on for them with so much of the organisation they have done themselves.
The taxi drama continued however,we ordered one at 6.30pm but 8.30pm we were still waiting.We sat outside for ages chatting away but it was a relief when it did arrive and we made our way down that tortuous track for the last time.I could understand why the taxi company was not too happy about responding to our calls but then time does not seem a priority here and service is when it comes!
Liz,Jenny and Brendon were leaving early the next morning so we had a coffee at the hotel and Brendon entertained us with hilarious stories of his Irish family.He is a real story teller.