Visit to Murcia

Last weekend we went to Murcia in south-eastern Spain, the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, and the seventh largest city in the country. The city is divided into the old town and the new. The Cathedral of Murcia was built between 1394 and 1465 in the Castilian Gothic style. Its tower was completed in 1792 and shows a blend of architectural styles.

 The first two stories were built in the Renaissance style (1521–1546), while the third is Baroque. The bell pavilion exhibits both Rococo and Neoclassical influences. The main façade (1736–1754) is considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Baroque style. Pedestrian areas cover most of the old town of the city, which is centred around Platería and Trapería Streets. 

Trapería goes from the Cathedral to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, formerly a bustling market square. Located in Trapería is the Casino, a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior that includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the royal chambers of the Alhambra near Granada.

 

. The name Plateria refers to plata (silver), as this street was the historical focus for the commerce of rare metals by Murcia's Jewish community. The other street, Traperia, refers to trapos, or cloths, as this was once the focus for the Jewish community's garment trade. 

Fine dining is possible in the old town center.

We traveled back to Alicante, not on the motorway, but in the mainland, the backyard of Spain, a wonderful countryside who still amazes. From old watermills to in-land seas, Golden sunshine on a land that lays restless with long plains and bushy quarters. There is semblance with the inland Morocco, next to the sandy mill you will find farmers growing cabbage, celery and olives. What a combination.

 Driving all the way to Santa Pola, the landscape changes into a sea side resort with one of the left places, wild in nature, that em brasses the sea and little creeks. In summertime the place to be for campers, and tourists who love the country side with a sniff of the salty sea. Little wooden houses on the beach in this tile of the year are empty, the beach restaurants are gone. Every summer season they construct whole little villages with refreshments, food and tapas bars.

Poppy Appeal, British Legion in Benidorm

A great day for  the British Legion. The sun was glorious over the standards from all around,  La Nucia, Benidorm, Benimantel. The British Consul Paul Rodwell, along with the Mayor Agustin Navarro and RBL District Chairman Chriss Wyatt gave speeches.

The Royal British Legion plays an active role in the local community, and they rely on the help of their members to carry out the work in their local areas. There are many ways people can help and become involved, and it is essential to their work for the serving and ex-Service community.To raise public awareness of what the Legion does in the community and encourage more people to get involved with the welfare and membership activities of the Legion, they participate in various events and activities. 

Today Poppy Appeal was launched with pipes and drums,Torrevieja Pipes and Drums band,  the visitors gave them a standing ovation after they performed the British Hymns.

I most admit there are some bad notes to see. The comrades from the different branches wearing their uniforms and medals and proud to serve, next to some English lads with no decency for the flag and the commemoration of the battle field, sitting in the front line with no shirts and half naked,  a shame for the Brits. 

Proud to be the Chelsea Pensioners present at the ceremonial

  Several Spanish residents asked about the "uniform" and after a conversation and several photographs, they enjoyed it. A Chelsea pensioner is an in-pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home and nursing home for former members of the British Army located in Chelsea, London. Historically, however, the phrase applied more widely, referring to both in-pensioners and out-pensioners. 

Poppy Appeal 2013, Benidorm  the photoset.

Don't forget to donate to one of the finest organisations for ex-service men. 

The British Legion North Spain pay their website a visit. 

Street art, food and gin master class

Spaniards are know to have fiestas every week. Bonfire  and music, in the still of the day or night you hear them everywhere. We visited this weekend : Fira Gata al Carrer , a typical Spanish Fiesta, with stands going from gastronomy to craftsmen, and street art.

 Design companies made some set ups in the cobbled streets with the classical fronts of old townhouses. Out of the balconies the young artists made their point in exhibiting their form of art. Collages of tissues, painted clothing, and lace. Made by you artists and really worth a look.

Gastronomy was somewhat disappointing,  only some special sausages, a pastry shop and a wine shop, we expected some more specialties.

A light came into the darkness, the organizer announced a masterclass in Gin, new tendencies. We are good bloggers so we payed them a visit and a taste. Fine perfumed gin with a nice flavor. The head chef, barman served it as a master en we really enjoyed. 

Finally at the end of the day a nice performance was given by a local Folk dance group. We enjoyed the day.