Costa...

We managed to escape this year, for a much needed break, and Spain was our destination of choice. We had a very early flight, so our first day was just spent browsing the local area by foot, in a dazed tired state, but we still appreciated the warmth of the sun, and surrounding beauty.

For first full day, we had pre planned to take the Benalmedena sightseeing bus, and got ourselves a great 2 day deal.

Our first stop-off was at the cable cars. Hubby was a little trepidacious, as it went up the side of Calamorro mountain, but it was fun and could see all along the Costa del Sol coastline.

We made it up just in time to see the falconry display at the Valley of Eagles

Some beautiful birds, with huge wing spans. One did fly off for a bit of a tour, I hope he made it back ok!

We climbed the rest of the way up to the top, to see the outstanding views layed out before us

After our ride back down, it was back on the bus for bit more of a view of the town.

We got off early, so we could take a stroll down the promenade.

With shops and restaurants to our left and the sea and beaches to our right we had plenty to look at on the stroll back

But all along the way were great art works on the paths to distract us from the long, hot walk back

Day two, and it was back on the tourist bus, this time we went to the Dolphinarium, which we only  went to as it was part of the package. Again our timing was impeccable and we arrived just in time to see the dolphin show. These adorable creatures showed off their skills, leaping and acting on command.

There were plenty of animals to take a look at after the display. The penguin enclosure with its mix of breeds, swimming and waddling were beautiful.

After our packed lunch, we headed to Paloma park, another pre planned destination. This park totally lived up to its reputation. Initially our views were lush greenery, palm trees, and chickens!! Winding our way round the pathways, we then spotted some stunning peacocks, with extremely long plumage.

We've heard plenty of squawks coming from the tops of palm trees on previous days, but this time we were able to spot what was making the raucous noise. Bright green parakeets.

Best for me, later in the afternoon, was spotting the lovely bunnies. Shading themselves under bushes and out on the lawns nibbling.

There was just one incident that dampened the mood briefly, when we were approached by 2 gypsies trying to sell us flowers, invading our space. On their departure hubby knew something wasn't right, and found he had been pick-pocketed, but he went straight after them, and got our money back. We decided we needed a strong coffee and cake after that!

It was then round to the top end of the park, to the Cactus area. There were a huge variety in all shapes and sizes, tall and fat, fluffy and spiky. 

This park had everything lakes, trees, flowers, birds, animals, sculptures, exercise areas, green space and cafes

I can honestly say this is the best park i've ever been to!!

Day three, was a rest day, lazing by the pool and soaking up the sun rays, just moving on occasion to fill ourselves with a bit more food!

Day four, and we took the public bus up the mountainous roads to an Andalusian village called Mijas

                            

With the traditional white houses, and tiled roofs

There were plenty of steps up, but worth it for the views

They still had the traditional 4 legged taxis

The 17th century shrine at the cliff side

And an array of colourful fountains

We stopped for refreshments and ended up with the hugest slice of cake!

Day five and we hopped on the public bus to Fuengirola as there was a massive weekly market, the stalls seemed to go on forever, but we managed to pick up a few gifts

After we ate our pack lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon  relaxing on the beach

Day five, We stayed local, walking along the promenade looking around the shops for more gifts, and took more time to relax on the beach

Each night, after dinner we enjoyed an evening stroll, whether along the beach or the promenade. It was still lovely and warm , and relaxing to hear the sound of the waves

For our last day, we took another stroll around the marina

and a last look around the shops. I found the best shop and could have spent a fortune, with clothes and bagis in a rainbow of different colours!

It was the hottest day and our flight wasnt till the evening so we made the most of the sun rays and sat on the local beach

I enjoyed paddling and foraging amongst the shells and found my first piece of sea glasss

Of course throughout our time I took plenty of pictures of flowers! A whole bright, colourful bunch of petals for future inspiration

We were sad to leave sunny Spain and head back to England to face a long stretch of  Winter, but we have some lovely memories...

Birthday outting

This week i've had two trips out.
Firstly, on Monday, my Mum came to visit. We haven't seen each other for awhile, so it was great to catch up. After some lunch, we drove to nearby Staines, where we spent a couple of hours around the shops trying to look for present ideas.
This weekend, we had the novelty of a whole weekend off work. It was my birthday on Saturday so we took the train to Kingston for a day out.

The Christmas lights were up, and we started working our way round the shops.

We found a little traditional little market. Some cute little stalls.

We also found there was a Craft Fair too. With beautiful stalls of handmade goods. And I did manage to pick up a chrissie pressie...

We saw a fantastic duo called 'Idrum', who made drumming fun and exciting to watch.

We stopped for some lunch, before tackling the big Bentalls shopping centre.

It was pretty busy, but it was enjoyable to do something that we don't normally get the chance to.

The hours soon flew by as we were engrossed with all the lovely goodies in the stores. We stayed right till the stores closed, and then spotted a nice little Italian restaurant just as we came out the last store.

A lovely dinner, followed by a scrummy pudding!

After the train journey home, I still had my cards and presents to open.

I was very lucky and was thoroughly spoilt with lots of lovely goodies...

We just finished the night off with a nightcap...

Only a little crafting has happened in my busy week, but I did manage to get 3 little mini stockings completed. I've stuck to traditional red and white, in slight variations of stripe, this i intend to hang as a garland, after i've completed a few more little socks...

Cyprus memories & back to the Ali Pali...

This time last week, we were sat in sun loungers by the pool lapping up the last of the rays before making our way back home. We had spent the week in Paphos, Cyprus. We had a mix of relaxation and sightseeing, as on previous hols we've made the mistake of overdoing it and coming back more exhausted!!

After a long and not so smooth journey we arrived at our hotel around midnight, but had welcome drinks, some much needed snacks and a lovely room to settle in to.

The next morning it was up early for breakfast as we had a welcome meeting to get to.

We spent the day exploring the hotel and the local area. 

We walked along the seafront till we reached the harbour.

Dinner in the evening was always a buffet choice, but with a different theme each night, so it was never dull, or repetitive and there was something for everyone.

In the evening there was different entertainment by the outside bar. Tonight was traditional Cypriot dancers. And we continued our love with Ouzo!

Tuesday we spent a lazy day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the warmth of the sun, sipping ice cold drinks. This was partly due to hubby having a hangover, but we did need some us time to recharge our batteries. I joined in with aqua aerobics, and we only stopped our dozing and reading to eat.

Wednesday we went back to the harbour, but this time visited the large archaeological site. In the houses of Dionysos and Theseus were outstanding mosaics. We wandered around the ruins, pillars, the lighthouse and the ampitheatre.

We came out as we were desperate for refreshments, so we stocked up with water and had an ice cream. Meanwhile out popped this chappy from nowhere!

We found another section of the site and saw the quaint orthodox church.

We strolled around the town centre and I found some great funky trousers which are light and comfy, just what I needed. We made it back to the hotel in time, as the heavens opened and a heavy rain storm started!

Thursday we'd book in with the 'Love Cyprus' tour. This enabled us to see further afield and learn some history about the country and see some smaller villages.

We started with a drive by Aphrodites  Rock.

We visited the Archaeological site of Kourion, where there were mosaics, traditional baths and a large ampitheatre.

We went on to Kolossi castle.

We stopped for a coffee break in a little village,

before going on to Omodos, to a beautiful monastry.

We tried some bread made from chick peas at a traditional bakers and wandered the little lanes.

After stopping for lunch, we went to Erimi wine museum, where we had a taster of some white, red and sweet dessert wines.

This was a long day, but a very worthwhile and interesting trip.

Friday, we took the bus to the Municipal market. This was a large tourist market but we did manage to pick up some gifts.

We stopped for coffee, I took the safe nescafe options, whilst hubby went for the Cypriate coffee, which was very thick and dark.

In the afternoon we attempted another sun bathing session but the strong wind made it a little chilly!

Saturday we took the bus to 'The Tomb of the Kings'. This was a vast area with plenty of tombs to go down and explore.

We continued on the bus route till we got to Coral Bay. This was a beautiful beach area. We settled on sun-loungers on the sand and relaxed under the heat of the sun listening to the waves lapping.

We sat in a cafe at the end of the afternoon and watched the sun go down.

As the light faded, we got back on the bus to town, where we shopped around for our favourite liqueurs and spirits to bring home.

Sunday, our last day, after breakfast we got through the horrid task of packing, checked out, stored our luggage and had a long luxurious day in the sun,

before dinner and the overnight travel. Getting back to the uk we were greeted by thick fog and chilly winds!!

For the first time in many years I managed to make it to Ali Pali. It used to be an annual trip not to be missed for me, but with either work or being away on holiday I seemed to keep miss timing it!

It was good to be back, but I forgot how crowded, hot and manic it can get!

It didn't take me long to start purchasing!! I found gold ribbon that I was after on just the second stall, and somehow I managed to purchase another handbag!!!
I fought my way through the women, who were fighting their way through the yarn piles, material and other bargains.

I felt totally worn out by the time i'd made it round the great hall!!
But then there was the smaller room, with peoples makes, plus students and institutes work.

Of course I had to pick up some yarn, but I did control myself! It was a brilliant day but so exhausting!