Costa Blanca, Spain
I visited four cities here and was struck by their
contrasts. The sunny warm (18C 64F) weather added to my enjoyment of the
area. A special treat was seeing the almond trees in bloom. I've been to
Majorca in spring on several occasions but always seemed to be too late for
this spectacular display. Taken from the train, this photo may not do them
justice.
Alicante
This was my starting point for a three week holiday in Southern Spain. The two hour flight from London made a nice change from my last 30 hour marathon flight returning from Bali. Alicante is an elegant city on the Mediterrean with broad boulevards, some attractive pedestrianised streets and a few buildings of architectural interest. The high point (in both senses) is the castle which looms over the city. Alas, the lift to it was under restoration and I decided that I was not that keen on a ten storey climb. A visit there will have to wait for my next trip to the city.
The city planners seem to have a bias against signs and it proved to be a difficult city to navigate. I was there three days before I realised that the escalator near my hotel actually led to the TRAM system which serves the city and region. See the photo below - understatment is one thing, obscurity something altogether different.
The city planners seem to have a bias against signs and it proved to be a difficult city to navigate. I was there three days before I realised that the escalator near my hotel actually led to the TRAM system which serves the city and region. See the photo below - understatment is one thing, obscurity something altogether different.
Spot the TRAM sign
TRAM is the subway/light rail train which serves the suburbs and the towns to the north including Benidorm and Denia. It is quite separate from the trains which go from Alicante Terminal. The discreet T etched into the fascia just above the escalator on the right is the only indication of this major transport link.
The Esplanade
This pavement of the
Esplanade
stretches for nearly a mile along the seafront with views out to the harbour and sea. I loved the optical illusion and occasionally felt dizzy (dizzier?).
I enjoyed the museum of archeology (MARQUE) which documents the ancient history of this coast. There were ceramic jugs with bones; it is striking how widespread this pre-historic funeral practice is. I've seen similar artifacts in Mexico. By far the most interesting exhibit in the museum was a reconstruction of an underwater archaeology site exploring a Roman ship. The accompany video of how precison recovery was done underwater was fascinating. The rchaeologist was taking notes with an underwater pen .. how cool is that?
I also enjoyed a Poinsettia tree near my hotel, a reminder that it is not solely a pot plant.
stretches for nearly a mile along the seafront with views out to the harbour and sea. I loved the optical illusion and occasionally felt dizzy (dizzier?).
I enjoyed the museum of archeology (MARQUE) which documents the ancient history of this coast. There were ceramic jugs with bones; it is striking how widespread this pre-historic funeral practice is. I've seen similar artifacts in Mexico. By far the most interesting exhibit in the museum was a reconstruction of an underwater archaeology site exploring a Roman ship. The accompany video of how precison recovery was done underwater was fascinating. The rchaeologist was taking notes with an underwater pen .. how cool is that?
I also enjoyed a Poinsettia tree near my hotel, a reminder that it is not solely a pot plant.
Benidorm
It is difficult for non British people to understgand just how strong an aversion Britsh people have to this beach destination. It is associated with everything that is vulgar and garish and attracts the 'worst kind' of Britsh holidaymakers. After several people told me that this sterotype was wrong I decided to go see for myself. What a surprise. Yes, it has some loud bars and there are people one would not care to associate with, but it is a city of 650,000 and there are lots of Spanish people just going about their business. I found lots of nice cafes and restuarants in the Old Town with its narrow streets and pleasant plazas. In fact, it reminds me very much of Puerto Vallerta in Mexico. It is a place for sun and beach but its biggest appeal for me were the extensive pedestrianised areas which made walking a treat. My advice, don't knock it until you have tried it. I'll be going back.
