Barcelona!

Thursday 21st October

With petrol scarce in France we were lucky to leave and with several road blocks at the toll booths from Union members protesting at the thought of having to retire 62 we were relieved to arrive in Barcelona in about 5 hours . (It is about 500kms)

Our hotel was opposite the Port & Harbour where there are many bars and restaurants.

Karen and I were last here just over 10 years ago. Can you see us?

In the evening we took in a Flamenco show...

And then supper in a very traditional Tapas bar, which was absolutely packed.

The season draws to a close...............

After a fantastic second season all our guests have now left, the pool is covered, the shutters closed, but the sun still shines!


We started unwinding with a little soiree with a Tapas theme, Karen prepares the Creme Catalana

Some music courtesy of friends, Keith on guitar & vocals

With Dr Kevin Gunning on percussion!

 backing vocals Paul & Anne!

Karen's Mum Joan enjoys the entertainment sitting with kevin's wife Siobhan.

A perfect October day, the sky cleared by the Mistral wind.

My blog will take a more personal note in the coming months as we begin our winter travels starting in Spain where we are heading today. I will post for family and friends to keep track of what we are up to here in St Sat and when further afield, feel free to keep popping back to keep up with us.

local wildlife?

This praying Mantis is enjoying the Autumn sunshine on the side of our house.

how long is the season?

We are frequently asked how long is the season?

Well traditionally it starts at Easter, or when Easter is late the end of March.

That is when we enjoy the warm spring days and glorious almond &  cherry blossom.

I started swimming this year mid April, at which time  I would describe the water as fresh!

The end of the season is the end of  October, in line with the Toussaint Holiday on November 1st

Our pool is heated with the current temperature  22  to 24 degrees,very pleasant on warm autumn days like today. I seem to make quite a splash!

A pleasure to swim, on the 12th of October. I think that's pretty good.