Xmas in Torry
We've enjoyed a lovely Christmas in Torrevieja. The weather was beautiful, up to 22 degrees some days, chilly mornings & evenings but warmed up nicely by mid morning.
Christmas day started off with a low mist which took some time to clear. We drove to La Zenia beach to see everyone setting up for their Christmas festivities, well what we could see through the mist. We had a stroll along the coastline & then went into Torrevieja.
Had a look at the Church square with the model nativity scenes, then walked along the promenade. I had wondered what would be open on Christmas day, the market stalls were setting up as usual & most of the sea front cafes & restaurants were open with normal menus. So we could have eaten anywhere along there.
Don't know what time they closed as we had lunch organized at the Filton Restaurant at los Balcones. 19 euros per person for 4 course meal with wine. It was very nice, most of the other restaurants were charging 40 or 50 euros. All were quiet so could have got a table anywhere.
The Filton centre is near our little holiday home & we eat here a lot when we are out. The Indian restaurant has closed which is a shame. I thinks there's a tapa's bar there now but didn't try it. The icecream parlour has also closed & in it's place is a new restaurant which we look forward to trying on our next visit. Of course we enjoyed several nice evenings at the Chinese, our favorite place to eat.
We went to the new shopping center at La zenia, it's very big with lots of different shops, including a primark. Lots of people there Christmas eve, shame we'll miss the sales.
We did find there are more Spanish people really struggling, quietly asking for help sat on the streets. I'd watched the program on TV before we went,on the plight of the Spanish unemployed, which was filmed around San Miguel. It's very visible that a lot of people are finding it very hard.
Although I'm not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow after our Christmas break,I know that I am lucky that I have a job that allows me to travel & enjoy the things we take for granted that we are able to do. Happy New Year to everyone. Hope the year brings better things for Spain and the Spanish people.