No, not the German Beer Festival in Munich. As keen readers of my blogs will know, I'm a sucker for a bit of barter or 'working for free'. No tax to pay, you see.
So, in return for a week's house- and pet-sitting in September, while they were away in England, friends Nick and Julia offered us a couple of nights in their frontline house on the Costa del Sol.
In the end, wife Rita couldn't come because of commitments at home, so I decided to take a mini-break on my own in any case. A time to relax and reflect in a different environment.
October Fest
I drove down from Ronda, reinforced by three coffees en route, arriving around midday. I stopped off at a couple of shops to stock up on essentials, got into the house and unloaded my stuff.
Went for a snack lunch at Bahia de Casares, a nearby cafe, where I had my usual cerveza sin tostada and a couple of tapas - paella and ensaladilla rusa - before heading back. Time for an afternoon stroll along the seafront.
Found some attractive stones washed smooth by the sea, before haading back for a swim in the pool. The water was lovely, warmer than at home in Ronda, yet I was the lone bather, despite others lying on sunbeds outside the pool area.
Back to the upstairs terrace to lie in the sun and dry off. Hoped for a siesta but I couldn't drop off. Too hot I thInk, for I had no shade.
Did some prep for dinner and cut my long beard to a more reasonable length, before driving to San Luis de Sabinillas to look for O'Callaghan's Irish Pub.
Had my first ever pint of alcohol free Guinness, the last can they had. It tasted just as good as the real thing. And at 3.50 euros, way cheaper than Dublin
The barmaid was clearly not Irish; Manchester area, I thought. I was right. Lisa hails from the Staleybridge area, although she's been out here 12 years.
I walked miles, through some not very pleasant areas. It's very built-up and there's loads of traffic. Not like peaceful Ronda.
Safely back I finished preparing my dinner - tortilla española followed by fruit for dessert. De-lish-ous!
Friday
After a good night's sleep, two cups of tea and breakfast, I set off to find something to do. Rain was forecast so that might restrict my activities. Let's hope for the best.
Well, the rain didn't materialise. As for my 'adventures' I found the most expensive Chinese bazarre in the world; waited a record 15 minutes to get served a coffee; looked around a furniture/decor store and bought three cheap items in their sale; bought three fridge magnets from a souvenir shop; and called into a charity shop where I got three books and a floppy hat for 3 euros!
In between times I went to an Irish pub and a Spanish restaurant for liquid refreshment.
I was served my alcohol free beers by Russian and Ukrainian waitresses in short skirts.
This area is definitely not for this linguistic snob!
[Notes Tied On The Sagebrush]
2.00 pm and it was 'back to the ranch' for my second breakfast/brunch, a swim and a siesta in the sun.
Dinner
I decided to treat myself and went to the QG Belgian Brasserie in Puerto de la Duquesa, a restaurant I've been to before. Very tasty.
Saturday
After breakfast I spent the morning stripping the beds, cleaning up and loading the car. Julia, mine hostess, was due after lunch to prepare the house for their next paying guests. I have to wait for her, as I have all the keys and the remote control for the car park!!!
Then it will be off back to Ronda in time to watch the Nations Cup match between Croatia and England.
The End
I enjoyed my couple of nights on the coast.
Nick and Julia's house, Casita del Mar, is superbly located, spacious and well-appointed. Everything you could wish for is there: balcony, terrace, table and chairs, sunbeds, and shared pool, not to mention the lounge, dining area and kitchen, two double bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Perfect for a holiday by the sea.
See the link below for more details.
Links:
http://www.casitamar.com
Working for free? Why? Er… why not?
Working for free? Why? Er… why not? Part 2.
© Diary of a Nobody
Pictures:
All photos © Paul Whitelock
Cartoon © Notes Tied On The Sagebrush
Thanks:
Nick and Julia Flynn, Paul Whitelock
Tags:
Bahia de Casares, barter, Casares, Casitamar, cerveza sin tostada, Diary of a Nobody, ensaladilla rusa, eye on spain, Nick and Julia Flynn, Notes Tied On The Sagebrush, October Fest, paella, Paul Whitelock, QG Brasserie, Ronda, tapa, tortilla española, working for free