ALICANTE

Alicante..... we were up early to catch a bus that would take us up to the "train" that would take us to the BIG city of Alicante. The only thing was, we didn't have the EXACT CHANGE for the bus so we "just had to" stop for Cafe Con Lache {to get change of course...} and then catch the bus. Well unknown to us {and the lack of understanding for what the bus driver was trying to tell us} we could only get about half way to the train this morning BECAUSE, a 1/2 mile section of our route was closed because of a street market that seems to accure every Friday...well why not??? So we went as far as we could and then hoofed it the rest of the way to catch our train. The train followed the coastline south for just over an hour and then headed deep into a tunnel to deliver us at our destination...Alicante Centro... After flying into Medrid, and then catching the high-speed train to Alicante, "I: thought "I" knew exactly where we were and where we were going this time...ha ha ha...no not quite. I wasn't to far off but I wasn't right either. Today we wanted to see the Castillo de Santa Barbara, the "Old City of Alicante", and the Cathedral of St. Nicolas. In trying to find our way to the castle we also found the marina with the tall ships, the beautiful "Esplanada" {boardwalk}, and again some wonderful architecture along the marina. At the far end of the marina we found the entrance into the old town and the "Tourist Information" center that we had been looking for... The architecture and the colors in the old city were enjoyable to see. Of course the narrow lanes between the buildings, and the hidden business everywhere. We also stumbled onto another church, lots and lots of plazas filled with table and chairs all calling our names for a place to sit and enjoy another glass of wine or cervaza, and believe it or not, even Elvis playing his guitar and singing his heart out for tips...amazing but true.... The Castle of Santa Barbara was pretty close to total dis-repair before the city got it together about 20 years ago and rebuilt it. It sits high on the hill guarding the sea and the city from intruders. Fortunately they have installed an elevator that will take you to the castle walls to that you too can enjoy the vistas... A wonderful way for a city to spend some extra Euro... After about an hour we found our way back to the elevator and headed to the Cathedral of St Nicolas... What is about all the churches locking their doors and not letting anyone in anymore ??? Pretty sad for us that can only visit once or maybe twice... Well it's been a long day, find the train, get the bus, and "let's" relax at home with a little music and a glass of vino....