We are Steven and Linda, an American couple exploring Europe in our motorhome. Join us in our adventures!
Sunny Spain – Part I
Holy cow, here I was thinking I was all caught up on my blog and that I could take a break! It has been over a month since we wrote our last post, who knew our time in Spain would fly by so quickly?
At the time we made such a significant change in our travel plans to head south along the east coast of Spain instead of across the northern coast, we both felt a little iffy about it. Uninspired, really. But wow, what a joy our trip turned out to be! One thing that made it so wonderful was the weather, of course, but also the fact that the route was completely new to us. We had planned to travel this route upon our return from Morocco in March 2020 and then we were scheduled to take the ferry to Italy. Instead, we ended up making a beeline north to Sens in France because we thought the world was coming to an end.
Since we said goodbye to France and hello to Spain on February 1st we have traveled over 1,500 kilometers and stayed in eight different locations. We’ve enjoyed sunshine nearly every day, walked and biked, visited several UNESCO sites, made an unexpected trip to the ER (!!), enjoyed a surprise visit with friends, ate our weight in delicious tapas and ordered the best steak we have ever eaten. What’s not to love?
Steven was busier with his camera than he has been in a while, a testament to all the beautiful sights Spain has to offer. He has taken so many photos of late, that we will write about Spain in two separate posts so we can share as many as possible. I think you will enjoy seeing our latest travels through his lens, so put the kettle on and let’s get started.
There you have it, the first half of our month-long visit to Spain. Stay tuned for the second half, coming soon. Oh, and about that ER visit. It was Steven and he is fine. 🙂
So fine, in fact, that he has been busy creating art as usual. Inspired by the work of Degas, he painted this picture of a ballerina. If you would like to see more, you can keep up with what he’s doing by following his Visual Art page here.
I love that your waitress decided to change your order. Looks like a fabulous area.
2chouters
Isn’t that hilarious? I guess she wanted us to be focused on that steak and frankly, it was a good call. Those mushrooms, though… so fab with the cheese sauce, and fried crispy onions on top!
Sydney
Wonderful post, interesting photos, and great work on the ballerina’s hands, Steven!
2chouters
Thanks Sydney! My favorite part of the picture is the hands and I was quite pleased with how they look. I appreciate you noticing.
betsy Shequine
Such an interesting view of a part of Spain where I have never traveled. (except Granada: looking forward to that!) Thanks for showing us, once again, the everyday life you two are able to reveal, while wheeling aroundthe world. Youmake it so interesting, and these photos are just great!
2chouters
This part of Spain has far exceeded our expectations, especially the Costa Brava area. Just gorgeous! Put it on your list, you’ll love it!
I loved the tour of coast of Spain!!! The cities and promenades, especially the foods, and yes the flamingo skirts! Hmmm I never knew those pendants were ‘eyes’ to keep evil away. I see them in world markets and I do have one on a long chain but haven’t worn it yet. I’ll have to dig it out and wear it. Looking forward to Part II 🙂
2chouters
You’d better find that pendant, you never know where evil lurks! The east of Spain has been really wonderful to visit and we are super happy we made the decision to visit. Spoiler alert: we enjoyed the south, too!!
As always great photos and a lovely blog. We are following in your footsteps and currently in Murcia, although in a lemon grove and not the Ikea car park. We well remember trying to park in Camping Ferrer in Peniscola – we also had a number of French men watching us manoeuvre slowly into position.
Lesley & Dave Bradford, Toodlepip
2chouters
Oh, your lemon grove sounds so beautiful compared to the IKEA parking lot! And lemon is one of my favorite flavors, so I would probably help myself to a few when no one was looking. I ran across a YouTube video where a guy took some drone shots of this parking area in Murcia, and he interviewed a few of the long-timers, asking them, “Is this the lifestyle you envisioned when you purchased your motorhome?” He said most didn’t appreciate his question! Anyway, I was thinking about you guys the other day, so I am glad to hear from you! Safe and happy travels!
Lesley Bradford
We watched that video. It was quite bizarre. Our olive grove host was lovely and we left with a huge handful of lemons. Enjoy the rest of Spain 🇪🇸
2chouters
Lemons! Lucky you! 🙂 I realized I have not gotten a notice of any blog posts from you guys in a while, but I see you haven’t posted, but I did find your Polar Steps. I’ll try to follow along there, I’d hate for our paths to cross and not even know it.
Mary Camp
the way y’all travel is such fun to share. Thanks for the blog and photos and showing the local side of life.
2chouters
Awww, thanks, Mary. You’ve been with us a looong time, so I’m glad to know you’re not bored of us yet!
Happy birthday! You arrived at the perfect time of year it seems. Love the evil eye.
2chouters
Thank you so much, Deb! And it is so good to hear from you, it’s been a while. I have just started getting notifications of your own travels, so happy you are on the move! Enjoy!
Betsy Sullivan
You’re giving us some great inspiration for when we get back to it! Always love hearing your stories.
2chouters
Thanks, Betsy! Good to hear from you, I hope all is well. Definitely put the eastern coast of Spain on your list, it is simply gorgeous!
Looks like you’re gonna be bringing that sunshine with you. I guess someone got the message it’s the run up to your birthday and is treating you right. Nicely done!!
And thanks for the tour of a beautiful area of Spain we look forward to exploring at some point.
2chouters
My gosh that weather report keeps shifting, I don’t know what it will be! I will bring my sunny disposition and hope that makes up for any bad weather. 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you guys!
Carol Stafford
I love all your adventures. Stephens pictures and your blog are so interesting! I was in that region( Alicante) about 60 years ago, traveling with my parents from London in a small car without air conditioning, our luggage strapped on a roof rack.Looking forward to the rest of your travels, take care. Carol from California.
So beautifully photographed and with interesting commentary. As always, I want to go everywhere that you guys go, LOL. So glad you decided on Spain. Sorry for my tardiness in commenting, but we have our own adventure going on here with simplifying our lives, haha. It’s lovely to virtually escape to Spain for a bit with you.
I love that your waitress decided to change your order. Looks like a fabulous area.
Isn’t that hilarious? I guess she wanted us to be focused on that steak and frankly, it was a good call. Those mushrooms, though… so fab with the cheese sauce, and fried crispy onions on top!
Wonderful post, interesting photos, and great work on the ballerina’s hands, Steven!
Thanks Sydney! My favorite part of the picture is the hands and I was quite pleased with how they look. I appreciate you noticing.
Such an interesting view of a part of Spain where I have never traveled. (except Granada: looking forward to that!) Thanks for showing us, once again, the everyday life you two are able to reveal, while wheeling aroundthe world. Youmake it so interesting, and these photos are just great!
This part of Spain has far exceeded our expectations, especially the Costa Brava area. Just gorgeous! Put it on your list, you’ll love it!
We bought an evil eye pendant for Max when we were in Turkiye! And, we have two smaller ones to give to the grandkids when they arrive tomorrow.
The whole Benidorm area is just not our thing. I know, each to their own… but we like the interior so much better.
I have to agree with you on Benidorm and other areas like it. Enjoy your grandkids, what a treat to have them join you in Morocco!
I loved the tour of coast of Spain!!! The cities and promenades, especially the foods, and yes the flamingo skirts! Hmmm I never knew those pendants were ‘eyes’ to keep evil away. I see them in world markets and I do have one on a long chain but haven’t worn it yet. I’ll have to dig it out and wear it. Looking forward to Part II 🙂
You’d better find that pendant, you never know where evil lurks! The east of Spain has been really wonderful to visit and we are super happy we made the decision to visit. Spoiler alert: we enjoyed the south, too!!
As always great photos and a lovely blog. We are following in your footsteps and currently in Murcia, although in a lemon grove and not the Ikea car park. We well remember trying to park in Camping Ferrer in Peniscola – we also had a number of French men watching us manoeuvre slowly into position.
Lesley & Dave Bradford, Toodlepip
Oh, your lemon grove sounds so beautiful compared to the IKEA parking lot! And lemon is one of my favorite flavors, so I would probably help myself to a few when no one was looking. I ran across a YouTube video where a guy took some drone shots of this parking area in Murcia, and he interviewed a few of the long-timers, asking them, “Is this the lifestyle you envisioned when you purchased your motorhome?” He said most didn’t appreciate his question! Anyway, I was thinking about you guys the other day, so I am glad to hear from you! Safe and happy travels!
We watched that video. It was quite bizarre. Our olive grove host was lovely and we left with a huge handful of lemons. Enjoy the rest of Spain 🇪🇸
Lemons! Lucky you! 🙂 I realized I have not gotten a notice of any blog posts from you guys in a while, but I see you haven’t posted, but I did find your Polar Steps. I’ll try to follow along there, I’d hate for our paths to cross and not even know it.
the way y’all travel is such fun to share. Thanks for the blog and photos and showing the local side of life.
Awww, thanks, Mary. You’ve been with us a looong time, so I’m glad to know you’re not bored of us yet!
Happy birthday! You arrived at the perfect time of year it seems. Love the evil eye.
Thank you so much, Deb! And it is so good to hear from you, it’s been a while. I have just started getting notifications of your own travels, so happy you are on the move! Enjoy!
You’re giving us some great inspiration for when we get back to it! Always love hearing your stories.
Thanks, Betsy! Good to hear from you, I hope all is well. Definitely put the eastern coast of Spain on your list, it is simply gorgeous!
Wonderful times, beautiful locations. Oh that steak sounds heavenly!
Spain has some of the best beef ever! I think it’s worth the trip just to pig out on steak, if you know what I mean. 🙂
Ps.
Glad Stephen is ok and love the ballerina.
Thanks for the ps, Debbie. The ballerina is one of my favorites.
Looks like you’re gonna be bringing that sunshine with you. I guess someone got the message it’s the run up to your birthday and is treating you right. Nicely done!!
And thanks for the tour of a beautiful area of Spain we look forward to exploring at some point.
My gosh that weather report keeps shifting, I don’t know what it will be! I will bring my sunny disposition and hope that makes up for any bad weather. 🙂 Looking forward to seeing you guys!
I love all your adventures. Stephens pictures and your blog are so interesting! I was in that region( Alicante) about 60 years ago, traveling with my parents from London in a small car without air conditioning, our luggage strapped on a roof rack.Looking forward to the rest of your travels, take care. Carol from California.
So beautifully photographed and with interesting commentary. As always, I want to go everywhere that you guys go, LOL. So glad you decided on Spain. Sorry for my tardiness in commenting, but we have our own adventure going on here with simplifying our lives, haha. It’s lovely to virtually escape to Spain for a bit with you.