food
Tapas in a Cave
Sunday, 1 October 2017
San Miguel de Salinas is a small Spanish town very near to the Torrevieja. (Apparently its not the place where the beer is from, I checked.)
One of the really cool things about this place, is that some of the residents live in cave houses in the centre of the town. According to the restaurant website (yeah, i do my research) the caves were used as homes back in the 1500's due to the lack of materials in the area to build proper homes. Admittedly it it's not very picturesque. In fact it all looks a bit run down from the outside. But that's kind of what makes the town pretty. It has character.
One of the caves has been converted into a restaurant. With the very imaginative name of Las Cuevas. Which if you can't guess, translates to 'The Caves'.
The place is beautifully decorated, and the staff were very friendly. Although the town seems very traditionally Spanish, they spoke good English, and the menus are translated into a few different languages.
There is two sections to Las Cuevas. The restaurant and the Tapas Bar. We went to the Tapas Bar, although to me, it was still a restaurant.
The menu was excellent, and I struggled to pick. There had a selection of 'Special Dishes', which were meals for those who may not want Tapas. My Tapas experience had previously only been '3 for £10' ready meals from Tesco, so I was keen to give it a go. I ended up picking 5 dishes, because someones got to be the pig. The waitress did even say 'wow, you're hungry' whilst I was ordering. Awkward.
When we arrived they put a sampler on the table for us when they delivered our drinks. I'm not 100% sure what she said, as I was pretty lost in the menu trying to get my choice of 10 dishes down to something a little more acceptable/affordable. I believe it was some kind of seafood salad. Whatever it was it was yummy, and did not help me with my menu situation.
Eventually I decided on meatballs, ravioli, a mushroom dish, nachos, and my experiment of the night, octopus! I was pretty much in food heaven. Each dish was delicious, and I can confirm I am a fan of octopus. They were all pretty much 1 person sized dishes, although the mushrooms and the nacho's could have been shared (if you're not a little piglet like myself).
The prices average at around €4-5 per dish, which I thought was very reasonable.
The evening was my favourite meal of the whole holiday, and I would love to go back and try some more of the dishes. I would definitely recommend it to any one who may be visiting the area.
We did book a table, however there were plenty available. Saying this however, there was a fiesta taking place in San Miguel on this evening, so this may have affected the amount of diners that evening. It may normally be packed.
America
Saturday, 2 September 2017
America is one of my favourite places in the world. I love the fact that each state can be like visiting a different country, and I'm desperate to go back and explore a little more. During the time I have visited I have come across some things that were a little different to life in the UK...
Tax
Tax isn't included in the prices on the shelves. So you have to work it out yourself. If your rubbish at maths like me, it can be a surprise when you get to the till...I'm not sure why they can't just write it on the label. That would be too easy right?
Massive gaps on the toilet doors.
Most of the toilet cubicles in public places have big gaps in the door so you can see out - or even worse - see in. Queue the awkward eye contact. I actually Google'd this whilst writing so see if I could find some kind of explanation, and the only thing I could find was 'it stops sexual assault and drug taking'. Ok then. If you say so?
Crazy food choices
This one just gets a picture. No explanation needed. Spotted in Ithaca, NY.
Royal family obsession
Every time I have visited America, I have seen magazines plastered with the latest completely untrue scandal about the royal family. 'Charles and Camilla shock secret divorce'. 'Kate and Wills secret heart ache'. They literally just make stuff up. Let's not forget the fantastically tacky (but also secretly watchable) Kate and Wills movie they made - which FYI I only recently found out the actress that plays Kate Middleton is Jo from Grey's Anatomy.
Credit or Debit?
Whenever you use a card they also ask 'credit or debit?' I always have a travel bank card, but find staring at them blankly works a treat, and suddenly they just seem to know the answer. Also, if you want to draw out cash from a cash machine, you have to pay for it. If you're going to Vegas, you can expect to pay $7 for your own money. Daylight robbery.
Biscuits are not biscuits
In America, biscuits are more like scones. And they have them with gravy. And to make it slightly more weird. They have them for breakfast. I cannot cope.
The Adverts
TV programmes have SO many commercial breaks. And it's not always obvious. Sometimes there is definitely some uncertainty as to whether it is actually part of the show. They advertise some weird stuff too. Medication (with all the side effects listed), and this sign in particular was one of my favourites - Divorce. Spotted somewhere near Newark, NJ.
So much water in the toilet bowl
The toilets are full of water, and they are not blocked. They are actually supposed to be like that. If you drop your phone in there, it's survival rate is practically next to nothing.
Tipping
You have to tip everyone for everything. Basically add extra to any bill, taxi, or service. I joined a taxi queue in NY and had to tip the man stood at the front for sticking his arm out for a taxi for me. He literally stuck his head through the window and wouldn't let the taxi leave until I had paid him. I paid him $2 to stick his arm out. Also whilst getting a pedicure in NY, me and my friends basically got held hostage until we tipped. But that's another story.
All the Pop-Tarts
They have so many choices. And this isn't just the Pop-Tarts. We are also talking Pringles, Ben and Jerry's, and Oreo's. How are you possibly supposed to choose? I would 100% be obese if I lived in the States.
Jay walking
It's illegal in America to just cross the road anywhere. You have to use the crossings. Illegally crossing the road is called jay walking. It's highly inconvenient if you don't have a car, as some of the main roads don't have crossings, and for example, the 'all you can eat Chinese buffet' might be on the other side of the dual carriage way. Which we definitely did not make a cheeky illegal dash to. Disclaimer - don't do that.
They love Australian's
I did some travel after camp, with an Australian girl I had met. We had numerous conversations with American's that basically went like this. (I'm not joking, it was a regular occurrence)
American: So where are you girls from?
Me: I'm from England
Australian friend: I'm from Australia
American: Ooo Australia! I know someone who went to Sydney once, have you been there?
Laws change in different states
So, in some states it is illegal to use a mobile whilst driving, but in other states it's not. Each state has it's own state laws. How on earth American's know what law is where?! Very confusing.
A long weekend in Torrevieja, Spain
Sunday, 2 October 2016
After an amazing trip to Miami earlier on in the year, we suffered from major holiday blues on our return which resulted in a long weekend booking to Spain.
For a large majority of my childhood my grandparents lived in Torrevieja, which is located in the Costa Blanca in Spain. I grew up visiting most years so have come to know it fairly well. It's also incredible how many people I know have links to Torrevieja - it's a very small world.
For this trip we went from Thursday-Monday which was perfect for a sun top up. We flew to Murcia airport rather than Alicante which was a first for me. Murcia was a lovely airport as it was really small, so you could get in out out pretty quickly avoiding the major trek to passport control that you have to deal with in other airports (I'm looking at you Heathrow).
We stayed in an area, which according to my photos in my phone is called 'Residencia Los Altos', and is also near Punta Prima. It is a short walking distance to what my family and I refer to as 'The Top Road' however it is in fact the N-332 which just doesn't sound as exciting. This road is home to some of my favourite restaurants.
On the first night we dined at Restaurante Patio Andaluz which is a place I visit every time I'm in the area. As our first night was a Thursday we were able to go to Flamenco Night which I personally believe is a must (note: booking is also a must). Throughout the evening there are numerous performances by the flamenco dancers as well as the Spanish guitarists. And as a bonus, the food is delicious. Whilst you wait they give you bread and the yummiest alioli - which if you don't know is kind of like garlic mayonnaise but even better. You can buy it in Morrison's but it really isn't the same when you eat it in England.
On the other side of the road there are plenty of bars - all with football screens for the fans, and as a compromise for the other 90 minute neglected girlfriends like myself, they do some amazing cocktails. I had the biggest Cosmopolitan I had ever seen for €5.
Mixed in with the bars along the road are a great selection of restaurants. Whatever you fancy you can pretty much get. There is Indian, Chinese, German and Italian On a Saturday one of the restaurants - Gelateria Italiana, serves a massive portion of schnitzel (could be described as a breaded pork) and chips for around €6 - booking required. And on a Wednesday they do an extra large night where all the portions are double the size for the same price - and they they are pretty big normally!
Another great restaurant that we visited was Restaurante Giocomo, which is a lovely little Italian that we went to on our final night. We had recommendations from family members to go there and I am so glad we took their advice as the food was lovely and even well presented. We finished the meal with a fabulous Bailey's Banoffee Pie - just writing about it makes me want to go back!
If you go down to the coast you can have a meal with a view at The Nautilus, a brilliant restaurant that looks out over the sea. They do the best pizza's so I was looking forward to going here as soon as the holiday was booked! I think it is possible that I plan my life a little too much around food!
During the trip we also visited La Mata which has a beautiful park that you can walk through to get down to the beach. We went in the morning as it can get really hot there, and it was a lovely walk. Along the beach there is numerous beach cafes, where you can get you can get an ice cream or even a cocktail! The beaches weren't incredibly busy, but we were there in September and the Spanish seem to think it is colder then - they don't even open the water park!
If you like to shop, the best place to go is La Zenia Boulevard, a big shopping centre only a short drive away from where we were staying. You'll find brands you recognise such as Primark, Zara, and Pandora, as well as plenty of new ones you haven't heard of before. There is also a MASSIVE supermarket incorporated in. The upper floor of the centre is a food court, where you will find whatever you fancy. There is a great American Diner called Tommy Mel's which does the best milkshakes - I had chocolate brownie flavour and I'm still thinking about it! The shopping centre also has the water mist sprayers (I really do not know the correct name for them) as you walk around to keep you cool in the Spanish heat, which means more time shopping!
Another local beach that we visited was Punta Prima. Punta Prima is a pretty fancy area, and as you drive through, you pass some pretty expensive looking houses. The beach is pretty small, but here you can hire a four poster sun bed! Punta Prima Restaurant is above the beach and is the venue for some spectacular weddings.
Torrevieja town is home to a large marina and there are boat trips available from here. Along the seafront you will find a fair - which I believe is only there in the summer, and a night market. The night market is where you can get your hair braids, or even a caricature. Last time I went I had a caricature done and the artist drew me in a bikini on the beach, with an old man looking at me sweating, with his wife stood next to him hitting him...awkward.
Every time I visit the town, I walk through the streets and all the shops seem to be closed, so I have no idea when they are actually open. The bars and restaurants are always open though and there is a huge selection. One of my favourite parts of the town is the fountains along the front. They are a landmark photo point for me for every holiday.
Something I always worry about when I go abroad is the language barrier. I know a small amount of Spanish as I have been there so many times, but I wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with someone. My limits are ordering a drink and asking for the bill. Luckily as it is a popular tourist destination, people speak English everywhere you go. I still like to try and talk in Spanish, as I am in Spain, however it's relaxing to know it's not a problem if you get stuck.
For a large majority of my childhood my grandparents lived in Torrevieja, which is located in the Costa Blanca in Spain. I grew up visiting most years so have come to know it fairly well. It's also incredible how many people I know have links to Torrevieja - it's a very small world.
For this trip we went from Thursday-Monday which was perfect for a sun top up. We flew to Murcia airport rather than Alicante which was a first for me. Murcia was a lovely airport as it was really small, so you could get in out out pretty quickly avoiding the major trek to passport control that you have to deal with in other airports (I'm looking at you Heathrow).
We stayed in an area, which according to my photos in my phone is called 'Residencia Los Altos', and is also near Punta Prima. It is a short walking distance to what my family and I refer to as 'The Top Road' however it is in fact the N-332 which just doesn't sound as exciting. This road is home to some of my favourite restaurants.
On the first night we dined at Restaurante Patio Andaluz which is a place I visit every time I'm in the area. As our first night was a Thursday we were able to go to Flamenco Night which I personally believe is a must (note: booking is also a must). Throughout the evening there are numerous performances by the flamenco dancers as well as the Spanish guitarists. And as a bonus, the food is delicious. Whilst you wait they give you bread and the yummiest alioli - which if you don't know is kind of like garlic mayonnaise but even better. You can buy it in Morrison's but it really isn't the same when you eat it in England.
Mixed in with the bars along the road are a great selection of restaurants. Whatever you fancy you can pretty much get. There is Indian, Chinese, German and Italian On a Saturday one of the restaurants - Gelateria Italiana, serves a massive portion of schnitzel (could be described as a breaded pork) and chips for around €6 - booking required. And on a Wednesday they do an extra large night where all the portions are double the size for the same price - and they they are pretty big normally!
Another great restaurant that we visited was Restaurante Giocomo, which is a lovely little Italian that we went to on our final night. We had recommendations from family members to go there and I am so glad we took their advice as the food was lovely and even well presented. We finished the meal with a fabulous Bailey's Banoffee Pie - just writing about it makes me want to go back!
If you go down to the coast you can have a meal with a view at The Nautilus, a brilliant restaurant that looks out over the sea. They do the best pizza's so I was looking forward to going here as soon as the holiday was booked! I think it is possible that I plan my life a little too much around food!
During the trip we also visited La Mata which has a beautiful park that you can walk through to get down to the beach. We went in the morning as it can get really hot there, and it was a lovely walk. Along the beach there is numerous beach cafes, where you can get you can get an ice cream or even a cocktail! The beaches weren't incredibly busy, but we were there in September and the Spanish seem to think it is colder then - they don't even open the water park!
If you like to shop, the best place to go is La Zenia Boulevard, a big shopping centre only a short drive away from where we were staying. You'll find brands you recognise such as Primark, Zara, and Pandora, as well as plenty of new ones you haven't heard of before. There is also a MASSIVE supermarket incorporated in. The upper floor of the centre is a food court, where you will find whatever you fancy. There is a great American Diner called Tommy Mel's which does the best milkshakes - I had chocolate brownie flavour and I'm still thinking about it! The shopping centre also has the water mist sprayers (I really do not know the correct name for them) as you walk around to keep you cool in the Spanish heat, which means more time shopping!
Another local beach that we visited was Punta Prima. Punta Prima is a pretty fancy area, and as you drive through, you pass some pretty expensive looking houses. The beach is pretty small, but here you can hire a four poster sun bed! Punta Prima Restaurant is above the beach and is the venue for some spectacular weddings.
Torrevieja town is home to a large marina and there are boat trips available from here. Along the seafront you will find a fair - which I believe is only there in the summer, and a night market. The night market is where you can get your hair braids, or even a caricature. Last time I went I had a caricature done and the artist drew me in a bikini on the beach, with an old man looking at me sweating, with his wife stood next to him hitting him...awkward.
Every time I visit the town, I walk through the streets and all the shops seem to be closed, so I have no idea when they are actually open. The bars and restaurants are always open though and there is a huge selection. One of my favourite parts of the town is the fountains along the front. They are a landmark photo point for me for every holiday.
Something I always worry about when I go abroad is the language barrier. I know a small amount of Spanish as I have been there so many times, but I wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with someone. My limits are ordering a drink and asking for the bill. Luckily as it is a popular tourist destination, people speak English everywhere you go. I still like to try and talk in Spanish, as I am in Spain, however it's relaxing to know it's not a problem if you get stuck.
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