Driving Home for Christmas was our last blog, before we did indeed head home for this celebration. We would at this point like to say that it all went smoothly, but given that we are now writing a blog in Spain sat on our respective sofa’s in Buster, then you will have worked out that it never actually went quite as we expected, but to be fair what did over those few days before Christmas for anyone, including an awful lot of turkeys, who were probably rehomed or abandoned as Christmas Day family/friends celebrations were axed to the minimum possible.
On the up side for me, both flights were perfectly fine (I hate flying) no turbulence at all, which given the lack of in-flight drinks was just as well. Plus points there, and to the place we had booked to quarantine in which was also perfectly fine. The car drop off both ways, again, absolutely brilliant (thanks big brother, wife and Claire) We can also surprisingly say that the weather was actually not that bad either, so again more plus points. There were also a few other good plus points while we were back, but the very sudden change of tiers and the word mutant, then spiralled us along with the rest of the UK downhill, and David and I had no choice but to change our tickets as quickly as we could to return back to Spain and our beloved van, before the rest of the world reacted and put the UK on the naughty step. We made it back, with also of course negative Covid tests, as Spain also closed their borders at midnight, so it was a very big phew on our part, but for me of course tiers of the other sort as well!
Also, a big thank you to the presumed drunk driver who drove a car through our house in London, in the early hours of the morning before we flew, for giving us something to do during our quarantine period, sorting out builders quotes, insurance etc, our days would have been oh so bored otherwise. If only we, our thankfully unhurt lovely tenants and neighbours could just meet you in person to pass on our own very special personal style of gratitude!
So, for us on Christmas Day no turkey, ham roast but instead battered dog fish, served with a lovely spicy dip, and tender beef topped with foie gras for David. The sun shone and we sat looking towards to sea, raising a glass or two (started early with fizz) and wishing all our family and friends, the very best of days they could all have given the circumstances. There were tiers, of all kinds
After getting back to Buster, who of course did wisely say on our return “ I told you not to do it “
we headed towards Rota, a lively town, with a huge US naval base there as well.
It is well positioned looking towards Cadiz and like Zahora, it has amazing beautiful sandy beaches, not quite so much surfing though. We have been able to walk, cycle and partake in the odd glass of sherry, it is the region for it after all and of course the odd tapa of a lunch time.
For the Christmas period, in Andalusia the bars and restaurants have been allowed extended opening times, but we have not ventured out of the evening, preferring to just socially distance ourselves for our lunch time refreshments and keep away from the youngsters in the evenings.
Today, we spent a most lovely day being guided by a local around Cadiz, unfortunately the weather was against us today, with a lot of rain, but we still thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with Salvador, whilst his lovely wife Sara, held down the fort work wise. We first met Salvador in 2016 on our first motorhome adventure to Spain and indeed this region. Salvador then, very kindly took David under his wing on his home golf course, asking David to join him and his friends to make up a 4- ball rather than David play the course on his own. We have kept in touch since and so it was lovely to be able to see him again and meet Sara on their home turf of Cadiz. Even with the rain, and of course Covid times, Cadiz still ‘shone’ as a city. It’s has so much history and such a wonderful location, it truly shouldn’t be missed.
Tomorrow, we will head back east along the coast and will see out the old year in Tarifa.
There are as we know many reasons to be tierful in this world other than the four Boris gave us, but for now we would just like to wish everyone a very, very Good New Year- we think we all deserve it…………………apart from one person mentioned above!
Lesley Parr says
I love Tariffa, are you going to the free aire on the beach? Its in my book x
Karen Scott says
Merry Christmas and a happy healthy New Year. I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs and am very glad you have managed to stay positive over your house.
David says
Karen staying positive is hard but many people have had a worse 2020 than us. The house is just proof that you need to have good insurance.
Michael Ross says
Despite your tribulations or maybe because of them you both look even healthier than a year ago so let’s all drink to you and a Happy 2021!
Bridget Briggs says
A very Happy New year, and how is the Spanish cat?
Bridget Briggs says
Please ignore last post about the cat, just realised you are elsewhere. Happy New Year,.
David says
We had to leave him on the site, he has been neutered and wormed. We do miss him a lot but he is being looked after at the site.
Gary and Zoe says
Great trip management on getting back to Spain before the UK flights were banned! So sorry we missed you. We were all set to pop up for the day to see you! Only 4 months to wait for that pleasure I guess.
A Merry Xmas (Now swiftly gone) and have a great 2021! I dare not ask what your pland are after April. I would suspect continuation of travel in some way!
Did that Barber not like Irishman then? Haircur is a bit severe mate. You ought to be keeping hold of what you have left these days!! ….and the Torro restaurant on the beech looked a bit Greasy Spoon to me! You seem to have enjoyed the cuisine though!
Thinking of you as the year closes on us. Hope we can get together in 2021.
Stay safe. Love from Zoe and Gary
David says
Gary thanks for you kind words old man. As for haircuts you forget that is no mirrors in your house for a reason. We will be back in UK in April and will tour the UK! IOW in May for example!