From Costa Blanca to Costa del Sol

Javea beach, near Moraira
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Well, we thought we had a good view from Buderim but this took the cake - unlimited views across the ocean to Ibiza and as far as the eyes could see (Mark´s are better!!)  This was a quieter week, checking out the local beaches and towns.  Tried the famous Spanish dish, Paella, here and loved it (Jagger too!)  We were able to relax a bit here (we needed it).  Very "English" - lots of poms.

Valencia was great.  Went to see the Kiwis win in a final of the America´s Cup - was a bonus as we saw them leave the docks and the Kiwis go crazy.  We got a good birds-eye view from a beautiful restaurant looking out to sea.

These views take the cake...

Nice to see the Kiwis at the America´s Cup
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Alicante and Benidorm were a nice surprise as we´d heard they weren´t that great.  Lots of friendly people and great beaches.

Then onto Marbella on the Costa del Sol.  Had a great place on the beach.  Heaps of beach bars here (Chinquitos).  Checked out Puerto Banus (richness++ - people, boats, clothes...) and other great spots, continuously watching out for Antonio Banderas!!!

Drove to Ronda, amazing old town built on cliff edges... and great bull ring.  Gibraltar was amazing also but we couldn´t enter because we forgot to take Jagger´s passport (being part of the UK).  Probably the best thing being that it´s tax free - probably would´ve spent too much money anyway!!

At the Ronda bull ring.
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Mijas was the highlight of our week - a beautiful little town set above Marbella and Malaga with spectacular views across to Africa and south to Gibraltar and beyond.  Saw Flamenco dancers (WOW).  Jagger loved the horses and donkeys that took people around in carts, but we´re worried he will only relate them to bells!!!

Marbella Old Town was excellent... cute little tapas bars everywhere.  Promenade was beautiful with beach bars everywhere.  Pretty good at working out the Spanish menus now but it´s half the fun... sometimes - until we accidentally ordered tripe!!

Drove to Cordoba, stayed the night and checked out the Mezquita and the Alcazar, both beautiful and amazing.  Loved the Jewish quarters.  A bonus was finding a Moroccan restaurant that brought roses (crushed rose petals) to your table for you to smoke through an opium-type pipe - very nice.  So was the Moroccan tea!!  Owners lovely and got lots of info about Morocco.

Back to Malaga and ready to fly to Marrakesh - yippee!!

Photos soon xx