Holiday in L'Escala, Spain - 24th September - 8th October

Day 8 - A is for Absinthe and Anchovies

We've learnt that during the morning, the sun doesn't reach the pool and terrace so it's worth going out somewhere and then spending the afternoon sunbathing. This morning we decided to go to the far end of L'Escala to look in the shops and have a coffee.

We parked easily in the small car park again and had a lovely wander around the streets. L'Escala is famous for anchovies and there's still a thriving industry here, with information boards around the town telling people of the history of anchovy fishing and lots of old photographs.

La Tagliatella

It was a little cloudy first thing, so perfect for walking around and doing some shopping. I bought a map of Catalunya, an area that was far larger than I thought, as well as a new mug, a gift for my Mum and a pretty little bowl to hold crisps or olives when we play Scrabble.

Sophie bought a gorgeous ring, a bangle and a beautiful top in a lovely little shop selling some very different clothes. We stopped for a coffee, and it was a very pleasant morning! We also found a wonderful wine and spirits shop, where we will buy some presents for home, and spotted these lethal bottles of Absinthe:

Strolling around the streets, and looking at menus was lovely. This is definitely our favourite part of the town, a little bit like Pollensa-on-Sea!

By the time we'd finished the sun had come out but before heading back to the villa we called into Mercadona for some more supplies. 

Back at the villa, it was lunch and then a hot afternoon sunbathing. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and for the 1st of October, the temperature was very pleasant indeed! It was so warm at one point I had to retire to the shade! The pool was still very cold, though!

Sophie in her new top

In the evening we drove back to the far part of town and had a drink overlooking the sea at a bar called Ultramar. This area was hugely popular, and it was wonderful to sit with a drink and watch all the different people walking by. The sun was setting making the distant horizon a beautiful mix of blues, pinks and peaches. 

A monument to the fishermen

We've noticed that there are more dogs about than children! There are a lot of older couples on holiday and it appears they've got dogs with them, their children having flown the nest. They are taken everywhere, just like children, and there are frequent fights between dogs and a lot of yapping!

The restaurant we wanted to go to - Cal Galan - didn't open until 7.30pm and doesn't take bookings, so we hot-footed it the short distance and found the restaurant already busy with diners. We were seated near the window, and we all loved the ambience of the place - dimly lit, warm and inviting with old photos lining the walls and very friendly staff.

The prices were very reasonable here - we started with Spanish ham on bread as well as a wonderfully, oozy cheese and chorizo dish which we mopped up with crusty bread. Sophie and I had the entrecote steak with chips and tomatoes while Keith heartily enjoyed lamb, which fell off the bone.

We opted for the classic creme Catalan dessert, but this was more like creme brulee. Delicious! With glasses of wine, rather than a bottle, a couple of beers for Keith and an indulgent brandy for Sophie, the bill came to 107 euros. Each restaurant we go to offers a Limoncello liqueur at the end of the meal, and these were served in gorgeous, tiny steins:

Sophie fell in love with these tiny glasses!

By now the restaurant was full to capacity with people outside waiting to come in. It's a very popular place! We paid the bill, strolled back to the car and then it was time for bed!