Rain in Elche on my last day here...

Well, my bags are packed and I am ready to go. This morning I woke early and decided to go for a run along the river. Things were going fine until it started to spinkle a little and I thought no biggie, rain never hurt anyone. After about an hour, it started to rain a little harder, and since I was already wet (or so I thought) I decided to keep heading in the direction of home. Finally when I had passed the point of any shelter, it downpoured, I mean serious downpour. By the time I got to my flat I was soaked through and through. (now I know what wet really is, I don't think my shoes will be dry by morning). Coming into our building I noticed that it was in fact raining inside as well. The water had flooded on the roof and was coming in under the door and flowing over the stairs all the way down to the bottom. (Sorry no pics of that, I was too concerned at this point to getting myself inside and dried out). After a warm shower and dry clothes I snapped the pictures of the streets below my flat. While doing this I heard my name from across the street and saw the sister Missionaries out on their balcony watching the water flow as well. I guess it was just Spain's way of saying goodbye, Seattle style. :)

Plantlife in Elche, Spain

Took a walk along the river that runs through Elche, though I don't think it would qualify as a river back in the states. It was a lovely walk. Not sure of the names of any of the plantlife but they are pretty and huge. The plant I do know is the Palm tree and above it you can see the green buds of the dates growing on it.

Parallel parking at its finest.

Rochelle took this shot, discovering that in Spain you have to be an expert at parallel parking.

The Clap... no thanks.

Couldn't resist taking this picture. I guess it is a restaurant, and José didn't understand when I laughed and said I'm not eating there.

Corazón de Jesús

Out for a walk we passed this church, I just have to share. It was simply lovely. The name of the Church is Corazón de Jesús. (Heart of Jesus) José says he thinks it is the most lovely Church in Elche.

Mediaeval Fair in Elche

Went to the Mediaeval Fair in Elche yesterday. Great food and entertainment, it was wonderful. I had to buy some really yummy coconut macaroons and then toffee almonds that we watched them make right there. Mmmmmm Of course then we came home and I ate some carrots and hummus to make up for the sugar I had. You know you have to balance the good with the bad. :)

Nice day for a bike ride

It was too nice this morning to stay in putting things away so I suggested to Jose to go on a bike ride. He gladly accepted my idea. We rode our bikes to the Elche Central park. I grabbed a couple of yogurt shakes and breakfast bars on my way out so we snacked on a park bench and watched a tour group from England pass through. It was great, after that we had a great Paella lunch with Mama. I am just about done with my last box. Jose has said I have turned his apartment upside down, but he also said I have turned his place into a home. I'll have to put up some before and after pictures.

The rain in Spain isn´t only in the plains

It poured yesterday, complete with thunder and lightening. The streets filled in no time at all. I thought I was in Washington for a moment. :)

Can´t get away from construction.

Still taking it easy on my back. Stayed in today keeping busy getting the place ready for my things to come. They are tearing up our sidewalk and putting in a new water line so no siesta for me today. I guess I´ll just go hang some laundry.

Here is a view straight down from our terrace.And this is looking down the street to the right.

They ripped the sidewalk out in one day and layed the pipe the next. Here they are lining up the walk with the exterior cement border and next came the cement dumped in. I am guessing on Monday they will complete the walk.

Arenales

Went to this beach, Arenales, after an afternoon of cleaning. My skirt is compliments of my friends at Costco who gave me some Euros to spend. After the beach we met a good friend,Tony and enjoyed sitting outside at a café in conversation. Very nice day.

First day in Spain

Today was a busy day, registered at the Elche town hall, got a new cell phone, bought groceries, napped, lunch, went to the beach of Santo Pola, walked forever and then thought maybe our car had been towed only to find it about a block away. Stopped to visit with an old friend of Jose´s for a while and now home again, it is now 1:30, time to sleep.