|
|
Post by btereniaf on Sept 5, 2020 9:13:59 GMT
Well we got here! Beautiful weather thus far but so few people about. We went to Fountain Square and there were only a handful of customers. Potter's Lodge was as busy as usual! We have been to the beach 3 days so far....had a day off to go the bank and meet our Fiscal Rep and do a bit of cleaning!! No success at the bank, even with a translator. He's now been charged with going to the Town Hall on our behalf which he should have done 3 weeks ago.................. Back to Benal! We've been to the Sky Bar at Hotel Las Arenas and again so few customers. Meals at Mare Nostrum and Pepe el Cordobes plus light snacks elsewhere. Plenty of bar/restaurant owners saying they don't know how much longer they can keep going. On the plus side, most Spanish restaurants are offering a free Limoncello or Pacharan (my favourite!) after a meal in order to tempt us back! Had an email from easyJet to say our October flight has been cancelled  . Take care everyone.............. Fond regards, BT. |
|
|
|
Post by robert on Sept 6, 2020 11:08:01 GMT
Glad you arrived safely and that all seems to be going well so far.
We noticed it was busier around the Marina in the evenings but now that the Spanish holiday makers have gone home and hotels are closing I'd imagine there will be quite a difference. I couldn't believe how quiet Mijas was during our visit. I doubt we saw more than 30 people all day when we visited. It's going to be a tough winter for everyone.
Sorry to hear about your October flights being cancelled. Ours are still going at present but I can't afford to do a second stint of quarantine (even though it's a bit of a farce) so I doubt we'll be going.
Apparently numbers are increasing in parts of Spain which is not good news
I've noticed a few new places opened in Arroyo which may be worth a try.
El Ricon which I think is close to Burger King and seems to be a BBQ restaurant and the other is the Creole Corner which is tucked away in the corner on the other side of Casa de la Culture and specialises in New Orleans style cuisine.
Bit of a brave time to open a business but I hope they do well so good luck to them both.
|
|
|
|
Post by btereniaf on Sept 7, 2020 8:02:09 GMT
Another lovely day on the beach! We had lunch at Lanavine (a few doors away from South Beach) which was good although we were the only customers. Lunch the day before was in South Beach which is always a favourite....again very few folk on the terrace.
Robert, thank you for the info regarding new places in Arroyo. We won't get back up that blooming hill this trip though! I did manage to struggle up to Bonanza Bar last night to see Revival who were on good form!
Covid-19 cases are on the increase in Spain, but they are in the UK too. I just want to have a conversation with people which doesn't include the virus....one day hopefully. Still feel safe here however and people continue to stick to the rules.
Off to the beach!
Fond regards to all,
BT.
|
|
|
|
Post by rosebush on Sept 7, 2020 14:05:49 GMT
Great to read B.T you have been spreading your euro's around the lovely Benal bars/restaurants  really hoping they can all make it over the Winter, we get used to all our favorite bar's and trying new one's for first time, so next Spring visit will be fingers crossed they are still there.. Sorry your Oct flight has been cancelled have you managed to re book or find alternative airline? Robert such a shame you have to miss out on your next trip due to Covid rules, as you mention it is a farce as no real checks made, i feel its almost impossible to check every singe person who returns from holiday, but we are all on trust to be sensible and quarantine, which answers the question some what, of why cases are rising again here and in most countries..  We are hoping things get better soon so airlines start flying again, although Ryan air seems to be flying no matter what.. I am finding the mask wearing hard to do, but scared to go out without one on, then feel angry when i see so many flouting the rules telling myself not all of them can be exempt  Stay safe.xx |
|
|
|
Post by btereniaf on Sept 7, 2020 17:54:46 GMT
Another lovely beach day! Lunch at Saint Tropez which was excellent!
A few observations from my people watching when not immersed in a good book!
A group of slender Chinese youngsters tucking into baguettes, crisps and doughnuts, washed downed with Cola....so not fair!
Beach man Juan helped the family of a severely disabled young man in a wheelchair to get into the shade. He lifted up some of the boards on the walk way and ensured the guy was safe and the family was happy. Good one Juan!
A group of hearing/speech impaired women were communicating with sign language. I wish I could have read them as they became very animated at times!
A young autistic teenager was with his family who basically ignored him, apart from very elderly wheelchair bound Grandma who was trying to teach him to hand clap flamenco-style. He went into the sea alone and became a very happy young man, spending ages talking to the waves.
Young Mums who ignore their children on the beach but spend hours taking selfies of themselves!!
And finally, a story all parents and grandparents can relate to.....parents take very sandy (mucky!) toddler to the shower and dress him in clean clothes before leaving the beach. Toddler then races into the sea and rolls in wet sand!!!!!!!! Loved it!!
Fond regards to all,
BT.
|
|
|
|
Post by rosebush on Sept 8, 2020 16:42:56 GMT
Well B.T loved your people watching day, felt sad for the young autistic lad hope he enjoyed his swim in the sea, as for the slim chinese youngsters enjoying a feast of carbs their time will come  .. Juan sounds a great guy and really hope his actions were noticed, a kind gesture is worth so much.. Checked web cams this morning and it was very dark out there in Fuengirola, so hope sun came out at lunchtime, although it was 25 c so would suit me  been lovely in UK today West Mid's got 23 c not sure it will last though  Our Covid figures in UK are very concerning at the moment, but did read Sanchez said Spain will have vaccine by December, so great news if its true and it works, we so want to be back out there end of Feb.. Take Care..xx |
|
|
|
Post by btereniaf on Sept 9, 2020 8:10:15 GMT
Rosebush, you were quite right about the weather yesterday!Very cloudy but humid. Decided to walk along the Paseo and around the marina which we did. We returned via Ole Square hoping for a coffee but every single place was closed and the Square was empty and silent. Walked back along the Paseo and most of the beach beds had been cleared away. On Monday we were 2 of four people on the beds. Walking the length of the Paseo and around the marina brought home just how many hotels either didn't re-open or have already closed.
Another lunch at Mare Nostrum. Last night we went to the Sky Bar and were told they will probably close towards the end of this month. Intended to go to the Rodeo but it was empty. We are left wondering where will be open if we manage to get here in October and November?
Time to mop the floors before heading for the beach!! Blue sky today!
Take care everyone,
Fond regards,
BT.
|
|
alison
Junior Member
Posts: 25
|
Post by alison on Sept 9, 2020 16:04:31 GMT
It's lovely to hear about your wanderings BT. What a shame about the Rodeo being empty. For many years it was my favourite steak rstaurant, but I must admit that over the past few years I have been going to Il Boccaccio which I now prefer. If you haven't been, it's worth a try. As well as great steaks, they do a fabulous kebab meal for two. Succulent meats and lots of vegs and salads as well, yum!!
|
|
|
|
Post by btereniaf on Sept 10, 2020 6:50:44 GMT
Good to hear from you Alison!!
We also like Il Boccaccio! These days however, especially when it's hot, we tend to have a big lunch and a light evening meal/snack. Last night we snacked in Meson la Cordobesa (Naciones block)and they always make us feel very welcome.
Yesterday was another lovely beach day and it was our last for a while. Today is our last day of this September trip to Benal and I'm building myself up to defrosting the fridge, last minute laundry and some ironing before we pack! Another coffee and I'll start!
Hoping we can return in October.
My best wishes to you all,
BT.
|
|
|
|
Post by rosebush on Sept 17, 2020 14:35:40 GMT
Good to hear Meson la Cordobesa still doing okay, very handy for us when in Benal, its cool down that side of the hill in the evenings during May  Hope you are getting ready B.T for your next trip in Oct and flight goes ahead.. Alison nice to hear from you, hoping you too get out to Benal soon..xx Anyone else due out to Spain before end of the year, it will be end of Feb for us, hopefully..xx |
|
|
|
Post by btereniaf on Sept 17, 2020 15:45:46 GMT
We certainly hope we get to Benal in October too, although easyJet have already made changes to our booking and to one in November. We're in their hands and I must say I have never felt so out of control of my life! Friends think we are slightly mad going to Benal for 9 days and then having to quarantine for 14!!! But.....my Essex garden looks lovely, my windows are clean and my filing is up to date!
I do miss Benal, as does a friend who cannot travel due to a foot injury. Spoke to a couple who own an apartment in Canaima and they are thinking of selling it if they can't get out in February/March as it will then be a year without going "home".
Miss the hibiscus and the bougainvillea both of which were still blooming and beautiful! The swallows had flown!
Rosebush (and other friends of course!) how is the "six rule" affecting you and your family?
Fond regards to all,
BT.
|
|
elliott
Full Member
just to see if i have registered right.
Posts: 61
|
Post by elliott on Sept 17, 2020 17:09:34 GMT
hi all
nice to hear reports from you all, its such a pity so many places are struggling. lets hope it does not last for to much longer. take care of yourselves all benalies, stay safe.
norman and mary.
|
|
|
|
Post by Neil on Sept 17, 2020 22:33:20 GMT
Good to read about normal life in Benal, BT.
No chance of a trip out for us before the end of the year, Rose. Although we are normally apartment users we had planned a visit to Las Arenas in November. However, given all the recent hotel closure announcements, sadly it looks as if the resort will become a bit of a ghost town over the winter.
|
|
.
really hoping they can all make it over the Winter, we get used to all our favorite bar's and trying new one's for first time, so next Spring visit will be fingers crossed they are still there..
..
been lovely in UK today West Mid's got 23 c not sure it will last though 
