WorldTravelReynolds

Governors Mansion

Today is mothers day. May all mothers, stepmothers, mothers to anyone,  have a wonderful day. I miss my mother dearly as well as my mother in law, Arline and my second mother in law, Josephine. They all meant so much to us. As promised, I am catching up on our other two stops before settling here in Benalmadena for a month. I’m hoping to get out in the next week and explore. This being laid up with a bum ankle is for the birds!!

Alicante was our second cruise stop in Spain before arriving in our final destination of Barcelona, Spain on the cruise. The first thing you notice when pulling into the harbour is Castillo de Santa Barbara perched atop Mount Benacantil.

Castillo de Santa Barbara

This is a Moorish fortress that dates back to the 9th century when it was under Muslim control. After it was captured by Castillion forces in 1248, it was named Saint Barbara. The castle was attacked in 1691 by the French during the war of the Spanish Succession. During the 18th century it was used in the military as prisons but was abandoned in 1963 and is now a tourist attraction.

Walkway of shops, eateries along the harbour

It is a huge mountain right at the harbour. We chose not to wait in the hour long line to get to the top but we heard the views were amazing. We will make that a priority on our next trip.

Mosaic walkway through town

Walking into the city, we walked on a beautifully designed walkway called Esplanada de Espana, that appeared to be mosaic tile. The design was amazing.

Esplanada de Espana walkway

You could find these walkways all over the city. Other walkways or sidewalks were beautifully designed

One of many beautiful fountains within the roadways.

although thinking of how the glaze on them was so shiny we wondered how dangerous it was if it was raining. 

War Memorial in Plaza del Mar

Another beautiful architectural site was the governors mansion at the end of the walkway.

Plaza Puerta del Mar – many sculptures by Spaniards around the city Centre

The architectural designs are very intricately done here. 

Chuck found a yacht that was amazing. I had to pry him away.

A beautiful sailing yacht

It was a beautiful blue sailing yacht that would hold 6 people and 12 crew. As large as it was, one would need all 12 crew. I couldn’t get it all in one picture! 

You could rent the yacht for just $126,000 day! Not in this lifetime!! But it was beautiful!!

One side of San Nicolas cocathedral

We found a cathedral named San Nicolas co cathedral. It is an active roman catholic cathedral and was named by Pope John XXIII in 1959.

Entrance to San Nicolas co-cathedral

We weren’t able to see the inside due to the time of the day. It was between 2-4 pm.

Plaque on the outside wall of the San Nicolas cocathedral

They close many businesses during that time. The Spaniards rest between those hours and typically work until 8 pm.

Pizza and eateries along the walkways

They usually eat dinner around 8 pm and go to bed around midnight. That’s a long day! We have been staying up until 11-12 and its rough!

Small corner stores that reminded me of a mini outdoor 7-11

We walked across this cool looking bridge that took us across the highway to the beach.

Walkway bridge over highway to beach.

The walkway was so cool. It was a 3-D effect. The soft sand on the beaches was full of holiday makers aka vacationers.

3-D walkway on beach like a boardwalk

The beach was wonderful.

Selfie with the beach behind us.

We really enjoyed the ocean views and deep blue water of the Mediterranean sea. 

Alicante Spain beach.

We ventured through a huge meat and cheese market. Every type of meat and cheese you can think of was in this building.

Mercado Central – basically a meat market (and cheese)

And it smelled like it too. Vegans beware! The architecture of the building looked more like a church or cathedral so we thought we were at San Nicolas but realized upon entering the building we were indeed lost.

Inside the meat market.

So, we walked around and looked at the different types of meat and cheeses we have never heard of to see if we could enrich our brains a little more.

Chuck found this solar calendar

 

We tried to understand how to read it but no luck.

If you’ve ever been to or have seen photos of Spain or France you’ll know they have all types of eateries with outside seating.

Eateries everywhere. Such a beautiful setting

It was adorable. We loved the atmosphere. Of course they all have a McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway!

McDonald’s and Burger King too!

We enjoyed Alicante the most out of all 3 cruise stops in Spain. We hope to come back here some day.

May God bless you all!

Chuck & Lea Ann