A Friendly Visit

Our first visitors came on Feb. 25 and we had the most wonderful time!  The few days before they arrived were sunny and temperate, but the forecast for the weekend was only clouds and rain.  They had been in Paris and made their way down to southern Spain just to see us, so I wanted to make sure it was worthwhile for them!  I sent up many prayers to Mother Nature, but then it was out of my hands.

Friday, the sun peeked out for a little bit -- just enough time to have a sunny lunch al fresco, but then it hid again while we went for a long, windy walk along the Mar Menor

 Saturday was Lucy's birthday so we decided to take her shopping in Cartagena with the double motive of showing off our nearest Spanish city

I haven't introduced them yet!  Here are Jon and Twila, aren't they cute?

 We were able to see some of the Roman ruins and the nice view of the port from the old castle mount.

 Sunday we needed to take them to Alicante so we all went since we hadn't been there before.  We found the castle there and were able to enjoy some spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding area.  It was a radiant afternoon!

 The boys loved the "canyons"

 But then the clouds rolled in!

 I obviously couldn't get enough of the swiftly changing sky!

 And the swiftly running boys!  They're too fast for me.  We hurried up to the top and then ran back down, making it to the car just as the first, fat drops fell on us.

 When the rain stopped we looked for a place to eat and admired more of the city.  This is the most beautiful post office I've ever seen!

And then we had to say goodbye.  It really was the most marvelous visit!   Thank you, Warners, for going out of your way to see us!

Andalusia 5 -- Malaga

We let everyone sleep in a little bit and then we decided to visit a Ceramics and Glass Museum that everyone was raving about.

Some bright houses on the way

 The museum is in the house of a man who is a very eccentric aristocrat.  We didn't realize it at first, but he was the one doing our tour!  It was quite an experience!  He has his collection set up so that most of the pieces are incorporated into his decor.

 He pointed our EVERY single detail, haha!  And we could barely understand his accent, but became used to it after a while.

 He had a beautiful old piano that he insisted we should hear -- so Lucinda fortunately obliged and played a lovely piece by Rocherolle

 Archie's feelings about most of it

 But I think the olders enjoyed it!

 "Just touch it.  Touch it!!!"  That is how he was most of the tour.  Along with assertions that he just "had to have" such and such and that he did it for us!  So he could share it with us!

 A little video so that you can truly experience his individuality

 Phin trying to make it more fun

Whew!  The boys were free at last!!!  We grabbed some delicious kebabs and then headed over to the Castle!

 There is always cool street art to be found

 There is the castle!  Let's go there!

 Oops!  We walked past the entrance and thinking it was just around the corner, went for an hour long hike up a very very steep hill!  It was hot!  But the view was nice

 Lots of breaks

 Okay, back on track!  It was fine that we went for an unexpected hike, but we just get a little bit stressed because all of the attractions close early during the Winter and we didn't want to miss the main event.

 More Moorish architecture -- lovely arches, beautiful gardens and fountains.

After we left the castle, Matthew took Charles, Lucinda, Ibby, and Phin on a Segway tour of the city.  I don't have pics of that -- my phone must've died or something... Ella, Archie, and I went and found a little playground and had a bit of gelado while we waited.  It was a wonderful day!