Life in Spain, 4th July 2009.

Hi Everyone,

Sorry we haven’t done blog for a few days but life has settled down to normal after all the excitement of our trip.

A couple of days ago Tony and I sailed across Mazarron bay to La Azohia, the small fishing village where we anchored at the end of our voyage.

We anchored again in crystal clear water such a treat to watch the anchor hit the sandy bottom beneath the boat. The only time I’ve seen that before in 13 years was once on a barmy day in the Solent at Totland bay off the Isle of Wight.

We swam around the boat and pinched ourselves that we were really in the Med. The bay is so pretty and faces west so we enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we trickled back to the Marina.

In th uk boats mainly tie to the mooring by the side of the boat or beam. In the Med it is usually by the bow front or stern back of the boat. It’s a little tricky but quite easy if you have help from a marina guy ashore.

This involves radioing ahead for them to meet you. Surprisingly I’ve never really liked using the radio in the uk as I’m nervous of messing up on etiquette. However in Spain I don’t seem to mind !!!!

I radioed in my best Spanish a 18 months worth of a couple of hours a week Spanish with a tutor, Vicky who has become a friend.

I radioed, Puerto Deportivo de Mazarron, Puerto deportivo de Mazarron el barco de vela ‘Tioram’ el barco de vela ‘Tioram’ we hear a Spanish reply calling, then I add Numero enay viente en dieth minutos por favour.

This translates as Port Marina of Mazarron the sailing boat ‘Tioram’ berth number N20 in 10 minutes please.

I felt quite good about it until I suddenly thought that my use of words and intenation my suggest that the sailing yacht Tioram, the sailing yacht Tioram a la QE2 style and size might be arriving with all of the local fishermen giggling at my request !

We enjoyed a nice sail yesterday with Mom and Dad and a neighbour of theirs from the villa in 15 knots of warm breeze.

The atmosphere in the marina and paseo area of sea front is lovely very Spanish getting busier now with Spanish tourism and a great late night atmosphere of cafes and families promenading and young children playing till midnight in the cooler air

32c today very hot on the boat especially at night but I’m not complaining we here it’s almost the same temperature at home in the uk hope your all enjoying a barmy weekend with BBQ’s.

Lots love to all

Tina and Tony x x x