Sometimes every day life takes over and to tell you the truth I have been battling a bad cold/cough since we arrived home 3 weeks ago.
Finally recovering.
On Sunday, September 22nd we made a conscious decision to have an easy day in Maureillas-las-Illas.
Madame Susan and Monsieur Mark enjoyed some fresh air and exercise walking in the “Cork Forest” with Hazel (our next door neighbour/ landlady).
After they returned we enjoyed our afternoon in the lower garden ... alfresco lunch of homemade chicken vegetable soup, etc., some card playing with “unbridled skill” (Madame Susan’s words you see Monsieur Honey is not a card shark but we think he’s finally got it, such fun) and the “Big Chill” soundtrack was playing in the background.
“How Sweet It Is!”
This may also have been the night of our dance party on the terrace.
We also did some planning for tomorrow’s outing.
During their walk with Hazel, our friends mentioned that Madame Susan was on the hunt for some pottery pieces and Monsieur Mark was looking for some special Scotches and unique liquors.
Hazel suggested a couple of places to suss out.
So plans were made to head across the border to Spain for our Monday adventure.
Monday, September 23, 2019 ...
We set off for our cross border journey to Spain. We had a plan and the destinations’ addresses on hand.
First stop was “Jordi Ceramica” in Biure ... let’s just call it a “Ceramic Superstore”!
Here you could find anything and everything made of pottery! And of course full of colour!
After our thorough tour of the Ceramic store and yard we were off in search of the “Wine Palace” in Figueres.
We passed a couple on the way but these were smaller outlets, we continued to the address we had.
Now I’m having trouble finding the words to describe this place.
But I’ll try ... Gigantic. Super-Superstore. Huge. Massive.
These are just a few words that come to mind.
It certainly wasn’t a “palace” as we know them but rather an enormous warehouse style shop housing thousands of different wines and spirits.
In addition it had a large delicatessen, cheese counter, grocery section carrying special olive oils, tuna, sardines and sweets.
Bonus was the free tasting throughout the store.
For any connoisseurs of food and drink, this would most certainly fall into the category of a palace!
We lost ourselves here for a couple of hours, checking out the large selection of wines & spirits and enjoying the delicious nibbles that were located in strategic places amongst the goods.
Yummy cheeses, dried sausages, cakes, cookies, chocolates and so much more.
And did I mention I was in “rosé” heaven.
There were aisles and shelves of every kind from all over the country .... even a favourite French one from Gerard Bertrand.
We had planned on checking out Figueres however we decided to go to the seaside in Roses.
We had planned on checking out Figueres however we decided to go to the seaside in Roses.
Just a short drive, it is about 45 kms south of the French border and even a shorter drive from Figueres.
Roses is a city in the province of Girona, Catalonia on the Costa Brava. The city dates back to the 4th century when the Greeks settled here and built the colony. Ownership changed hands over the years.
It’s main industries are tourism, agriculture with many vineyards and olive groves.
It is the largest fishing port on the northern coast of Catalonia.
As you can see the water was sparkling and the sky was bluer than blue.
We walked along the waterfront and the inner pedestrian streets checking out the views, architecture, shops and of course some people watching from front row café seats with a cool drink.
Then it was time for some sustenance ... We found an interesting Argentinian restaurant located on a quieter pedestrian street.
The menu du jour was inviting ... delicious grilled meats served with sautéed vegetables & baked potatoes.
It was a good choice.
It was an enjoyable day out and about in Spain.
Madame Susan and Monsieur Mark we’re smitten with the town of Roses to the point of even talking about doing a holiday here another time!
