fincaholidays

Orlando 2012

2012-01-29T19:45:00.001-08:00

New Year 2012

2012-01-05T23:59:00.001-08:00

Xmas 2011

2011-12-30T04:25:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy this Christmas, we have had disco's, pyjama parties and Mrs Christmas visited on Christmas day.

New York - December 2011

2011-12-26T05:03:00.000-08:00

September and October Holidays 2011

2011-10-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here we are getting the last rays of sunshine before winter sets in back home in the UK. We have enjoyed our respective weeks in Spain and have all had a good time.

Wendy and Barbara - Alicante

2011-09-18T02:49:00.000-07:00

As you can see we are having a ball here in Alicante. We have been out everyday to somewhere different always lots to see and do.

Arthur and Jason enjoying their holiday in Spain

2011-09-18T02:33:00.001-07:00

Devon 2011

2011-08-29T14:17:00.001-07:00

We all enjoyed our holiday to Devon, the cottage was comfortable and we had great views of the sea.

The Gnome run was brilliant we all had a good laugh as you can see.

We had other great times going to different places every day

Looking forward to next year and many thanks to Lorraine, Robert and Christine who all did a wonderful job and made us laugh all week.

Weymouth - July 2011

2011-07-20T03:23:00.001-07:00

Some of our guests enjoying themselves in Weymouth this summer

Our holiday by Sankar, Christopher, Gerald, Janusz

2011-07-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

Im putting Lorraine through her paces, she is a good dancer just like me.

Mike cooked us a brilliant B-B-Q

Hi Im Janusz, this is my first time in a swimming pool and the first time I have worn shorts. Im having a good time here.

Christopher joins in.

Janusz and Lorraine

Me and my friend Mike on our day trip

Snake Charmers

Shoot out

Hi everyone were happy

Time to relax

Another budding Tennis Star

Where did that ball go Mike

Andrew - My week in Spain

2011-07-01T10:47:00.001-07:00

I have been to a lot of places this week and been very busy. I went to see the dolphins, and went to an Island on a boat, I love boats.

I saw the parrot show which made me laugh

The dolphins are my favourites.

Alicante was great and I went to the castle

Me on the boat going to Tabarca

Me and Sue in Santa Pola

Here I am at the villa

From Scotland to Sunny Spain

2011-06-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Me and Margaret are glad to be back as the weather has not been too good in our parts. See here we helped to start off the vegetable plot on our last visit and we have some great carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, beans, peas and lots of other things still growing. We water the plot every night as they need plenty of water.

relaxing sfter visiting the markets which are always good fun.

Home made milkshake for John one of our new guests.

Dominoes King

Susan and Neil

2011-06-17T09:26:00.001-07:00

Our trip to the Island of Tabarca

Me with Sue shopping and again with Lorraine and Neil

It's hard work going out everyday and what a brilliant way to cool down.

Neil and I enjoying the animals at Terra Natura

Santa Pola

Relaxing at the villa

My first holiday with Finca by Carole

2011-06-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

This is my first holiday with Finca, my friend Sally comes all the time to Spain and I wanted to try it for myself. I must say that I have had a fantastic week, I have enjoyed our day trips, the food, relaxing, and sharing a bedroom with Sally. I think the staff are very friendly and we have been able to share jokes and things. I am looking forward to coming back again soon.

This is me with Christopher

This is my friend Sally

At the Villa

Patsy, Ian and Anil - May 2011

2011-06-04T01:55:00.001-07:00

We are happy and having a good time. Me and Ian enjoy our holidays and we have brought our friend this year called Anil.

New Guest meets one of our regulars

2011-05-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone at home, as you can see i am having a great time here, the weather has been rather good to us, the food has been excellent and the day trips fantastic. I have made a new friend called Willie and we have had a lot of fun, what more can I say from Stephen.

Hi folks I'm back by Caroline

2011-05-20T01:32:00.001-07:00

As you can see the weather is great and I'm having a wonderful holiday here in Spain with Lorraine and Sue. I just love it here and regard this as my second home. I am very happy every time I come on holiday. To all my friends who were here at Christmas I hope to see you again soon.

New Guests at the Finca

2011-05-10T12:51:00.001-07:00

Sylvia Sheila and Betty

Cheers It's lovely here. I am having a great time

We think it's very good , here we are getting some sunshine.

I bought a new hat in Santa Pola.

Los Adrenales beach

A ticket to ride:

Betty won at dominoes last night but Sheila played a great hand tonight and was declared the winner.

Julie's Holiday and Birthday Celebrations

2011-05-02T02:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best holidays I have had at the Finca. I found it relaxing and had quality time with Lorraine and Sue. I managed a swim in the pool most days, visited Guadalest, Benidorm, Elche. I am looking forward to another holiday here in the Summer.

Cuba April 2011

2011-04-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Had a great trip, the people were very friendly towards us. The hotel was dated but comfortable. We all enjoyed the classic car tour and our day in Varadao. Havana was busy and lively and we visited all the tourist spots. We would not recommend this holiday for wheelchair users as we found the cobbled streets and high pavements very restricted and made it difficult to get around. However we would certainly visit Cuba again as the history and culture of the place is magic.

Great Yarmouth - March 2011

2011-03-25T14:40:00.000-07:00

All had a good time in this part of the Country. We stayed in St Olaves which is about 6 miles from Great Yarmouth. Our accommodation was very good and spacious. We visited Norwich, Suffolk, Lowestoft, and Yarmouth itself. There was lots to do and we enjoyed our days out visiting farms, Roman castles and ruins, the zoo and amusement arcades where we had played 10 pin bowling. A must not miss was a ride in the horse drawn carriage which took us 2 miles along the sea front.

Betty and Andrew's Holiday

2011-02-26T04:23:00.001-08:00

Here we are setting off the season in Spain: It is brilliant sunshine in February and we have come from Scotland. It is Betty's birthday and after we went out for the day into Santa Pola we came back and had bithday celebrations.Betty liked her new purse as she was needing a new one so she was very pleased with her gift. This week has been good and the sun has been shining, well apart from one day so we have been lucky taking our holiday just now. We have been out each day visiting different places such as Alicante, Benidorm, Guadamar.

Nice glasses Betty!!!

Happy Birthday from us all at Finca

Eurodisney 2011

2011-02-25T04:14:00.001-08:00

It was very cold in Paris, but we did not let this spoil our fun. We travelled on the Eurostar which was very easy and the train pulls in straight to Disney. We stayed at the Santa Fe hotel and every morning after breakfast we had our photographs taken with the Disney Characters. We had to take a bus outside the hotel down to the parks. After visiting the parks and going on the rides we went shopping for sovenirs. We all thought it was a brilliant holiday.

Orlando - 2011

2011-02-25T03:41:00.001-08:00

What a fantastic start to the New Year. We have celebrated birthdays and of course with birthdays comes parties.
Everyone had a great time visiting Kennedy Space Centre, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Blizzard Beach and Sea Life. Our Villa was in a gated community which had excellent facilities, such as cinema, gym, pool, and a games room. All our rooms were big and comfortable and we were only 15 minutes from the theme parks by car.
In between our days at the theme parks we took advantage of using the facilities on site. The pool was brilliant and the Jaccuzzi came in useful to ease tired bones.
Everyone had fun and didnt want their holiday to end. Here's looking forward to next time.

New Years Eve

2010-12-31T12:15:00.001-08:00

Here we are getting ready for our New Years Eve party and fireworks at the Villa, it is great to celebrate the New Year in Spain.

Day Trips

2010-12-29T11:07:00.001-08:00

Here we are again enjoying another day out in Santa Pola and we have been to Los Arenales which is a big stretch of beach with shops and cafe's. We had a welcome drink and snack as we had walked a long way. We have been out everyday since we got here last Wednesday, as well as celebrating Christmas. It is not over yet as there are plenty more days to go until the New Year.

Disco night at the Finca

2010-12-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

We waited for the DJ to arrive,we were all excited as we wanted to dance and sing. It was lovely and everyone joined in the fun. This place is our second home and we have the most wonderful time here. A big thank you to Sue, Christine and other staff for making our night special from Teresa, Jimmy, Kevin, Caroline, Alex, Bill, John, Verna, Peter and Gordon.

Visits to Alicante and Guadamar

2010-12-26T09:28:00.001-08:00

After all the overindulgences of the last few days we decided it was time to wrap up and get out and about and see the sights. It is much warmer here than in the UK. The winds have been fresh but there is lots of sunshine around.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T05:47:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day we were treated to the company of "Frank Sinatra" ( although one of our guests Peter gave him a run for his money) we had a wonderful meal and had to dance off the "pounds" we had put on in just one sitting.

Well what a fantastic start to Christmas, here we are getting the celebrations under way at the Bar Fuente between Hurchillo and Torremendo. Everyone agreed that it was a brilliant night out.

Blackpool Trip

2010-10-29T04:19:00.000-07:00

Had a brilliant time, although the weather was wet and windy this did not stop us all having fun.

We celebrated two birthdays this week, lots of partying.

Last day of Rory and Robin's holiday

2010-10-17T10:39:00.001-07:00

Well, it's Sue treat!!!

The girls went that way!!!!!!

Alicante - Santa Barbara Castle

2010-10-17T01:37:00.001-07:00

A site worth seeing, Rory at the top of one of the oldest castles which dates back to 1612.

Robin takes in the views and some deep breaths!!!.

The City is great for strolling!!!!

Almeria - Wild West

2010-10-15T11:50:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the "Wild West" here we are Clint, Doc, and the General all ready to protect the town. We are mean and ready for any outlaw's that show up today.

The Saloon looks mighty inviting and the "Can Can girls" do their thing.

Is this a hold up?

Where did everyone go?

Might have known there was gonna be a shoot out.

What a brilliant time we all had at the Oasys theme park in Tabernas. This is the set that Clint Eastward made most of his films like " A fistful of dollars" and many more of his Spaghetti Westerns.

Day out in Benidorm

2010-10-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Rory, Robin and Christopher enjoy a day out in Benidorm and surrounding areas. Rory gives this trip the thumbs up.

Sue's Birthday

2010-10-11T12:23:00.001-07:00

Today is Sue's birthday and after we had got soaking wet on our trip out we returned back to the villa for a birthday tea.

Sally had made her own birthday card which was beautiful
We enjoyed singing "happy birthday" and then we all helped to blow out the candles.

Teresa gave Sue a present from the guests and we just had a good time.

Walking Day

2010-10-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a Bank Holiday in Spain, and unlike in the UK on Bank Holidays here everywhere closes down. We decided we would have a good walking day and headed into Santa Pola as this is a good little town to stroll around at leisure.

We somehow managed to work up an appetite and found ourselves in this lovely Chinese restaurant for an early evening treat.

Beach day

2010-10-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Another brilliant hot day, although we had decided on going to Dolores for the day, we changed our minds and headed off for the beach in La Marina.

The guys soon found a pool table and a very serious game commenced.

So it's thirsty work watching a big match?

We've all had a good day and enjoyed ourselves, we finished off the evening playing "poker".

Torrevieja

2010-10-07T11:22:00.001-07:00

Sally, Teresa, Arthur all arived last evening, but they were up early this morning to take on the sights of one of their favourite towns Torrevieja.
Teresa and Arthur did a little shopping,before they had lunch and just enjoyed each other's company. Sally preferred a walk on the sea front with Christopher and James just enjoyed the views.
The group all know each other from several previous visits to Spain with Finca and it's great that they all get on well together and have a good time.

Old Friends Return

2010-10-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

Christopher and James enjoying a day out in Quesada.

Christopher is our volunteer and adopts a "buddy" role to other's who come on holiday.

Island of Tabarca

2010-10-01T07:27:00.001-07:00

I din't quite know what to expect from the boat trip and at first I wasn't too sure, but I really liked it. The Island is small but I enjoyed just looking around.

Me back on dry land after having a good day.

2010-10-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

We are nearly at the end of a fantastic week, so it was off to Benidorm for some last minute shopping. Of course we couldn't resist hitting a few balls on the golf course!!!! well the crazy golf course.

Guardalest.
Willie thought he had been mountaineering, the climb up the mountain is well worth it when you see the view of the lake.

My first holiday with Finca by Nick

2010-09-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

Well I am impressed with the place, it's great here. I have been out everyday so far and I am enjoying the sights. I visited Torrevieja today which is great for walking and shopping, the beach is good too. Here I am with Christine and Willie enjoying the day.

Alicante beach

and Marina

The famous castle is called Santa Barbara and it dates back to the 1600's it is a huge climb but I got to the top. The views are amazing from this point. I don't usually like castles but this was brilliant.

Enjoying a game of darts in the local pub

Having a swim at the villa to cool off.

Relaxing and just enjoying the rest

I saved some energy to have a game of tennis back at the villa

Alicante here we come

2010-09-24T11:25:00.001-07:00

This is a lovely place and we all had a good laugh. We bought some gifts at the stalls on the esplande then decided to hit the beach

Wonder if Sue would notice that we have another guest for tea!!!!

relaxing and unwinding

2010-09-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

After a morning spent on the markets we headed back to relax at the villa
Willie and Ivor "dancing to the music"

Willie is a good mover and can't resist another dance

Now where did that ball go!!!!!

Louise enjoying a swim after her game of tennis

The Frank Sinatra matinee

2010-09-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

We all went to a Frank Sinatra tribute at the Bar Fuente near Oriuela.

The show was really good and the food wasn't bad either.

A good time was had by all

Santa Pola

2010-09-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Meet our guests this week

2010-09-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

All having a great day out in Elche

Time out to sample the food

Louise and William take the train

Mike's Birthday BBQ

2010-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

How many candles! we are going to need a bigger cake!

Were did you get that hat? Mike opens his presents and cards while sporting his new hat.

Hurry up Mike! We want cake

Charles praying for cake

Your lucky to see this! 30 seconds later it had gone

BBQ King

Little n Large! 'birthday hugs'

Mascates 'in Spain all parties go off with a bang!'

Visit to Elder

2010-09-18T11:55:00.001-07:00

We had a great day out today in the mountains. We visited a place called Elder and we were able to have a look at the cave houses. People live in them and they are very big inside. Warren said that they keep everyone cool in summer and in winter the whole cave is kept warm.

Our day in Alicante

2010-09-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Michael wanted to try out his new snorkel and flippers in the sea.

Walking on the famous Esplande

It feels like we have just climb "Everest" instead of Santa Barbara castle

I like walking on the beach

Fabulous days out

Island of Tabarca

2010-09-15T12:16:00.001-07:00

Charles, Stewart and Michael enjoy the crossing from Alicante to the Island

Something amuses Neil

Charlie loves being on the water and takes in all the sights

We came to explore!!!!

Time out for relaxing and refreshments

Fun at the fair

2010-09-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

Here's Neil doing a bit of back seat driving

Stewart is racing against time!!!!

Charlie and Beto enjoying a game of air hockey

Colin demonstrates his skills on the pool table

A lads day out!

2010-09-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Its way past my bedtime, but I promised the lads I would put up the photos from our day out at the beach.

Here at the fishing port in Santa Pola is Charles, Neil, Malcolm and Colin, who are enjoying their holidays with Finca this week.

After visiting the port they needed a shady place to sit and have a drink before playing "bowls" on the beach.

Colin, Charles and Stewart get things off to a good start.

Michael decided a swim was the best start to the game for him.

Charles soon followed suit and dipped his ankles!!!

Neil enjoyed visiting the harbour.

Everyone having a great time.

Charles relaxes at the villa after his day out.

Michael takes to the water

Stewart " you can't be serious" Mcenroe puts Warren to the test. Stewart only lost 2 balls in the neighbours garden, what a great forearm.

Trying their luck at basketball Stewart and Charles.

Charles looks pleased !!!!

A beautiful sunset at the end of a brilliant day.

Sorry for the lack of entries recently

2010-09-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is due to an ongoing internet problem at the finca but here are a few photos from the last couple of weeks to keep you going.
We will be back to daily blogging as soon as we can so keep looking!

Andrew keeping fit on the beach

Entertainment at the Safari Park in Benidorm

Marion and Betty from Scotland having a great time

Betty said she liked Llamas!!!!!!

Time for relaxing at the fashion beach in Santa Pola.

Old friends and new

2010-08-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

It’s great to be back at the finca after the summer break.
Two of our first guest after our short break are old friends who have enjoyed many holidays with us already Arthur and Julie.
Julie brought with her a new friend Peter.

Arthur and Warren enjoying a great view as Arthur heads into the sea for his first time ever!

Arthur finally gets his first swim in the sea

Julie leads the way as Peter takes on the big blue.

Welcome back

2010-08-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Refreshed from our summer break we are all ready to go again the finca is sporting a new coat of paint and the new wet room meets with Arthur’s approval.

Torrevieja trip by Helen David and James

2010-07-17T01:49:00.000-07:00

Today the three amigos set off to explore Torrevieja's beach front and the surrounding area.

We had drinks on the sea front and had our picnic on the sea wall, as we watched the boats go by.

James posing for a photo

Afterwards we headed off into the mountains and explored around the lake then went to a pub for our tea.

James posing again, this time with Steve the pub landlord

Cave houses by Helen, David and James

2010-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

This morning we were chatting about the cave houses in the mountains nearby.
We decided we would like to see some, so we set off with Warren to a place he knew up in the mountains near Elda where there is a lovely cave house right next to a waterfall.

'See that damp patch on the rocks behind us thats a waterfall that is!'

Not a raging torrent, but we will let Warren off it is July! and we were just as dry by the time we got to this point.

It was great to escape the heat of the day in the cool shade of the trees further down the mountain track

The smile went on for miles, by James

2010-07-14T00:23:00.000-07:00

It's been like friends reunited at the finca this week. when i arived Sunday i was greeted by Helen and David, who i holidayed with earler this year.

Today we vistied Guadalest and Benidorm, we had a great time, it was very hot so we needed lots of drinks and regular shopping brakes.
After exploring the village we went down to the lake and had a picnic lunch on the boat.

Then it was back down to the coast for an afternoon of shopping(Helen) bikini spotting (David and James).

Whizzing around the garden at a breathtaking 5kph

Friendship at Finca

2010-07-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Helen and this is my 4th visit to Spain: I enjoy everything about my holiday. In January I went to Orlando with Finca and had such fun with everyone.Whilst there I made friends with David who had also gone on the trip to America.We find that we like each other very much and have met up again in Spain this time.
I'm David and this is my first time in Spain with Finca, it is great and we are having a brilliant time here. I have also been to America and Germany with them, everyone is great and so friendly.

Here we are getting ready to watch the World Cup between Spain and Holland, everyone is excited and we are shouting for Spain because we are here. There is lots of people and lots of noise, it's magical. Great night with fireworks and flags and car horns going off everywhere. It's brilliant!!!

Spain won the Cup !!!

Girl's night out by Caroline

2010-07-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

I went out shopping today to buy a new dress ( my second this week) and some jewellery to match as we were going out this evening. We started the night off by having a meal at a restaurant in Gran Alacant. The food was good and we had lots of laughs. Here i am with Christine at the bar.

After our meal we decided to explore what i will call my "Oasis" down on Los Arenales beach. There are some beautiful marquees where you can relax with a drink or two. We enjoyed our evening here just chatting and watching the waves. I had a really great time with Sue and Christine.

I'm Home by Caroline

2010-07-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, Im Caroline and I just love coming on holiday to Spain. I have great fun and to me it is just like home from home. Well so far we have swam in the sea, i have been on a Pedilo which was great. There are some great ice cream parlors here and i have tried several already. The weather is very hot and we try to keep as cool as we can.

Thank you.

2010-07-06T02:39:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say a special thank you to all of you who sent cards and emails wishing us every happiness on our big day.

Birthday party and Safari

2010-07-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we were all invited to Warren's wife's birthday party, we had a great time and met some lovely friends of Monica. We all sang happy birthday but we got a bit mixed up with the "English" version and the "Spanish" but it sounded quite good. The food was great too!!! We all came home and chilled.

Sunday we visited the Safari park at Elche it was a fantastic day out, and we all had fun, especially on the go carts.

whacky races!

Finca supporters By Kevin and Derek

2010-07-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

The night of the fires of Saint John, I found out my son was going away for a week with his uncle and aunt and I needed to pick him up around the 30th June and bring him home.
A plan was hatched, It went something like this. If Warren is going to Madrid why don't we all go to Madrid.
Over the next few days the plan grew and developed into a three day two night camping trip, the main purpose to visit the real Madrid stadium, a football Mecca the club with the most trophies in the world.

So in the middle of their holidays Derek and Kevin packed a small bag each and Warren packed a tent four sleeping bags, air beds, BBQ, cool box etc.
At about midday we set out on our road trip we arrived at the camp site of our choice just half an hour from the centre of Madrid.

It was a lovely site so we put up the tent, blew up the air beds and set the BBQ.
We dined on burgers and when we could eat no more we explored the camp site there was a shop a bar and two swimming pools.

The football was about to start so we made our way to the bar to cheer on Spain. It was a great game, Spain won and the bar erupted in cheers and shouts and banging on tables.
Exhausted we went back to the tent and settled down for the night.

After a good nights sleep Derek and Warren got up, showered and had a cup of tea before setting up the BBQ.
Kevin and Dale floated out of the tent like the Bisto kids when they smelt the sausages and we all tucked into our breakfast, before going into Madrid.

We had a great day in Madrid. Our first stop was the Real Madrid stadium to take the tour.

We took lots and lots of photos.

We are the champions!

When it comes to having a great time we are no substitutes

Then it was time to meet Cuco, Anna and Beto for lunch in an all you can eat restaurant and we ate and we ate and we ate, then we made ourselves ice creams (some of us had more then one).

The wonders of Madrid awaited, so with heavy stomachs we made our way by car to the oldest part of the city.
Then we set out on foot to explore with the aid of our guides.

We walked through the grounds of the palace and roamed old streets to the Puerta de Sol, which is the very centre of Spain.

We refilled our water bottles then continued to the Plaza Major with its painted façades.

Exhausted we arrived at the park, where we hired rowing boats and cooled off with a water fight (Dale lost).

At 10.30 we got back to the tent and went to bed.
After a good nights sleep, well you already know this bit except it was the smell of bacon this time!
We had breakfast then packed everything away before having our showers and starting our way home.
A great time had by all.

Bonfires of st john

2010-06-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

The custom of lighting bonfires for the summer solstice dates back to early man and represents the sun, the giver of life.
Water has also played a role in ancient customs since a time long since forgotten.
Early Christians carried on these traditions at the same time of year and named it the festival of Saint John so it is not surprising that the modern festival involves flower offerings jumping over fires and jumping into the sea.

We started our day with a trip to Guadalest.

Then went on to Benidorm so some of the boys could watch the England match. While the rest of us, took in the sights.

We returned to the finca at around 6pm and relaxed for a couple of hours before heading off to the beach in Santa Pola to have a BBQ with our local friends and the rest of Santa Pola.
There was a stage (not visible through the smoke in the photo of Sue looking like a smoked Kipper) with bands playing all night. Everyone was happy, there were fireworks and every one (not us) jumped over the fires and then in the sea at midnight.

'Hogueras de San Juan' 2010 By kevin, Margaret and Andrew

2010-06-22T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Alicante we had a picnic in the park before setting out around the town centre to see how many hogueras we could find.

The two in the middle are Kevin and Dale who arrived today

Warren told us it was like our guys on bonfire night but on a grand scale. His description didn't do it justice but they are big really big it’s hard to believe that they get burnt on the 24th.

These were the first one's we found they by the marina

The next ones we found were all around the Townhall, we all took lots of photos

The main street was like a carnaval with stalls and parades and loud music.

After all the excitement we cooled off with and ice cold drink at the castle and took in the view.

Ever upward By Margaret and Andrew

2010-06-21T08:35:00.000-07:00

Today spurred on by our trip up to the tower yesterday we asked Warren if we good see some old monuments.

We headed off to find some castles so where better to start then in the aptly named Castella we walked around the old town and up to the church and the castle.

We walked around the town but could not find an open cafe so we headed back to the car and refreshed ourselves with the drinks we had taken with us.

Next stop on our three castle tour was the lovely village of Sax we climbed up to the castle the views were fantastic.

Warren was desperate for a rest so we agreed to head into the village for lunch we stopped at a very Spanish cafe call los amigos (the friends) it was packed with locals who made us welcome.

We had our lunch then dragged Warren back to the car, and then we were off to our last stop the old town of Elda. We parked the car in a nice bit of shade topped up our factor fifty and wound our way through narrow streets and small squares upward ever upward to our last castle of the day.

There was another amazing view over the rooftops and we found that when we walked around the other side of the castle we were walking over the roofs of cave house with gardens on the roof.

A grand first day. By Andrew and Margaret

2010-06-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Well rested and raring to go we headed off for Sunday lunch at the sunset bar but on the way Margret and Andrew said they would prefer to go to the sea front. So we made for Santa Pola to explore the sea front.

We walked until Warren begged us to stop!. Then we walked a little more to a cafe right on the beach for lunch.

After eating we were fully refreshed, so we headed for the harbour to look at the boats, then to the marina to look at even more boats.

While we were there Warren’s wife phoned to see if we wanted to meet for a drink.

We had a nice cold drink with Monica and Beto then we decided to stay a little longer and have an ice cream.

Monica and Beto had plans to meet Anna and climb up to an old tower called Torre del Moro as it has amazing views of the coast so we invited our selves along. We walked to a nice shaded park where we had arranged to meet with Anna it was nice to get out of the sun for a short while before our big climb.

Beto went first to clear the path followed by Margaret and Monica who sang down to us ‘I’m the king of the castle’

The view was even better then we imagined and well worth the climb.
We had a real thirst on by the time we got back down so we all went for a drink before saying our good bye’s and heading back to the villa for tea.

Chasing the blue. By Sally.

2010-06-20T01:24:00.000-07:00

It was a wet and windy day when we headed off to Quesada for our planned day out.
When we arrived the rain was heavier then ever and folks were dashing back and forth with plastic bag hats or fighting with umbrellas.

I turned to Warren and said “I don’t like getting wet “”how about we aim for that bit off blue in the sky over there”.

So we put our backs to Quesada and drove off along a winding country road in pursuit of blue skies.
We turned this way and that as the road became narrower and narrower.

We were starting to feel the need for a break from driving as we reached the edge of that bit of blue.
When we looked around all we could see were signs for a lake, pointing towards the centre of our bit of blue so we followed it.
The road winded yet more and we thought we were lost for sure when we spotted a friendly sign that promised a warm welcome form a traditional country pub.

We drove off down the little track and soon we found a wonderful little pub called la fuente de don Juan.

We were greeted by the lovely Lorraine who made us tea and sandwiches, after we had refreshed our selves we chatted to Lorraine and found out that she was a member of the well known Abba tribute band called Abba Cadabra.

Fully refreshed we said our goodbyes the sky was blue in all directions so we visited the lake then turned for home.

On return I tried out the new ramps that the local carpenter had just fitted.

Gibraltar trip 2010

2010-06-15T01:52:00.000-07:00

This year we have started to look at some possible locations for short breaks and excursions.
So with the help of some intrepid explorers, we dodged the ash cloud and headed off to the far corner of Spain to explore the wonders of the Costa Del Sol and Andalucia the areas that surround Gibraltar.

We based our selves at the wonderful hotel, Reina Cristina in Algeciras an oasis of calm,with friendly staff that make you feel like part of the family.

Algeciras is a busy and vibrant city and gives off a distinct Arab flavour with its Arabic signs and tea shops specializing in Moroccan teas and bustling markets full of exotic fruits and spices.

We had a drink in this plaza which was full of market stalls at the time!

O.K i won't keep you waiting any longer i know you want to see the apes.

Woops my mistake!!! this cheeky monkey is my son Beto.

Here's the real apes they seemed to know it was Derek's birthday and jumped all around him.

We saw all the sights of Gibraltar and did a fair bit of shopping too!.

Then we went back and relaxed in our room, before partying the night away.

Another highlight of our trip was visiting Ronda set high in the mountains and built across a gorge Ronda is one of those cities which appears to be located somewhere between reality and legend.

We are not sure who the old fellow in the hat is, but he was friendly and seemed keen to be in the photo.

One of the jewels of the Costa del Sol is the beautiful little village of Mijas, which nestles comfortably in the mountainside at 428 meters above sea level.
It was a little wet and windy when we arrived in Mijas and we were greeted by horses in raincoats

special thanks to our very own super hero Chris for all the help with the wheel chair.

World cup fever

2010-06-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

World cup fever grabs finca supported holidays

Arthur and Teresa's holday snaps

2010-06-13T01:14:00.000-07:00

Arthur has told me off for only putting one photo from guadalest, so here is the rest of the week.

We have had a great time this week with Teresa and Arthur.

We had a late start the first day, so we were well rested from our flights.

We made our way to Santa Barbar castle in Alicante, and with the help of some locals, we managed to get all the way to the top the views were amazing.

The next day we got up early for a day trip to Murcia, here we visited the Santa Maria cathedral, which was built in 1358.

Then we strolled through ancient streets and plazas, stopping for lunch in one plaza and pudding in an other.

'I'm forever blowing bubbles'

We needed a more relaxed day today.
You know what they say when the going gets tough the tough go shopping,
so we made a picnic and headed off to La Marina, we shopped till we dropped then had a picnic on the beach.

After the beach we needed to get out of the sun for a short while,so we relaxed at the finca with our puzzle books.

Fully relaxed after a good nights sleep and one of Sue,s famous fry ups!.
We were ready for another long day.

When we got to Guadalest it was hissing down, but there were blue skys on the horizon.
So we saved our pinic for tea, having lunch and a beer or two in a bar called Sunny Side Up and waited for the sun to come back out and dry up the rain.

Todays trip to Guadalest

2010-06-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi folks

I just had to share this photo we had taken at Guadalest, we had lots of fun as you can see from our big smiles.

Hope you all like my new hat!

Thanks Sue:)

Warren.

A GREAT FIRST YEAR

2010-06-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends it's Warren here.

I am now well into my second session with Finca supported holidays and before I start writing regular updates on current events and future plans I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on a great first year at Finca supported holidays.

This was my first holiday, I made some great friends and have been lucky enough to have worked with every one in this photo on there 2010 holiday.

We all still talk about the dolphin show it was amazing!.

introduction

2010-06-11T04:28:00.000-07:00

Hi, just to let you know that we are creating our own blog pages from now on so that all our guests new and old can follow what is going on throughout the year at Finca Supported Holidays Ltd. As a further comittment from our company to all guests we have now become members of ABTA which will offer further protection which will compliment our ATOL licence.
Hope to see you all soon

Kind Regards
Sue