“Gracias por todo”

Before speaking Spanish, the first sentence I ever learnt was “gracias por todo”.

Manners are important and when they say they cost nothing, they’re right. But, for something that is free, they hold so much value.

I’ve been fortunate to stay with friends in Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and Albacete. I have made such amazing friends in Spain and they are all friends that I keep in contact with.

Without speaking Spanish, I knew that my basics would get me by, but I wasn’t great. I didn’t really understand a word.

But, when a family opens their home to you, a simple thank you goes a long way.

More and more, I’m seeing “please” and “thank you” disappearing. People asking for information, without a manner in sight. People in the street. People hiding on their phone.

Then, I think about the Spanish language. How “please” is more of an order than a courtesy.  It’s funny when you think about cultures and how they differ. I definitely still haven’t learnt to not over-use “gracias” yet. 

This weekend, I finally had the chance to meet up with another one of my friends here in Spain, Gohar. Gohar is a photographer who lives in Alicante, so if you’re a business or somebody looking for some professional photos, hit her up! 

We finally arranged to meet in Benidorm, with her travelling by tram.

After an awful nights sleep, did anybody else get woken up at 4:00am by the worst crack of thunder on Saturday?! But, as they say, the show must go on!

We started by going for a drink to our local favourite bar, Fuxion, where the Instagram content is pretty strong. Ruben and Diego create a wonderful atmosphere in Fuxion and Ruben really works hard front of house to create the best experience for their customers.

Gohar is from Armenia and all that I have to compare to Armenia is the Kardashian’s, close enough, right?! 

Sunday was hot, about time, so we were able to head back to the pool, even though the water was freezing.

Now, for another slice of culture, or should I say a mouthful? Gohar came stocked up with some Armenian cuisine, Bulgur wheat. 

If you’ve ever heard of Bulgur wheat then I 100% salute you. This whole-wheat grain delicacy is high-fibre, low-fat and vegan-friendly. Strange is my only adjective. I mean, it’s okay. But, it definitely tastes healthy.

So, if you’re looking to spruce up your summer bod meal plans, why not incorporate some Armenian goodness?

Anyway, June 3rd, the first dip of 2018. Normally, it’s so much earlier in the year, where has summer been hiding this year?!

Rio had a little cameo before he was banished by somebody moaning. This is something I’m struggling to get to terms with. There is only a sense of community when it suits.

Everybody says hello to everybody. But, nobody looks out for each other. So far, we’ve been moaned at for having our curtains open in the day and our dog for being held in the garden. My friend says she has the police called for her baby crying briefly in the night?

At what point does this over-excessive moaning just become exasperating?

Next, we wanted to introduce Gohar to La Cala, she had never been to Benidorm!

The rocks make for a great photo spot. Getting Alex to take photos can be near enough impossible. But, Gohar managed it?!

Is it okay for me to say that we look cute? Alex has been growing his hair recently, obviously trying to fit in with the surfers around here. I’m not sure if he needs a guitar to turn into Cody Simpson or a skateboard (thanks for the inspiration, Mum).

La Cala has always been one of my favourite places in the area. Quiet, calm and tranquil. It’s that piece of paradise away from Benidorm.

We had planned to go to the fair at Villajoyosa, if you have children, it’s a great place to go, however, the rides were definitely targeted for younger children, so it wasn’t exactly the best photo opportunities, oops.

Instead, we made use of the Instagram’able’ locations of La Vila.

Further down from the beach, ten minutes walk from Creueta tram stop, there is a beautiful promenade that juts out.

From there, looking towards the sea, you can see Benidorm to your left and Alicante to your right. It’s also a perfect sunset spot.

I guess you could call this a pretty good Sunday! Gohar is going to be visiting a lot more often and taking the majority of the photos for my blog now, which is super exciting because she takes gorgeous photos. She just seems to capture moments so well. 

“Isn’t that what life is about? Capturing the moments. Not counting down for the big stuff, but appreciating the little things that happen too. They’re just as important.”

There are some pretty big changes coming soon, and I’m excited to share them with you all.

So, from me to you, the reader. Gracias for being part of my journey and making this possible.

To Alex, looks like you’re going to have to be in a lot more photos now!

Hasta luego,