Spanish Artist's.

Some of the worlds most renowned artists have originated from Spain.
To name a few -
Francisco Goya, born in Saragossa. 1746 - 1828.

Pablo Picasso, born in Malaga, 1881 - 1973.

Joan Mirò, born in Barcelona, 1893 - 1983.

Salvador Dali, born in Figueras is the most recent, 1904 - 1989.

Here in Lloret you can purchase your own piece of artwork, a portrait of yourself done in almost any style you choose! Take a walk on the sea front early one evening, and you will see artist's painting their subject's.

So you can take home your very own piece of Spanish art for only about 20 - 30 euro!!

Fireworks in Blanes.

Still on the subject of fireworks - all this week in Blanes, has been another yearly event, the International firework competition, with seven different teams competing. One every night of the week. The competition has been running since 1906. The town also has all sorts of other activities going on to celebrate the fiesta of Santa Anna.

The display is held in the last full week in July - this week it began on the 21st and ended last night, the 27th. Starting at 10.30, each display must last 20 - 25 mins and continue none stop for the total time.

The boat operators did a good trade from the local beaches taking spectators down to see the show. They were running untill very late at night, and made a special effort to make the boats look very decorative, with lights and trimmings etc - and even serving champagne!

The winning team (as yet I dont know which one) will win 7,500 euro + trophy, 2nd will win 5,100, and the 3rd wins2,400 euro.

 

 

Lloret de Mar - Fiesta.

Last night on the beach front in Lloret de Mar we saw the spectacular fireworks display, each year seems to be bigger and better than the one before!

These photo's don't do the display the justice it deserves, the atmosphere all over town was incredible. Spectators were at every possible viewpoint, there were thousands of people just on the beach, even more than is normally there sunbathing throughout the day!

The noise from the fireworks was even quite frightening at times, as the loud bangs echoed off all the surrounding buildings. All the spectators applauded and cheered after each series of fireworks, an attmosphere you just can't capture on camera.

SO WELL DONE LLORET DE MAR, EVERYONE HAD A GREAT NIGHT !! 

Lloret de Mar - July Fiesta.

Today in Lloret is the yearly fiesta, which celebrates the towns patron saint - Santa Cristina.
The fiesta starts with a procession of boats of all shapes and sizes. From the beach in Lloret they head down to the small bay of Santa Cristina, once there everyone tucks in to the traditional Catalan dish of estafado, (something like our stew !)
Then tonight is the huge firework display, set on the beach in Lloret, this is a sight not to be missed. All the road along the sea front will be closed to traffic before the display gets under way, and everyone gathers at various points all over town to try get the best view.

Sun Burn Prevention.

During these hot summer temperatures it is very tempting to go out in the sun without first thinking of the dangers the sun can cause. The most common problem of over exposure to the sun is the reddening of the skin, but the true extent of the damage will not appear until several hours later. With the skin showing signs of swelling, feeling itchy and also can be very painful.
Other symptoms of too much sun can be head-aches, sickness and a possible feeling of feverishness. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to seek the advice of a chemist or even a doctor in severe cases.

To prevent spoiling your holiday on the Costas, prevention is far better than cure....

To protect yourself from the suns harmful rays always wear a sunscreen cream, but don't wait until you are out in the sun before applying. It is always advised to apply 30mins before exposure to the sun, and re-apply during the day several times. A factor 15 at least should be used, even in cloudy conditions the sun will get through.
To pevent dehydration always have a bottle of water with you. This will replace body fluids lost throughout the day with perspiration. You may not feel thirsty but you can soon dehydrate without realising it! Symptoms of this are headache, dizziness and shivering.
A pair sun glasses will protect you eyes from harmful rays and a hat will protect your head from burning and possible headaches.

Lloret de Mar - Costa Brava.

The boats which run from the beaches of Lloret and Fenals are an ideal way to see the Costa Brava coast. Going up the coast from Fenals the longest trip will cost 19 euro.This trip will take you all the way up to Palamos. It takes approx 2 hrs depending on the sea conditions. You will then have ample time to have wander round the resort before heading back to the boat for the 2 long trip back to Lloret.

Places which you will see on the way are - the small cove of Cala Canyelles, Tossa de Mar, San Feliu de Guizols and Playa de Aro. On board the boats there are toilets and also very reasonably priced drinks. 

Palamos (pictured below) is like many Spanish towns, it has been built in two halves - a new part and the old part. The old parts of these towns are always the most interesting, as this is where you find the typical narrow streets and the church, along with the little parks and squares where the locals will gather to talk about all the local gossip!

 

Lloret de Mar - Weather.

Owing to the dry weather conditions in many parts of Spain, certain restrictions are now in place. It is not allowed to go out into the countryside with the family and have a barbeque. The reason being that it would be so easy for a stray spark to start a fire which could burn for days on end and spread for miles and miles!

On one such occasion back in the early 90s, one fire got so close to the outskirts of Lloret, that ash was falling onto the tables outside the restaraunts. These photos are a few which were taken while I was here on holiday at the time.

The above photos show the water carrying planes coming down into the sea just off Lloret beach to fill up and take the water back to the fires.
The bottom photo looks as though it is a night time scene, it was actually taken at mid day as the fires had started. The sun can just be seen through the smoke!

 

Lloret de Mar, Weather .

The weather just lately is verging on the unbearable!

Rain has been forcast (again) but so far here on the coast all we have had is a few drops.
Daytime temperatures are reaching 35 - 37 degs, not just the odd day, but every day. It's a nice relief when a bit of light cloud passes over!Through the night temps are maybe dropping down to 25 - 26 degs - very uncomfortable for sleeping.

Lloret de Mar Beach

  

Lloret de Mar - Catamaran cruise

The Catamaran Cruise is another popular trip from the beaches of Lloret or Fenals. This trip is a favorite of the younger holiday makers, as you can eat and drink as much as you like!
After boarding the catamaran you are taken down the coast, where it pulls in to a picturesque cove.
Then the party begins, usually by diving into the sea from the side of the boat!

Lloret de Mar - Boat trip

A view of the glass bottom boat just pulling into the beach at Lloret. From here it will go up the coast towards Tossa de Mar, weaving its way in and out of the rugged cliffs and caves.
This is a very popular trip, as you can tell from the amount of people on the boat.

Not your normal scenery excursion!!

Lloret de Mar - Santa Clotilde Gardens.

The last few photos from the Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret de Mar.

One of the ivy covered staircases, leading up to another level from which to view the gardens.
Pathway, with one of the ancient statues at the end, and a view of the sea between the trees.

Lloret de Mar - Santa Clotilde Gardens.

The gardens are open from May to October. Times of opening are from 10am - 1pm then reopen 4pm - 8pm. The last admission is 45mins before closing time.

Santa Clotilde covers an area of 27,000 sq metres, and belongs to the town council of Lloret. Paths and staircases guide you around the gardens giving you the best views from various angles.

Lloret de Mar - Things to do. Santa Clotilde Gardens

For a very nice half day out while in Lloret de Mar, visit the Santa Clotilde Gardens, set high on the cliff top in between the beaches of Fenals and Boadella

The open top bus which runs from the bus station in Lloret will take you up to the gardens or if you can make your own way there you simply pay on the gate (about €5) - but you can have a short free tour here in photos over the next 2-3 days!

Lloret de Mar - Things to do.

Fenals beach this year has its own watersports centre, which includes Parasailing, Waterskiing, Flyfish and Banana Boat.

 

Lloret de Mar, Summer Temperatures.

Today in the Fenals area of Lloret de Mar at 11am there was hardly a spare place to be found on the beach. Temperatures are now in the 30s every day.

Quite a few holiday makers are walking around with what looks like very painful sunburn, after spending too long in the sun not realizing how strong the sun is here!

The above picture was taken while walking home at about 2am after a night out. The temperature can clearly be seen on the corner.... 25degs!!