Spanish News - Water Shortage.

Last summer was the driest Spain has had for the last 60yrs. With Catalunya being one of the worst hit areas.
It's not just a matter of solving everything with a hose-pipe ban or some other similar action as sometimes imposed in the UK, as some areas in Spain are under serious threat of eventualy becoming desert!

Some inland regions have had to rely on water being delivered by tanker, because many of the wells have actully dried up. Other areas mainly in Valencia, have had running water limited to just 8mins a day, with more of the same to come.
Tourist resorts and city's have had no real change, other than being advised to use less.
Meanwhile the hardest hit places inland have barely had enough water to water crops, which in turn means that farm animals have virtually starved through lack of grazing areas.

The government has promised about 80 million euro to ease the situation, but as yet no definate plans have been made which would provide some sort of solution.
So for now the only available solution is for everyone to be aware of the shortage and in turn do as much as possible to limit their use.

For visitors to Spain its not always apparent how drastically short of water we are, it seems there is water everywhere, swimming pools, fountains, showers every few metres on the beach's and not forgetting large gardens and the golf courses all still have their sprinklers on daily.

Things to do in Lloret de Mar- Day Trip to Barcelona

Continuing the subject of what to do on a day trip to Barcelona, if you are in the area of the Plaza Cataluna or Las Ramblas it is worth paying a visit to the Mercat la Boqueria which is situated halfway down Las Ramblas (No. 85-89) about 6 minutes walk from the Plaza Cataluna.

Situated under some arches in a square surrounded by old Catalan style architecturere, the market is made up of numerous kiosks selling an abundant variety of fruit and vegetables, fish, cheeses and meat- but what really stands out is the richly colourful displays of all manner and variety of fruits- many of them rarely- if indeed ever - seen in high street fruit stores. The brilliance of colour of the displays is an enchantment to the senses and is both a dazzling shopping and sightseeing experience rolled into one.

Things to do while in Lloret de Mar.

While on holiday in Lloret take a trip up the coast to the next resort of Tossa de Mar. Although so near to Lloret, its a completely different resort. Lloret is a very lively place, but with Tossa de Mar its like stepping back in time. The above photo is a small street which can found within the castle walls.

As you make your way up to the castle, you can look back and see how very different to Lloret this small town is. There are no tall buildings to spoil the views.

From high up in the castle grounds, the streets below all do a good value menu of the day. Most of which seem to be various fish dishes, probably fish which has been caught by the local fishermen that same day, so you always know its fresh!

Lloret de Mar Views.

A view of Lloret taken from the pathway below the castle, as you walk along the path you will see just why this coast is called the Costa Brava (rugged coast) each corner you turn brings you to a completely different view.

 

Again this photo is taken from the same pathway a little further on, looking back towards Lloret.

Another view from the same path, but this time taken looking up the coast. 

Things to do in Lloret de Mar - A day trip to Girona.

Most people flying in for holidays on the Costa Brava either land at Barcelona or Girona airport, and that is sometimes as much as they see of the city.
Debbies previous post about a day in Barcelona is a must, but also another must is a day to the other airport city of Girona. As you fly into Girona it just looks a very grey and drab place. Its not until you make the effort to take a walk round the city that you realise what a beautiful place it is - a photographers paradise! It only takes 1hr to reach Girona bus station from the bus station in Lloret, the cost is 8.50 euro return. Buses leave at 9.25 and 12 noon.
The best sights are to be found in the old part of the city, on the far side of the river (River Onyar) Looking across the river is the most unusual housing development ever! (see the above photo). These dwellings date back to the middle ages and backed onto the medieval wall which surrounded the city.

As you cross the river there is the church of Sant Feliu, constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries. Not far from the church is the Santa Maria Cathedral, dating back to between the 11th and 18th centuries. The Cathedral houses the widest Gothic nave in the world, being nearly 23 mts wide.

Leaving the Cathedral walking through the streets, brings you to the Jewish quarter. Where there is a museum dedicated to the Jewish community which lived in this area, again going back as far as the middle ages. If you like museums there are 5 in Girona - Art, History, Jewish, Cinema and the Archeological.
So there is something for everyone in Girona. Even a garden dedicated to John Lennon!