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!