Xmas shopping in Girona

Some the best Spanish high street brands are located in the Espai shopping mall at Salt near Girona and just now it's a great time to visit for your Christmas shopping. There are 2 floors of shopping with stores such as Zara, H&M, Levi, Springfield and also one of the old favourites which ceased trading years ago in the UK and that is C&A! - they were always known for their good quality and reasonable prices. 

One of the strangest Christmas customs in the Catalan region is the Caga Tio (poo log!) this is a small log with legs wearing a typical styled Catalan hat. Children take care of him by feeding him well and keeping him warm upto Christmas Eve to ensure that his belly is nice and full, so he will 'poo out' lots of  goodies and treats for them at Christmas.

The largest Caga Tio I've seen!

Winter evening in Lloret

Almost Christmas and you wouldnt believe how quiet the evenings are in Lloret. The streets are deserted and hardly anything is open. Lets hope that there will be a better atmosphere about the
place soon!

  

 

 

 

 

 

Lloret de Mar at Christmas

A Christmas photo from Lloret today showing this larger than life Santa outside a childrens clothes shop in the centre of Lloret.

Christmas dinner sorted!

Well, we have all been wondering what to do and where to eat dinner on Christmas Day but after a bit of persuasion Linda at Rabbies Bar has decided that for the first in years that she will open the bar on Christmas day but only for her local customers and also do a Christmas lunch.
Should be a good day...Cheers Linda!

Rabbies Bar all trimmed up!

Today in Loret de Mar

 Its been a busy Sunday in Lloret today, what with the monthly collectors fair and the new wine and cheese market by the town hall, the two events brought people into town and obviously the good weather helped! 

This stall was like the 'Old Curiosity Shop!

The wine and cheese stands did seem to be doing well, many of the shoppers were showing a lot of interest...unless it was the free tipples and nibbles they found interesting!

You can almost smell the cheese from here! 

  

Honey produce

Craig Mallon Appeal - update

As you are all preparing for Christmas and making arrangements to spend time with your families please take a moment to think about those who can't be with their families and loved ones this year. 

Craig's family have again put out an appeal for help regarding their son who lost his life in Lloret de Mar. The Facebook page gives regular updates, this is the latest which I've been asked to share - 

This is a very difficult and traumatic time of the year when we think of all our cherished Christmas memories with Craig.Please if you have anything which can assist (even if you think it's not important ) contact the confidential e mail address info@craigmallon.com Have a look again at the websitehttp://craigmallon.com/ and some of the updates on Twitter
https://twitter.com/CRAIGMURDERHELP These may jog your memory. Please share details of the websites and our appeal to friends. 
Thanks in anticipation. Antoinette and Ian

Christmas events in Lloret de Mar

The Christmas events calendar is starting this weekend with two events taking place in the town on Sunday 8th Dec. Just in front of the town hall will be a wine & cheese market, this is the first time this market has been held in Lloret but has always been very popular in other towns. Some of the best produce from around the Catalan region will be on sale as from 10am.

As its the 2nd Sunday of the month there's the usual collectors and antiques fair along with the classic cars exhibition in the carousel sqare - Placa Pere Torrent, starting at 9am.

Sunday - Collectors fair

Lloret de Mar beaches

Two panoramic views from Lloret beaches just taken this morning, another beautiful sunny day!

Lloret de Mar - click to enlarge.

Fenals - click to enlarge.

Lloret de Mar in December

December 3rd and its a surprisingly warm day today, in Fenals the temperature is reading 17ºc but feels much warmer. There's a few people out enjoying the better weather which is forecast for the next 3-4 days, but just look at those waves...the sea is much rougher today!

Tirada a l'Art - Lloret 2013

 What a beautiful start to the day it was this morning for the Tirada a l'Art fishing. Everyone taking part were down on the beach for 8am, by which time the fishing boat had already been out at sea for quite some time casting the net. 

Keeping warm near the fire till they started the hard work of pulling in the net.

Just as the sun was rising the nets were ready to be pulled in.

Two lines are formed by those who take part and as the net gets closer to the beach they move closer together until they meet and all the fish are ashore.

 

It takes about one hour of pulling and tugging...but this morning as you can see here it was well worth the effort!

 

And now its time for breakfast!

Tirada a l'Art, Lloret de Mar 2013

For anyone who feels like an early start to the day this Sunday 1st December there's a chance to take part  in the old traditional way of fishing on Lloret beach at 8am. Every year this event takes place on the first Sunday of December and February and pays tribute to all those who used to make their living this way. Once the nets are cast far out to sea they will be pulled in by those wishing to join in, whatever is caught in the nets will be cooked on the barbecues and eaten for breakfast washed down with lots of wine...great breakfast!