Independence of the Seas - Barcelona

Here are the photos from Barcelona port which is where the Independence of the Seas docked last Wednesday 4th June. As I said in my previous post, we travelled down there on the Thursday when we heard the ship was in the port until that evening. The ship is the largest cruise liner in the world with a length of 1,112ft, 185ft wide and 237ft high. These photos do not do it justice at all, you have to see it for yourself to appreciate the size of it! Maybe you can see the men in the cages cleaning the sides of the balcony's. (click on the photo to enlarge it)

The ship was built in Finland and only made its maiden voyage last month in May.
I have found a very interesting piece about the liner in the Mail Online

There are more photos from a previous visit to the port including some of Voyager of the Seas a sister ship to the 'Independence'... click HERE for the post

Barcelona trip round the port

Yesterday we travelled down to Barcelona with some friends of ours (John and Karen) who are in Lloret on holiday for 2 weeks. We saw that there were 2 or 3 cruise ships in the port, so we got on the ferry which takes you on a 35 min tour round the cruisers for a closer look. The trip cost 5.50€ and was well worth it !

This cruise ship is the 'Aida Diva' and has 1,025 double occupancy cabins, so it carry 2,050 passengers as well as a crew of 646.
The ship is German based and is the first one of a €2 bn order of 6 which was delivered to Aida Cruise back in 2007.

If you would like to read more about this unusually decorated cruise ship click HERE.

(Watch this space for more photos from the port including the 'Independence of the Seas' )

The Rain in Spain !

Last Friday we had a good day day weather wise, the sun shone and the temperature got to 25c in the shade. Saturday was quite pleasant slightly cooler with a bit of cloud...today?? we are back to normal with the rain.
Just when we think that the weather is starting to improve the rain comes back! The same is forecast for tomorrow and possibly even more later in the week, so its not much fun for holidaymakers here this week.
To keep a check on the weather if you are planning a holiday in this area click HERE This forecast is for Barcelona but we do get very similar weather and temperatures.

Lloret de Mar - April- May

Here are the latest views of Lloret de Mar, taken during the last couple of months. The weather has still not settled down to what should be by now sunny almost everyday.
We are still having a lot of rain for some part of the day, but at least it is warm with no need for the heating on at home.

Airport Transfers to Lloret de Mar

Just recently I have had several emails asking for information about airport transfers from both Barcelona and Girona airports to Lloret de Mar. So here I will try to give as much info as possible along with links.

Arriving at Barcelona you have a choice of taxi, train or bus.
First of all a private taxi will cost about 150€ with your luggage etc, so its quite expensive. Journey time about 1hr depending on traffic.

Your next option is the train (approx every half hr) This is the cheapest but not easiest option. You travel as far as Blanes by train then by bus from there to Lloret, the bus waits for the train outside the station. The full cost of this journey was 5€ last year, so maybe just a few cents more now. Owing to the coastal route of train this journey can take 2 - 2 1/2hrs from airport to your hotel. Click HERE for times. (To return to this page click back.)
The train station is just over the road from the airport, reached via the footbridge. When you buy your ticket tell them you are going to Lloret de Mar as you can use this ticket for the bus part of the journey, but you will have to change trains at Barcelona Sants.

Another option both for Barcelona and Girona is Resorthoppa bookable on line. This is not a private transfer, you will have other stops along the way so again it could take 2hrs or more, but it is the easiest way for Barcelona as it could save you getting lost! The Barcelona fare is about 38€ return. Girona about 25€, with a transfer time of about 1hr depending on other pickups. Resorthoppa will drop you off and pick-up as close as possible to your hotel.
Also with a Girona flight there is an airport bus which runs to and from Lloret bus station, costs about 8€ but unfortunately does not run all that often, journey time 35mins, times can be found HERE This time table is valid till June.
A private taxi Girona - Lloret cost's about 48€.

No train service is available from Girona as Lloret does not have a train station.

Lloret de Mar Today

This morning the weather seemed warmer and more settled than it has for quite a while, so we decide to have a walk over to Boadella beach. So here are three very different shots from today.
The first one with people in the sea which I didnt expect to see, they are braver than me at this time of year!

Then the next shot, a lizard came out onto the rocks just next to us to soak up the sun.

The last photo is the sandy path leading down to the beach, quite a difficult walk down but much harder walking back!

Lloret de Mar, Bar Cala Banys

The bar with the best view in town has got to be the one tucked away in the rocks at Cala Banys.

A little bit difficult to reach owing to the rocky foot paths and steps but at least when you get there you can sit and have a nice relaxing drink.

Oh yes...I forgot to mention, although these photos weren't taken today its finally stopped raining !

The Rain in Spain.

Click on photos to enlarge.

These Pictures were taken today from our balcony at 4.30pm.
 

We had a bad day yesterday with the rain lasting all day, but this morning was much better.
Although cloudy it was still warm. Then all of a sudden the rain started again.

With the above picture we should be able to see the deep blue Med in between the buildings, but we cant see anything for the rain.

More rain is forecast for the next few days but it is needed badly as Spain is going trough its worst drought in 50yrs.

Lloret de Mar - Views

A change from the usual beach scenes usually associated with Lloret.

The top photo is looking over the country side towards the Monastery and Angle Golf course, and below is the foot path between Lloret and Fenals which brings you to the bar in the rocks at Cala Banys.

Party Night at Buzzby's !

CONGRATULATIONS ANN...

Click above to play.

To celebrate Ann's 50th birthday it was party night in Buzzbys last night. Many of her family and friends came from all over the UK to help her celebrate, and celebrate we did...until about 4am!

So I should think there's a few sore heads in Lloret this morning!!

Steve and Stan behind the bar did a great job keeping the booze flowing, and there was a fantastic selection of food all laid out on the pool table outside. So thanks to Steve and his army of sandwich makers for their hard work!

Lloret de Mar - Todays Weather

3 views from Fenals beach today.

Today has been the busiest day on the beach so far this year.

The current temperature (at 3pm) in the shade is 23c, and there's more to come tomorrow!

Lloret de Mar - Samba Hotel

Yesterday (1st May) was a holiday for most workers here in Spain, all shops were closed. Many people are making this holiday into a long week-end, and will not return to work until Monday. The only places open here in Lloret were the bars & restaurants. The weather forecast is also very good for the coming week-end.

After a very slow start to the season, over the last few days Lloret has really come to life with thousands of tourists coming into town...somehow I just don't think they are here for the advertised Scrabble competition at the Hotel Samba shown on the above poster !

Formula 1 - Lloret de Mar

The Spanish Grand Prix is taking place today in Barcelona. The weather is very good, current temp is 23c.

Down on the beach in Lloret the flags are flying at the beach bars and with thousands of people in town its certainly a party atmosphere here today!

Barcelona Romance !

April 23rd St George's Day...


As we all know St George is the patron saint of England, but also what many people don't know he is also the patron saint of Catalunya. While in England the day passes with hardly a mention, here in Catalunya you are made aware of this special day from morning till night. Mainly because it is tradition here that woman are given a rose by their husband or partner.
In turn the men should receive a book given to them by the woman in their life!

The book sellers and flower stalls on the Ramblas in Barcelona do a roaring trade every year, and almost everyone is either carrying books or roses.

Many men seem to be carrying several roses...so you can make up your own mind about what is going on in his life !!

Spanish News - Water Shortage.

The water shortage in Spain is now at its worst for 50 yrs, so much so that the beaches in Barcelona have had their showers shut off, and of all the public gardens and parks only approximately 18% are regularly watered.
Drastic measures are been put in place if there is no change in the near future. This will be the the delivery of water to the port by large tankers from other regions of Spain and France. These deliveries are due to start early May. Also if necessary water will be brought by rail.
A hose pipe ban is all ready in place, so all car washing and watering of gardens by hose pipe is not allowed.
The latest news is saying that people found breaking the ban will be found up to 3,000€.

Lloret de Mar - Parrots

Green parrots are quite often seen in Lloret. Usually in the woods at the back of the resort.
You don't realise they are about until you hear them squawking, as they are so well camouflaged against the palm trees.
In the photo above if you look carefully there are four, all collecting material with which to build their nests.

In Barcelona they are very common in the parks, and even on the Ramblas where there's hundreds of people walking about.

Birds of Spain.

One of the most common birds to be found in Lloret is the Jay, this one was spotted in the woods between Lloret de Mar and Fenals.
We also saw a red squirrel in the same area, but weren't quick enough with the camera.
May be we'll catch him next time!

Barcelona - High Speed Train.

A new train service started between Barcelona - Madrid on the 20th Feb. The new AVE route has three classes, either tourist, first or club. Prices for tourist class (the one I travelled!) is approx 101€, 1st class 152€, club 182€ one way depending on the time chosen to travel. If a return journey is booked there is a 20% discount on the return journey.There are several trains through the day, roughly every hour. The journey time is 3 1/4 hrs travelling at 300 kms per hr.
For more details see the RENFE website.

Fenals - new post office!

At long last it looks as though the residents of Fenals are going to get our own post-office. It is near the entrance of the Aquarium hotel behind the tabacs shop on the main road in Fenals opposite the Caprabo supermarket. As yet it is not yet ready to open but judging by the work already done it shouldnt be too long now.

Lloret de Mar - Weather

The weather for the Cost Brava has been dreadful this holiday week- end. It always seems to take a turn for the worse at Easter, but this year seems to be worse than ever.
We travelled up to Lloret from Barcelona yesterday evening after arriving back after a few weeks holiday on the Costa del Sol, trying to escape the winter here in Lloret! On arriving at Barcelona at about 3.30pm the weather wasn't bad at all, but then it started raining and just got heavier and heavier!
When we reached Santa Susanna it was quite dark and could see that the beach looked very pale...then we realised it was snow. It was completely covered!
It's the first time after living here for 4yrs that I have ever seen it! On reaching Lloret it was just raining but very cold, so it looks like our plans to escape the winter here failed...

Not to worry we'll try again next year!

Costa Brava Markets

One thing you can always be sure of as you walk around the markets on the Costa Brava is plenty of colourful stalls. Here the colour is found from a display of bras, which come in a wide range of styles, sizes and every colour you can think of!

Carnival Time in Lloret

This week end in Lloret de Mar is Carnival time!
This has to be the most exciting and colourful event of the year.
Sadly I’m not in Lloret for a while. I have moved further south for the winter to the Costa del Sol, so cannot publish any photos with this post.
Hopefully the weather will be kind to those taking part in the parades, and also the thousands of people who line the route of the parade round the town.
Photos of the carnival from 2 years ago can be found here, but I’m sure this year will be bigger, better and noisier than previous years!

Winter Views - Costa Brava

We are now nearly at the end of January, and here we have 3 winter views of Lloret de Mar.
Daytime tempertures can still be 18º - 20º. So still quite warm, although if there is a slight breeze it can feel a bit chilly!

The photo below is looking towards the Santa Clotilde Gardens from the cliff tops.

The picture below shows Fenals beach, taken from the short walkway round the rocks.

The photo below was taken near the castle in Lloret.

Classic Cars on Show in Lloret

This is one of the Classic Cars on show at the monthly Sunday market in Lloret.

There are usually 6 or 7 cars on show along side the stalls at the market.

Shopping in Lloret de Mar

A bit of local news from Lloret de Mar...

The results of a recent poll have found that about 25% of residents buy their weekly shopping out side of the town. Most people I know go to Blanes where there is far more choice of supermarkets. About 80% of the shops in Lloret are aimed at the tourist market, no good at all if you want to get your groceries in for the week!
The town hall has now said it hopes to improve the situation. (The sooner the better!!)

The area of Lloret where I live (Fenals) has over the last few years seen a big increase in apartment blocks being built, so with this there has been a steady rise of shops for the residents opening up along side these. Which means that for us here in Fenals we now have a reasonable choice of supermarkets, maybe more so than over in Lloret!

Live Web Cam - Lloret de Mar

Today at appox 5pm local time (4pm UK time) is when the 3 Kings arrive in Lloret town centre. The streets are usually lined with children eagerly waiting their arrival as it is tonight when Spanish children get their Christmas presents. Tomorrow 6th Jan is the Day of the Kings. So all the kids in Spain will be up very early to see what the 3 Wise Men have brought them! I have put in a link for a webcam which may show part of the parade...
In the distance at the end of the rocks, it is just possible to make out the castle which is Lloret's best know land mark.
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Since writing this post the said camera has since been disabled but you can still view live images from the Fenals area of Lloret from our very own LIVE  web cam CLICK HERE

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