A Visit to The Spanish Chapter

Last Wednesday we went to Spain to visit the Spanish branch of the family. First we stayed at Nana Bar and Grandpa Alan's house, then on to Papa's new apartment.

On Wednesday morning we took a bus, then a tube, then a train, then a plane. Quite a journey for a little chap of 17 months. Sam was understandably getting a bit wriggly towards the end of the flight, and he was really ready for a nap when we finally got to Nana Bar's house.

On Thursday it was 'Three Kings' day in Spain, which is a high holy day and everything is shut for the day. As there was nowhere to go, we stayed in and received guests instead. We met some of Nana Bar's friends: Liz and David and Barbara and Tony. Many thanks for the super gifts for Sam. He will definitely grow into them ! Later on, we popped out to the local playground and had a go on the swings and slide.

The next day, Friday, we had a visit from some more of Nana Bar's friends - Mel & Merle and Claire & Leslie. Thanks again for all of Sam's gifts. They are much appreciated ! Lunch was spent in Torrevieja (the nearest large town) where Sam had a mini paddle in the sea and had a little go walking on the sand. Of course he loved it.

After a delicious coffee and croissant at the Cafe Mediterranee, we headed back home. Later on we stopped off at the playground again for a spot of swinging and sliding.

Saturday was handover day. We spent the morning with Nana Bar and Grandpa Alan and had a lovely lunch at the '222' Italian restaurant. Sam stuffed his face with meat balls, chips, gnocci and ice cream. What a hungry boy !

Then it was time to visit Papa and so we headed south for a few kilometres to the secret rendezvous for the handover. We arrived back at Papa's new apartment and Sam immediately invented a new game of Inside, Outside.

Sunday we went to the lovely beach at Campoamor where Sam did some serious paddling. Trousers rolled up and everything !

Here we are arriving at the beach.

Here is Sam getting used to how it feels to walk on the sand. Do you think he is trying to imitate a crab ? He's pretty good at the sideways shuffle !

Here is Sam getting down to the serious business of splishy-splashy.

After the excitement of the beach we had a nice lunch on the terrace of the club house at Papa's golf club. We walked it off on the hilly route back to the apartment and Sam continued the game of Inside/Outside on the balcony.

Monday was a shopping day. We did some research and found a Mothercare in Murcia, which is about an hour away. So we went there and got a new car seat and a few bits and pieces. After we got back we took Sam for a walk to the playground near to the club house. There we found a climbing frame, slide, big swings and a see-saw. It was perhaps a bit too old for Sam, so we didn't stay for too long. Anyway it was getting late and the sun was going down as we arrived back at the apartment.

Tuesday was our last day and we spent the morning rushing round, packing and checking that nothing was left behind. We got to the airport in good time and checked-in quickly. Sam was very wriggly on the flight and found it hard to sleep or relax. Two and a half hours later we arrived at lovely Luton where we got a train, tube and bus back home.

The travelling was quite tiring for all of us, but it really was great to see Nana Bar, Grandpa Alan and Papa, which makes it all worthwhile. Thanks for making us so welcome and we can't wait to see you again soon !