Life and living in Southern Spain by David Robson.

The adventure begins - 8

The next day dawned bright and sunny.

After a nice breakfast at the hotel, we decide to at least give the town a quick look over before heading east toward Almeria.

We were transfixed.

Up to date, apart from Alhaurin, most of the towns either lacked character, or were very British - "kiss me quick hats",  bars serving draft Guinness with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, whilst bombarding you with some 3rd division soccer match via a wide screen TV.

This was different.  This was Spain.

In fact the first place of note that we came across was the municipal market, which was stocked to the hilt with freshly caught fish, newly killed meat, plus fresh bread and vegetables, and a plethora of exotic spices and herbs - all at very reasonable prices.

The "Mercado Municipale" was throng with early morning Spanish bargain hunters.

These were mainly older, large bosomed Spanish ladies, wrapped up against, what they no doubt thought, was the cold.

They were gathered in groups, clutching their shopping bags and chatting loudly and un-intelligibly.  There was much screeching of laughter and bonhomie.

The sun was shining.  The air was succulent with the salt sea air and the aromas of fresh foods and coffees mingled with herbs and spices.

We fell deeply in love.

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For anyone interested in photos of these travels, and various other. and subsequent jaunts around Spain, - Watch this space for up-coming various links to places as diverse as Motril and Cordoba to Valencia and Seville.