Caldera, Caliente

!Hola!

We're still in Spain...and loving it. I think so far I prefer the Italian countryside as there are so many lovely towns, villages and hamlets there. Here places seem more spread out and newer. Development has been so rapid recently there are construction sites everywhere. New hotels, appartments and offices going up all over the place. I counted 11 cranes coming into Murcia 2 days ago. Oh yes, were in Murcia a town about 30 Km from the sea. We came here to visit my Uncle John Roff.We had a very relaxing time in Torrevieja at Jardin Del Mar V. Jardin we've found out said with a big hoick, hhhhchardin (sounds like Arabic to me!) I don't know if this is a hang over from the times when the Spain was part of the Arab empire (Moors).

We went swimming each day either at the pool by the complex or in the Mediterranean. The sea was really warm. I stayed in for a couple of hours floating and playing with the kids and trying to catch fish for Henry. It was a good cool down after much crazy time. Hen has got a lot more confident. He didn't like putting his head in the water before but at the end of this he was diving under and holding his breath swimming under me.

Henry got to go on a submarine in the harbour with Wendy one day. I was dissapointed I couldn't go on but there was a height restriction and Bella was under it ( much crying), so I stayed with her and we counted fish.

We've been searching out Menu del Dia here. Basically a set menu of traditional food. First course, second course. bread, wine, desert and coffee all included for 8 - 10 Euros it seems. We've tried it 4 times now and it has been great. Really good value. After that for lunch who needs dinner. Paella, said "Pie ay a".

Caldera is it seems a cauldron of Paella. Beautiful. Only just had it and am sitting here watching BBC TV feeling stuffed. Must go for a big swim tomorrow!