First come first served

As our departure date nears we became increasingly anxious that the Pajaritos, our favourite bar, would not reopen before we left as Fernando had gone travelling in South America. We drew a blank last night, so imagine our delight when we arrived just after eight this evening to find two blokes already queuing outside, and sounds of activity within. We all waited patiently, and by the time the bolt was drawn at 8:30, there were enough people on the steps outside to fill all the tables and the seats at the bar instantly. Standing room only. I'm pretty sure this is the only bar in Almuñecar where people arrive early to be sure of getting a seat (it is very small). And such is the efficiency of the three staff (Fernando at the bar, wife and daughter in the kitchen) that within ten minutes of opening everyone had been served drinks and the obligatory first tapa of piping hot fried hake (blip).

We had two drinks with accompanying tapas and a ración of puntillas (small squid, complete with ink sacs, floured and quickly fried). Bill: just over 22 euros. We completed dinner with ice cream from the shop on the square.

By another happy chance, as we walked back to the car we bumped into R and D, whom we haven't seen at all in the four months we've been here. We did know from mutual friends that R had been spending most of her time in the UK due to her ageing parents' need for care. We spent a good 15 minutes standing in the street catching up on their news, and were really pleased to have seen them before we go.

In other news, we've had not one but two beach days. Yesterday was near perfect -- windless, with sea like glass. S snorkelled with the full-face mask I gave him for his birthday. I had a briefer swim ... brrr! Even without the snorkel I could see loads of fish darting around, more than I've seen here before. Today was windy, with splashy waves ... I stayed on the beach and didn't even take my clothes off. And for only the second time since we've been here, on the way down we saw a cabramontes (extra) -- we used to see them quite regularly on this road.