"Our Very First One Night Stand”This started, it must be admitted, as a Mystery tour. It stayed that way all the time – which didn’t diminish the joy of being on the first of what it is hoped of many “one night stands”.
The first port of call was the Archena Spa – a new experience for most of the party but one which they all enjoyed thoroughly. As in Ibiza the rain stopped at the entrance to the Spa. So the sturdy ones went ahead with their plans to swim. Hats were essential - some of the men tried to get away with gorgeous shower caps. They did look so lovely.!!!! And then the sun came out. There was no need for towels for drying oneself. What a lazy lot we were!
Into the coach and down to the coast. The heavens opened again around Lorca (which could have been a port of call) but the skies cleared by the time we reached Aguilas – famous for eagles and tortoises, and a lovely beach front but a dreadful interior. It’s amazing what you see when no-one knows which road to take to where!
Again all worked in our favour. The mountain drive from Alguilas to Puerto Marazón and our gorgeous hotel was memorable. Pity for Manola our friendly driver; but joy for us. The Hotel Bahia is now listed as a favourite. Cartagena deserves more attention that we could give it. It really does. The Tourist Office admitted they are not yet fully geared up tourist wise, but its history from before and after the Pünic Wars, Hanabel and all that, its development of the submarine, the Castle, the mansions, the front – everything, even including the shops if there had been time to look, tokened delight. Another must “go to again” on our list. For the future.
