We set off for northern Spain at 10.00am. As we expected, SatNav directed us up the A45 which was the start of our usual route. However, the signs started to tell us we were getting closer and closer to Seville. I checked the shadows of the traffic and sure enough we were heading west. Eventually we actually drove into part of Seville on normal unban roads which led to another motorway. We then turned north and headed towards our intermediate destination of Trujillo and its Parador.
Trujillo is an ancient town in a great defensive position on a hillside. SatNav took us right to the door! We checked in and were taken to our room which was their accessible room on level 1. However we had come in on Level 2 and I got lost, trying to find my way back out to get the luggage! The parking was on the old cobbled street outside. That night we ordered cod in the restaurant hoping it would taste better than at home. It did not but it was pleasant enough. I can't remember what I had as a dessert but Pauline chose mango sorbet in yoghurt with sesame seeds and loved it.
Next morning we had breakfast and then left for Santander. When I started the car there was a warning that brake fluid was very low. I consulted SatNav for the nearest filling station and went there. before I went in I input brake fluid into the translator and got it in Spanish. I could not find brake fluid. I asked the assistant and she looked but could not find it either. I went back to the car and started keying in to SatNav to locate the next nearest filling station. As I did this the assistant came out, holding a container of brake fluid and saved the day!!!
It was then a journey of about five and a half hours to Santander. When we arrived we found that the restaurant in the hotel was closed to us. Thankfully the receptionist was Beatriz who speaks good English. She tried to help us find an alternative but every one was closed - it was Sunday! We ended up eating crisps and chocolates to avoid empty stomachs. Of the three receptionists, Beatriz and Sonia speak good English, but our favourite, Marisa speaks no English at all. But she is brilliant at body language that makes you fall about laughing. The manager said Marisa had worked with her for 25 years and never learned English. But we love her.
Next morning we had breakfast but, this time, did not drive to Comillas for a short break before parking up for the ferry. We had planned, as in other years, to go there but it was raining steadily. So we went down early to the port. We boarded the ferry and I then waited 2 hours in a queue to book a table in the A La Carte restaurant. Luckily I had a large beer in my hand which got lighter as time passed!
Our meal was for 8.30pm and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The main course was Monkfish and it was lovely. The meals here are to die for. We washed it all down with a nice Sancerre white wine.
Next morning we were very late rising and didn't get breakfast till after 11.00am. It worked well as it meant we didn't have to get any more food before we disembarked. We came in to Portsmouth 15 minutes late and getting off the ship was amazingly slow. Then we had the customary delays at Border Control. 4.00pm saw us setting off for Solihull where we were to stay the night with my cousin and his wife. We always enjoy getting together with Brian and Heather. 9.00am saw us leave for home. How good it was to arrive back home with a wonderful holiday behind us. We hope to go back in 2018.
