Longsands Beach, Tynemouth

There's something for anyone happy to entertain themselves on a beach at Longsands.

[Image description: view of the beach at time of writing;

from live-cam, © & courtesy tynemouth.org.uk]

Parking is very limited here. The pathway and roadway from the road to the beach and beach-café is very steep. If one cannot park near the bottom, I would not want to be wheeled down in my wheelchair and I certainly could not self-wheel down the steep gradient.

We were lucky to stake claim to a parking-slot. My chum & I sat on the verandah of the beach-café and observed my companion teaching and helping her son fly a kite. That kept them occupied for a good hour. Occasionally needing to avoid the one other kite-flyer.

There are rocks to explore and plenty of golden sand for castle-construction. Many locals use this particular stretch of sea for surfing. Others play soccer matches in livery or simple kick-about in casual clothing. Still others just stroll from one end to t'other some with dogs by their sides. There were lots and lots of folk using the beach for one thing or another the day I visited, despite a cold wind blowing onshore.

Looking forward to returning. I know the lad wants to fly his kite again. %)

Grey Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Georgian Elegance. Sophisticated Shopping. Fine Dining.

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[Image description: the honey-coloured stone façades; © & courtesy FreeFoto]

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Grey Street street gently curves down-/up-wards, so even mobility-impaired me can hobble down/up it. Every time I have done so it has been a day not unlike the photograph: blue sky, wispy clouds and a chill in the air or a cool breeze. I always feel at some point in my descent/ascent that I am in some Georgian or Regency novel. This is not an area for discount stores or bargain-hunters, one has to pay for the high-end clothing or haute cuisine.

Worth strolling along even if one's purse does not permit any spending here. Maybe even daydream being in an Austen or Brontë novel. ;)

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Pizza in the Pueblo - Restaurante El Parador: Review

Unless one arrives on a hot day or night, when folk spread across the terrace into the Benalmádena Pueblo's main square in front of the restaurant, one might never realise that there is a delightful Italian restaurant behind the ostensibly men's bar that fronts Restaurante El Parador. We were introduced by a friend about a decade ago, being advised that they serve the best pizzas on the Costa del Sol. This is probably very much near the truth, for if there is a better pizzeria, I have yet to find it.

[Image description: artichoke, ham, mushroom & egg pizza]

[Image description: spicy beef pizza]

[Image description: pizzas, wine, olives & bread snacks in situ]

[Image description: my companion pretending he cannot eat any more;

do not be fooled, he ate the lot!]

After the filling repast, a post-prandial stroll around the village is de rigeur. Whilst El Parador could not be described as a quiet, romantic venue - it is a spot in which to be seen and to people-watch - meanwhile, the village of a night-time offers plenty of tranquil corners for lovers to hold hands and embrace…

The following photographs are of walking towards and the actual Jardines del Muro at night-time.