However, living in a city which is a tourist destination, with the lovely, mild climate that Alicante offers is like being permanently on holiday... sort of. We are usually in t-shirts until November time and although the sea and the swimming pools are a little chilly to go for a dip in after mid September, the afternoons are still very warm.
It is always so noticeable after the last weekend of August, when the holiday-makers from Madrid leave their summer apartments, the Playa de San Juan feels a little more empty. The city, however, is buzzing still. Just walking through the streets today, I heard many different accents of people from other countries. Soon, the University of Alicante will start its new term and there will be an influx of young people that help keep the social scene alive.
People are usually going 'back to...' something in September. But for the millions of unemployed here in Spain it's unfortunately just 'business as usual'.
Lagarto in da house!
I've had my annual visit from the lizard. I see it a few times during the summer hanging around my plant pots on the terrace and running up the walls. But I got a good look at him yesterday, with his little slitty eyes and alligator-style body.
For me, the lagartos (lizards) are not scary at all. This one is only about 12cm long from head to tail. He blends in with the colour of my tiles and wall. But they are quite common over here and I have seen ones with black spots or more green ones. I don't know if he is the same one I see each year or a different one - I doubt that they live for a long time.
I don't have any pets so he is the next best thing. I think I'll call him Lenny.
