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.
And with no madrileños on the streets you can drive without fear... :)
ReplyDeleteDear Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI have been going on holidays to Alicante for the last 13 years and sometimes during Christmas. I am now decided to live permanently in Alicante but I must admit, I have seen Playa de San Juan out of season and it seems like a ghost town. Do you know if Activity such as Yoga at the beach are available in low season?
Kind regards
Mariela
Hi Mariela
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you are moving to Alicante. As you can probably see from my blog, there are things to do all year round here due to the mild winter. But as with the winter period in any place in the northern hemisphere some people prefer to do less outdoor activities and hibernate!
The Playa de San Juan is a residential suburb of Alicante city and you will find people living there all year round. But it grew as an urbanisation of holiday apartments for some Alicantinos and many Madrileños (people from Madrid), so it does empty quite a bit in winter.
I have friends who play beach volley all year round on the Playa de San Juan and anyway its always open if you want to go for a jog on the sand or go rollerblading or cycling on the promenade.
If its specifically yoga you are looking to do there are a variety of yoga centres or gyms that offer yoga classes in Alicante and Playa de San Juan, but they are most likely indoors. People are always looking to try different things over here so maybe you could start your own yoga group on the beach or in a park.
I hope all goes well for your move over. You will enjoy it here I am sure. But if you want to know anything else contact me any time and I hope I can help.