Hola Martha,

welcome to the forum from us also. We live in Xabia/Javea up by the pueblo, been here three years now.

We go through Xalo just about every Sunday, on our way to the mountains surrounding Castell de Castells, for a bit of exploring in our Jeep Wrangler. It sure is nice up in the Valley, you are very lucky to be living up there. We noticed last week that all the almond trees are just about to blossom out, which will make for some nice colour in the landscape photos we seem to be accumulating.

Benissa eh? I must admit to being a transit viewer as we pass through on our way, it does seem a little dismal but I am sure it does have good points!!

My wife is Spanish, 30 years as a teacher in Madrid. I´m originally from Scotland, but emigrated to Florida back in the 70´s and another lifetime ago, construction was my game.

We´ll give you a wave as we pass through this weekend!!

Robyn and Richard

Thanks, that's really sweet of you Not sure about being an hour away from Calpe though....whenever we set off anywhere in Spain we take the 'scenic route' (that's driving round in a loop and usually two or three times round any roundabouts to make sure we find the correct turning) Maybe we will understand the roads better when we are living there

As with many of these places, if you actually stop and look around they suprise you. Benissa is quite pretty in the town with a nice square and pretty streets.

Much the same as Altea, which we drove through many many times before discovering its hidden charm. Oliva is the same ... main street (N332) is horrible, but theres an old town nestled away behind it.

Buenas firtreesix and thank you too for the welcome

I love Javea, especially in the summertime, strolling on the arenal with all the stalls lined up at the promenade! Michael also has some artwork at the Studio 5 gallery across the road from the church in the old town.

The only problem with Jalon is that we always have 3 degrees colder weather than the coast in the winter and 3 degrees hotter weather in the summer. Other than that it's a great place to live. Next time you're going to be in the area, give us a shout and if we're in we could share experiences over a cup of coffee/tea

Michael and I love driving around and getting lost too.....it's the only way to travel and discovery new territory

You think the same way.....I always say "Never mind...we wouldn't be seeing this or that if we hadn't taken this turn"

Scenic Route - It's the only way to travel, OH only knows one route -SCENIC.

It can take up two hours to go to the DIY shop and it is only 2K from our house. We never go out without a bottle of water because a five minute nipping to the shop could be an all day outing.

Nice to know it isn't only us then :lol