Tag Archives: Spain

The Long Road Travelled

It’s 6.45am and the alarm is already ringing! What’s happening? There’s only one 6.45 in the day and this isn’t it! We need to set off early from the hotel in Murcia because we need to be in Peniscola for lunchtime.

None of us slept well – the food in the restaurant gave us indigestion, the group of teenaage football players were having a party in the corridor outside the room until 3am and another dog in the room opposite was barking at the slightest noise. Overall not a good stay and we are all feeling exhausted before we even start.

The road is long and boring – not like the day before. Another 400km to go and it passes through a valley the entire way sandwiched between mountains on the coast and mountains on the countryside. There’s not much to see – a few run down service areas that remind me of Mexico that you see in the films and the odd castle perched high on mountains. I think I’ll have a sleep … again!

Castles to see on the long road

Finally we reach the town. Peniscola is a lovely seaside resort on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea on the Costa del Azahar about half way between Valencia and Barcelona. There has been a settlement here for hundreds of years and the old town sits on top of a rocky peninsula that towers above the sea, fortified by centuries old walls. We’re planning a visit soon so I can tell youmore about it then.

First glimpse of Peniscola

Our apartment for the next six weeks is right on the beach. It’s large and bright with a nice terrace from where you can see the sea. There are sand dunes, boardwalks and long flat promenades all immediately outside the flat. I’m going to like it here!

Yippee! Sandy beach!

But for now it’s time for a big rest. The journey was long and we all need to detox after the trip, COVID and everything else that’s happened in the last few years! Time for a snooze …..again!

Little stroll before a snooze

Let’s Get Ready to Roll!

Wow! What a couple of years that’s been! Births, deaths, marriages (well postponed due to COVID!), COVID, assorted illnesses, moving house (several times!), moving countries… need I go on?

I think it’s time to have a rest, see something new, have an adventure … and in just 6 days time we’re going to be off on one.

But before we get started, let me tell you something about myself. My name is PG, I’m 6 years old and I don’t need a governess! (I heard that once in a film and always wanted to say it!)

Me with my Dads – Ken and Neil

Originally I’m from Hungary and I have lived with my two Dads – Neil and Ken – since I was 8 weeks old. I had 9 brothers and sisters – my brother Frankie and sister Zsofi still live in the village where we grew up.

My Dads ran an English tearoom and I’m called PG because they said my colour is like a cup of English tea. When I get told off they still call me by my full name – PG tips! I used to help them in the tearoom by greeting the guests and sometimes when they made our special dog treats, I was the official taster! How lucky was I!

Unfortunately things changed in Hungary and the new goverment hated everyone who was different. Dad said it wasn’t safe for us all to live there anymore and we had to move away. I was very sad because I had to leave my brother and sister and our lovely tearoom. We had a great adventure travelling all the way to Spain for our new life. Things have been tough here but it’s safer for us all and people don’t make judgements about who you are. I like that because no-one is perfect and it’s who you are on the inside that matters.

We now live in a little whitewashed village about an hour from the seaside. It is surrounded by olive groves and I go for walks in them everyday. It’s very peaceful here. I have made some new friends. Lily lives just a few houses away. She is only 5 months old and although Ilike to see her, she wants to play all the time when I want to sleep! Annoying much! I also have friends in the farm and I enjoy seeing them too. We like to walk in the olives together but there are a couple of farm dogs that are a bit grouchy and I try to avoid them.

A springtime walk

Our big adventure starts on Friday. We’re going to a place that’s called the Costa del Azahar between Valencia and Tarragona. I don’t know where it is but it sounds exciting. It’s a long way because it will take two days to get there. I love going in the car so I am so excited. I’ve already done my packing – food bowl : check, water bowl : check, food : check, snacks : check, super comfy blanket : check, chewy toy : check, squeaky toy : Dad says no! Now I just need to make sure everyone else is ready in time!

Why can’t I take my squeaky toy?

While we are away I’ll be telling you about some of the exciting places we are going to visit and what we do. I’ll be giving you my honest opinion and grading each place with tail wags between 1 and 5 – 1 will be the least waggy score and 5 will be windmill tail so if you ever visit you will know what to expect for your furry friend too. I’m not writing everyday because the keyboard hurts my paws but keep an eye on what we are doing by following our adventures.

Remember only 6 days to go! As we say in Spain “Hasta Friday!”

Licks from me – PG