San Juan was on the 23rd June, the first weekend back after my extended stay in England. San Juan is party time, and the Spanish like to party! All weekend, the beaches are taken over by revellers who pitch up tents and party. They start from Thursday and stay until the sun goes down on Sunday. The tents range from the professional campers equipment, to the throw a few sticks up, a canvas sheet and prey it doesn't get blown away.
Camping on the beach.
We had a walk along the beach of Penocillo. Normally, a deserted stretch of beach from the near the Hotel Monica, to the Playa De Nerja hotel, near Punta Lara. However it was jam packed. Apparently it has grown due to the locals getting fed up of the rules and regulations imposed on them at Burriana beach.
Monica and the Guy.
One of the traditions of San Juan is to set fire to a "Guy" and fireworks. Were have I seen this before? It seems that many traditions here have an equivalent back in England. San Juan = Guy Fawkes. San Isidro = Whit Friday. Another tradition is to have a midnight bathe in the sea. We were up for it. Although I had my doubts about Monica when she complained about the sea being "too cold". Its not going to get any warmer!
The Med looking a bit rough.
We search in vain for Paco and his friends. They too had pitched up a tent and were camping out all weekend. We were invited for beer and bbq. However, in typical Spanish style, the directions were not up to much. "Walk along the beach and you will find us. No we didn't!
For the night we headed for Burriana and camped out at Copacabana's. Not ready for this camping lark yet, I still need a little bit of luxury. As it was a party we decided to sample the cocktails on offer. I went for the "Cosmopolitan", Monica with the Mojito. The Mojito was too minty for my taste but Monica loved it.
Cocktails at Copacabana's.
We were too comfortable with our cocktails. Our usual stroll on the beach was postponed. We watched the fireworks from the bar. However, we had vowed to take part in the traditional midnight swim. At the waters edge the sea was unusually quiet. Most of the revellers had already had their dip and were warming themselves near the bonfires. Monica decided that wetting her toes was enough. Not for me. Stripped down to my Speedos and run for it. I have never been so cold in all my life. It took my breathe away. I managed to stay in a minute or two before bailing out. Once out of the water I felt invigorated. Definitely do it again next year. Maybe nearer to 12 though. The more people in might warm it up a little.
We wandered over to the council tent for the free beer and sardines. Typical of our luck that they had ran out completely when we were third in the queue. Back to Copacabana's then to warm up and have the last beer of the night.
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