Full article with photos in the September Newsletter
Paul and Jan Leniston in 2006
In March 2006 we retired and moved to Spain. As we settled in we started to explore this part of Spain, which we had never visited before. Six months later the U3A was formed, we attended the first meeting and became members 8 and 9. Our main reason for joining the group was to take advantage of the Travel opportunities.
Granada - May 2007
Coffee break during walking tour of Moorish quarter
Our first experience was a four day coach trip to Granada, which included a visit to a cave house, walking tour of the Moorish quarter, coach trip in the Nevada mountains and a full day exploring the Alhambra. Our hotel was directly opposite the Alhambra and within easy walking distance of the city centre. It was very popular as it was one of the first coach trips organised by the U3A and if I remember correctly there were two full coach’s.
Seville May - 2010
Walking tour of city centre
Our second holiday was a four day visit to Seville. This included a walking tour of the city, a day trip to Jerez to see the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art plus one of their famous sherry cellars, and a day trip to Cadiz. It was only four days, but it seemed a lot more.
Orihuela - November 2011
The cathedral
This was our first day trip with the U3A. It left Jalon about 0900 and returned about 1800 and we had a very full day. It started with a walking tour of the city, led by an excellent guide called Mateo. He transformed what could have been a boring cultural tour into a fascinating and informative visit. We had a break for a menu del dia in a local restaurant before continuing our tour in the afternoon. A very memorable day.
Xativa – February 2012
Landtrain to Castle
Our second day trip was to Xativa, famous as the birthplace of the Borgia popes. A landtrain took us up the steep slope to the castle overlooking the town. We spent most of the day exploring the well preserved walls with extensive views of the surrounding area.
Villena – March 2012
Guided tour of the castle
Our next day trip was to Villena, on the border of Alicante and Murcia. Once more the castle was the focus of our visit, and again we were fortunate to have a very good guide.
Valencia Oceanografic – April 2012
Waiting for the coach at the end of a busy day
Our first visit to Oceanografic, but not the U3A for this popular trip. Lots to see and do, not least a display by the dolphians. Very quiet coach on the journey back to Jalon, with many of the passengers dozing after an energetic day.
Madrid – October 2012
Coffee break in Plaza Major
This four day visit to Madrid was our first to the city. But it also included day trips to Sergovia, Salamanca and Toledo, all within an hour’s drive of our hotel. Two half days in Madrid allowed us to visit the highlights.
Cocentaina – November 2012
Open air theatre with very basic seating
It was an early start to visit the world famous medieval fair. We expected something like the Jalon rastro, but it was huge, the previous year there were 530,000 visitors over four days. We soon became separated from the group and spent a great day wandering around the fair, which covers all of the town.
Mojacar – Februry 2015
Fort Apache wild west theme park
This four day trip was based in Mojacar, but included a visits to Cartagena, the Aguilas carnival, Murcia and Fort Apache (our favourite) wild west theme park.
Sagunto – April 2016
The Roman Theatre
Our last coach trip with the U3A was a day visit to Sangunto. A beautiful city with a kilometre long castle, a well preserved Roman Theatre and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. But the highlight was when we had a break in the Roman Theatre (see photo) and Sandra sang a Beatles song to demonstrate how good the acoustics were.
We have visited many other cities and towns both on our own and on non U3A coach trips, but we will always have fond memories of our early exploration of Spain in company with so many new friends of the U3A