We had a great weekend!
Now it's February!
The days are longer and brighter and it's great to see daylight at seven o'clock in the evening. Spring isn't far away. As usual late in the winter, we're having some rain, but most of it has fallen at night. If you need an umbrella, any of the Moroccan or Chinese shops in the new town will oblige, or you can get one from the Plazuela Bazaar.
Yesterday's Rastro took place in bright sunshine and the streets were packed. Now we see Vejer beginning to open its eyes and look forward to some events later this month.
Our chirigotas (carnival singers) are rehearsing every day, but Easter will be late this year so Carnival doesn't happen until the second week of March. I'll be writing a special blog about Carnival nearer the time.
The big story in February is the Sunshine Tour. This six-week international equestrian event takes place at Montenmedio, a park and hotel complex about 7 kilometres from Vejer on the N340/E5 towards Tarifa.
The Sunshine tour begins on February 11th and continues until March 23rd. Spectators are welcome at no charge and the timetable is included on the tour website. Many participants choose to stay in Vejer and we soon get used to seeing these equestrian enthusiasts around the town.
Ready for this influx of hungry people, three of our cosmopolitan restaurants are re-opening after their winter break.
The famous Jardin del Califa (Plaza de España) serves 'excellent Moroccan-inspired dishes' as one reviewer put it, in a poetic garden setting. Everything about 'the Califa', as we call it, is romantic, from the Baroque entrance to the flowery exit on Silla Vieja. Open every day for lunch and dinner.
From Friday February 8th, El Café Central (Teniente Castrillón 5) will be open for meals, tapas and delicious cakes and ice-creams. This restaurant, ascending the steps between Juan Bueno and Nuestra Señora de la Oliva, is extremely popular with Vejeriegos and visitors alike. Open all day until late: closed on Mondays.
La Morita (San Filmo 8, on the San Francisco square) is a pizza and pasta restaurant which is extremely popular winter and summer. There are only a few tables inside, so try to get there before 9 pm and avoid the one by the door. Open every evening from 8.
I can't finish without mentioning the friendly little Meson El Kundi café (Los Remedios 49) opposite the tourist office. Open at 7 a.m. every day, this welcoming establishment is the first place in town to open its doors to the public, and a real life-saver if you arrive early in the morning. You can get a steaming cup of coffee, a traditional breakfast and a quiet space to read the paper. Closes at noon on Mondays.
Please refer to my earlier blogs for more information on cafes and restaurants in Vejer this winter.
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