What an amazing Saturday! CIEE planned a great trip for everyone. We met in the plaza a little before ten and took a bus ride into the mountains. The view was amazing. From so high up you can see all the way to the coast. It would have been even more beautiful if it wasn’t so overcast, but it was nothing to complain about. The purpose of the trip was to explore a cave. It was really interesting because it was as if we were underwater. I didn’t know that caves are sort of like a living organism, slowing growing a miniscule amount everyday. We weren’t even allowed to touch the beautiful walls around us because it would stop them from growing- practically killing it!
Afterwards, we drove a bit further to a small town that’s seriously has been there forever. The bad thing was, it was pouring down rain. I looked at the weather forecast and the night before and they said there was a 30% chance. Stupidly I didn’t think twice about it. It’s been so beautiful these past few days and it hardly ever rains so I figured it was just wishful thinking. But nope. It was a downpour. Most people would use that as an excuse to have a miserable time. But I think it’s more memorable when things don’t go as expected.
We toured a reconstructed old home that was owned by a noble family named the Curiosidades. It was huge! I think there were four floor. The back of the house overlooked a reservoir and a valley with cascading steps that grew olive trees. Even more beautiful was climbing up to see the graveyard. The view was too beautiful to be captured by a camera. The photos I took don’t do it justice.
After exploring the little town a bit, we got on the bus again to San Juan. By this time, the weather had actually cleared up. It’s a good thing to because it was our first time on the beach. But the real purpose of the trip was a little place next to the beach called Valor Chocolate. And O-my-lord I was in heaven. We sit down and they place this plate stacked with churros and with that, a tea cup filled with hot, liquid dark chocolate. Pure magic. It wasn’t too sweet but it was rich and thick. The churros themselves were yummy fried deliciousness. Cripsy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside. I’m not ashamed to say my four friends and I were able to take down almost the entire plate. I definitely have found my kind of people here.
After a quick photo-op and getting my feet soaked, we returned to our wonderful city. Being Saturday night, we went out to the Barrio. I think Mirebel must have thought it strange I hadn’t gone out before because she seemed adamant about me going. Alicante has a great nightlife. I had a fantastic time and am thankful I’ve made such great friends.
Today’s Sunday and I’m spending the day sitting on the couch with Mirebel. For lunch she made me fried pork and potatoes fritas… the woman is good.
