alicante in april - domingo

Alicante - domingo 3 de abril - 22235 steps

Last sunday we walked to the Palmeraie just outside the city. We spotted this fascinating palm park with lots of tall palms from the taxi, when we arrived on Friday. El Palmeral covers no less than 72000 square meters and was opened in October 1997. I imagined myself in Morocco, even the delicious smell was the same (the lemon trees were in bloom) and we also stumbled upon some beautiful mimosa trees in full bloom!

Breakfast to go on our way to Parque El Palmeral. A nice morning walk of about 5 km.

Tapas lunch at the kiosk in the park, amid the tall palms.

We walked back along the coast towards the city, along the harbor and across the fairground.

More walking in the afternoon, starting with a drink with a view from the 26th floor of Gran Sol. We wanted to climp the hill and visit the colorful houses in Barrio Santa Cruz, that we saw in the distance. So many narrow alleys decorated with greenery, this neighborhood seems to be inhabited only by creative plant lovers. Love love love. From here a beautiful view of the old town as well, now from the other side with Gran Sol in the distance.

And in the evening we had an Italian dinner at Bigoli and talked about this Sunday full of inspiration. Great to see and feel what green does to a city!

going green

Going green.

Soon I will be leaving for Marrakech, to start with the 9th colorful Cool Crochet 'crocholiday'.
Thereafter to interact with nature and the green side of the city with the 3rd Green Gardens workshop.
Also this new workshop season former 'cool crocheteers' are returning, but this time to discover the green treasures of the Red city.

All preparations are in full swing and I could not help myself, to blend a little green into a crochet project (by means of a palmtree pattern in typical Marrakshi colors) and vice versa I made a linen herbarium bag with crochet palm for all GG participants.

Naturally, hotel Chambres d’Amis is our 'base camp' during both workshops. The small hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from the beating heart of old Marrakesh, the Djemaa el-Fna square and the souks. Despite this, it’s as quiet as if you were in the countryside; greenery and birds all over the place. A marvelous green oasis to return to, after a day full of adventures. Right in the middle of the Medina and at the same time far away from it all...

Straw hat - from Place des Epices
Handmade linen palmtree herbarium bag - made by me
Green Tamegroute pottery - from the Medina in Marrakech
Butter knife - gift from Dietske (one of last years 'green gardenista')

palmier

Palmier

During my first lunch at La Famille Marrakech, I fell in love with this handmade palmtree wall hanging.

An unique woolen palm tree, what an appropriate souvenir!

It reminds me of Marrakech in many ways;
... of course both wonderful workshops, when we had lunch at La Famille.
... the adventurous bike ride to the palm grove La Palmaraie.
... a local law in Marrakech, that buildings should not be higher than a palm tree.
... even the high masts throughout the city are masked like palm trees.
... the delicious dates, my favorite sweets