Volvo Ocean Race 2014- 2015

Volvo Ocean Race ( formerly Whitbread Round the World Race)  is a yacht race around the world. Headquarter is in Alicante and owner is a company Volvo from Netherlands. This race takes place every three years. Next competition will be from October 2014 till June 2015.

  

They will start from Alicante and the finish will be in Gothenburg. It will be the longest route- 39,895 nautical miles. Yachts will pass ports in  Dubai, Auckland, Lisbon and many others.

Crews can not take fresh food on the board and have only one change of clothes. Temperature is from -5 to +40 degrees Celsius.

From 2001 the stopovers are in Germany, France and Sweden because of Volvo company.





  Only for brave people

There is Museo Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante. Next time I will write something about this.

Phenomenon of Botellón

 Botellón is a Spanish way to spend nighttime. The name comes from word botella which means big bottle. During this night young people drink alcohol on the street, squares, listen to the music and talk to each other.



Spanish buy alcohol in supermarkets. There are plenty of shops which sale ice cube for them as well. Everybody knows this kind of place in their city. So they meet without arranging. They usually spend there time from 11pm till 3am and later go to the clubs.
This customs comes from Andalusia but students from Extremadura make it more common in the '90s.
Most of the participants are men but every year come more girls. The most popular drink is beer, mixed drinks and calimocho. The less common is wine and cider. They also smoke cigarettes and cannabis.

Opponents of botellón talk about bad sides of effect. Major problems are: noise, vandalism and health issues. 

Some locals governments set special area for this entertainment.  In Granada is square which capacity is 20,000 people. In Alicante is a square on a pier.

Some of online botellón were reported having half million of users e.g. macro-botellón which happened on March 17, 2006.

San Fermín

I like Spanish festivals because are very exuberant and many people from abroad come to take part in them. Even one million tourists come to see them. One of that festivals is San Fermín from Pamplona in Nevarra. It is a catholic holiday but one of the most important event is the running of the bulls (encierro). 

  Encierro

The festival begins on 6th of June and finish on 14th of June. People wear white clothes with red scarves. After that all bulls die during the corrida which is organized for participants.

Tradition of San Fermín was born in the 14th century. It was connected with the beginning of the summer, sale of cattle in town on the square and holiday in church.



What do you think about Spanish style of life and culture?

Santa Bárbara castle

One of the most popular place in Alicante is Santa Bárbara castle on the Mount Benacantil. It is a fortification from 9th century and significant place for Muslims and Castilians. At the beginning the Arabic name was Banu-IQatil  which comes from word pinna (peak) and laqanti. 

  Castilia conquered it in 1248 and changes name for Santa Barbara (day when castle was conquered by Alfonso of Castile). From XVIII century there was a prison and from 1963 tourists can visit castle and admire Alicante from the pick of the mountain.




   Nowadays you can get there by lift (from the Postiguet) or by walk. There is a wonderful park (Parque de la Ereta) with olive trees.

Equality Parade in Alicante

Last week I saw Equality Parade in Alicante. Many people took part in it. They demonstrated against homophobia. Many Spaniards supported them in their fight about equality.

Visit Tabarca

 I spent nice time on the island Tabarca which is 20 km from Alicante. Wonderful place for people who like quiet places. You can get there by catamaran which leaves Alicante promenade a few times per day. Also you can reach Tabarca from Benidorm and Santa Pola. It is small, astounding island which is visited by tourists every year.

 The island's waters are officially declared a Mediterranean Marine Reserve for their excellent quality and for the biodiversity of their flora and fauna.
  You can enjoy there palm trees, crystal water, beaches and coves.
There is island' museum, restaurants which offer typical dish caldero. If you want you can stay there for  night thanks to the hotels.
So visit Tabarca!

Holiday in Alicante

If you want to spend a nice holiday in Alicante (Spain)  now you have an excellent opportunity. Cosy inexpensive vacations rooms in familiar atmosphere to let for one person or two.
If you want to visit one of the most beautiful city in Spain and enjoy Spanish cuisine and culture you have your chance now. Beautiful beaches, warm sea, sunshine all day long and friendly people are waiting for you!!!

Send email to alicante.vacations@gmail.com and get more information.