Three weeks n where did it go eh ???

[Mick]

Hello all.
Just arrived back in the UK after three fantastic weeks on my fave place on the planet.
Firstly, I must say, I flew with Easyjet from Liverpool this time around, and would have no hesitation
in using both Liverpool airport and Easyjet again. Full credit where it's deserved.
Anyhow, on with the hol.
Arrived 15th Dec to a wonderful 28 degrees, and this time I stayed with my friends Danielle (from the Galleon) and Dave, Danni's fiance;
they got engaged on Christmas day, God bless em...... Ellz, call into the Galleon one day n have a look at the ring....its an absolute DOOOOOZER....
First day out was crimbo shopping with Danielle, where, I must add, we didn't do a great deal of shopping (well, at least I didn't) we ended up at the Sunset Grill on the harbour for a bite to eat and a gallon of Sangria (Danni's idea, not mine  )..... then more vino back at La Casa Danielle !! A good day in my book
First night out was The Galleon Christmas do. Started at La Brisa restaurant on the Strip (food n service second to none) and finished
the night at the American Indian Cafe, where we all rocked n rolled till the wee hours. The band were superb, and did a great tribute to
Queen part way through the night (no idea what time we got home) 
2nd night out was a birthday party up in Tias (Dannielle's best friends son).......Mid way through the second week we went back again coz it was friends mothers 60th !! Two great nights, with great people
A few days on the beach were followed by Christmas Day. Dave's family were arriving, and I had the task of preparing crimbo dinner for
15 people !! OMG.  Fortunately it went exactly to plan. with the exception of me panicking like hell at the last minute, thinking that there wasn't enough food !! NOT ENOUGH FOOD eh....... There was enough to feed half of PDC let alone 15 people 
Boxing Day; Danielle's mum n dad arrived, so, after the beach n a quick shower, it was off for a few drinks, then up to Puerto Bahia on the harbour for a fantastic meal. For main we all had sea bass in rock salt, which, as ever, was delicious. A good few drinkypoos at The Inn Place later saw the night off in style.
Another night out was spent; in-between drinks, at the Lanni's restaurant up towards Burger King on the Strip. I know that the Lanni's chain have had some bad reviews, but in all honesty we had a fantastic meal..... I had the shoulder of lamb, and to be truthful, I couldn't finish it as it was tooooooo big.... Honest.
In-between arriving and up to this point, I did my little trundle to some of my favourite watering holes; Spenders (I called in twice John, but missed ya mate) but, as ever, the Gnt's were LARRRRRRGE !!  The Spanish Inn to see Demi and his family, Friends Bar, to see Steve n Sue, plus a few others.
One evening mid week saw me and my friend Pete in the Don Rafael Cantina on the Strip. For anyone that hasn't tried this restaurant, give it a go. Food and service was excellent and the wine prices were more than reasonable. I had goats cheese for starters and fillet mignon for main. Pete had the fillets of pork and both were cooked to perfection. 10/10. Finished off in the Galleon with copious amounts of wine for me and John Smiths for Pete.
Another restaurant worth a try for the "Chinese" lovers amongst us, is the new Oriental World on the Strip. Although some of the dishes were a bit pricey, the food was excellent..... Little note !! This place appears to get packed every night of the week, plus a queue outside (be early) to avoid disappointment.
I did notice on my little walkabouts, the two new shops either side of Ruta 66; Funde Grube (spelling) and Mint. Poor old Ruta looks
somewhat out of place now, stuck in the middle of two sparkly new shops ? Ahhh well, Ruta was still packed every night. I did manage to call in and see my old mates Becky and Dee....
I couldn't let the holiday pass without calling into my usual place of residence; Atlantis Las Lomas, to see some of the staff and friends that stay there over Christmas. As was expected, with one friend in particular and his family, we ended up in the Sunset Beach bar....drank God knows how much, and still managed to come second in the music quiz !! Thanks for the hangover Joe 
Another day, I spent with Daniella (the Galleon owners wife....at their house) Daniella wanted some computer lessons, and so we spent the day at their lovely home overlooking Puerto Callero harbour.......
How the hell I crammed all this in on one holiday, I have no idea ??
New years eve...... I was down for "table duties" in the Galleon.... On my way down, I called into a restaurant named
La Palmeral (just up the road opposite Cafe La Ola......opposite the Fayna apts) I had a beautiful prawn cocktail to start, and fillet steak in Oscar sauce (whatever that is.....but it was good) sliced saute potatoes and fresh veg for main...Plus the obligatory GnT... Again...cracking place to eat....
New Years Eve was ace. All the Crimbo/New Year gang were over, and as you can imagine, a good time was had by all.
My last few days were spent mainly recuperating on the beach and in the Galleon. With the exception of the night when Newcastle played Man U. A load of us went up to Linnekars, and, as ya can imagine with the result; 3-0 to the Toon, and Danielle being a Geordie.... I think you can guess how much ale flowed on that particular night !!
Ahhhhh, as ever, I've had a fantastic time.
I can only apologize to the people that I didn't get to see, and a BIG THANKS to those that I did.......

Favourite restaurant (this time around) The Don Rafael Cantina.
Favourite moment; (I txt Silly Gilly about this one) Laying on the beach late one afternoon and fully appreciating a "Lanza" sunset.
Favourite Cafe; The one belonging to the Rocas Blancas Apts, just down from Centro (the cappucino's are to die for)
Favourite beach food; Full spit roast chicken from Mickey Burger; I had one nearly every day !!
Favourite chef; apart from yours truly, it's gotta be Danielle's fiance Dave..... He's a mean dude with the beef stew n crispy dumplings !!
Favourite bar....... They're all ace !!
Favourite person...... Ahhhhhh, you all know who that is....My best friend Danielle.
A MASSIVE THANKS to both you and Dave cocker.......
From yer little lodger xxxxx

Thanks also to everyone on the island for making this, yet again, a holiday I'll never forget.

Love to everyone
See yaw'll soon

Mick xxx

[Bob Cunningham]

Great post Mick and welcome back mate.

[Steve Cash]

great post mate , seems you really enjoyed yourself

[ALIgator]

Welcome back Mick, sounds like you had a great time

[✈ Elle ☀]

So sorry I missed you love! I was going to phone you on the 4th... as I was in PdC... but I didn't have your number on my phone for some incomprehensible reason!

So pleased you had a lovely time babe xxxxxxxxxxx

[smokie]

Fantastic review for lots of places in PdC.
It must please the owners of these places when someone takes the trouble to make recommendations.
Our guests at Villa Azul went from Playa Blanca to Puerto Del Carmen several times to visit Oriental World, I think including Christmas Day and were buzzing about how good it was.
They must be doing something very "right"  over there to get such good reviews and it's always a good sign when it's lots of unconnected people telling us.
Thanks, Mick.

[Mick]

Cheers peeps.
No probs Ellz n Smokie. I know that its been a while since I was over, and YES, even I noticed a few changes in and around PDC; mostly for the better I hasten to add; the new shops look great. The Strip, in all its glory is as splediferous as ever, and the people...I know I've said it before, but they're the most welcoming in the World in my book.
 I did visit other restaurants whilst I was over: some of my old haunts; The Maritoni, which is always great value for money, Chiquito's, La Ponderosa, La Braseria etc, but I've written about these places in previous posts. As I say, although we didn't eat out every night, on the occasions that we did, the food and service was brill. I also found it quite a bit cheaper in general somehow ? Weather this was due to the exchange rate; €1.20 to the £ or if some of the bar/restaurant owners have dropped their prices slightly I haven't a clue.
As for the Oriental World ? They're definitely doing it right. But, and I was only told this on my last night, AND, I don't know if it is true or not. I heard that some of the AI are giving mid week tickets out for the customers to sample a meal at said restaurant at half the normal price ? As I say, I'm not sure if this is correct or just hearsay.
So now its off to Morrisons to fill the fridge up a bit. I'd rather be going to Ropers and Gangas, but there ya go 
I'll send mi moby number over Ellz.
Hope ya have a great time next week with Gill......Ahhhhh I know ya will.
Hoping to get back in April for a weasel week, if not before. Danielle is missing her "mopper upper" at the Galleon !! 
See ya soon
Mick xxx

[richt71]

Hey Mick,
Sounds like you had a great time. Shame I came back to the UK as you arrived. You even went to my neck of the woods - puerto calero!
Interesting hearing your views on how pdc had changed since your last visit. They are definitely trying to put bigger places along the front (shops or restuarants). Interesting about Ruta 66 as it's been struggling recently I'm lead to believe although the owner was showing me his new £80K merc so maybe his other places are doing ok!! 

[Mick]

Hiya Rich
Yea mate, I had a really good time. As always, I never wanted it to end 
r.e. Ruta, I've no idea how they were doing before crimbo ? But they certainly did a roaring trade over the festive period. At about 4am on mew years morning, me and Danielle wobbled walked past and it was absolutely rockin !! It certainly must be a "struggle" only having an £80K Merc eh   

[Celtygirl]

Cool - lovely to hear from you again Mick, but you should have stayed longer to keep SG  in check xxxx

[Josie]

Hi Mick - glad you had a great time.  We did too.  Playa Blanca was definitely busier this Christmas/ New Year than last.  Night time temps were down a bit but everything else was lovely.

[Mick]

Ohhhhhhh Celty........ If only !! Joking apart, it would have been nice if I could have stayed over for Gill's week, but unfortunately I had to get back for work 
Hiya J
I would say that out of the three weeks that I was over, New Year week was the busiest up in PDC. Christmas was still busy, but more with families I would say. Whereas New Year, it appeared that the "booze crew" were in town.
You're certainly right about the evening temps J. Although I didn't wear it every night, I did carry a little fleece with me. Although it was nowhere near as cold as the UK, after a day in the sun, it did feel a tad chilly. Chilly !! I've gotta laugh. I was in the sea every day 

[dixie d]

great post mick as always, happy new year to you dean @ vonn xx

btw may see you in april.

[Mick]

Cheers Dixie
I only wish I could have stayed over for Gills birthday bash !! 

I'll live in hope for April buddy
See ya at the bar 
Love to all up in the NE

Mick

[Celtygirl]

From me too xxx