Tuesday, January 03, 2012
SPAIN & BARCELONA KNITTING RETREAT May 22nd-28th
Barcelona
A SPAINISH KNITTING and CROCHETING RETREAT
Costa Blanca and Barcelona May 22-28th
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This trip will appeal to those wanting savor Spain without exhausting yourself in the process. The pace is leisurely, the touring kept to a minumum, and is suitable for those with mobility challenges
Of interest to knitters, crocheters and those seeking respite with a bit of luster via Barcelona.
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Imagine knitting in a Spainish finca, which is the Spainish version of a country estate, in this case, a country estate designed by a fiber artist with fiber lovers in mind. Amal, owner of two lovely promotories overlooking the Costa Blanca in Valencia province, and my soul-sister-friend, welcomes you to her world. Here, the two of us will share creative knitting and crocheting ideas, techniques, tips and cammeraderie in this gorgeous spring setting with forays into local sites. Following the retreat, we'll drive to Barcelona for three days frolicing in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
Accommodation with be in two locations in close proximity, the rural finca and a hillside promotory overlooking the coast called Ultramar. John and I will host Ultramar and Amal & Anis (her husband), the finca. Both locations have modern facilities and pools plus places to walk and savor Spain at her loveliest. John will be our chauffeur between the two locations but all other transportation will be by coach. Languages spoken: English and some Spanish. The food will be Mediterranean cuisine and arrangements can be made for vegetarians.
Air flights are not included in the price but travelers will be landing in Alicante airport with transportation details from the airport to Calpe will follow. Easy Jet operates regular and inexpensive flights from Gatwick, London, to Alicante so North Americans should plan on flying to London. John and I typically land in Heathrow and take the National Express coach from Heathrow to Gatwick for our flights. The coach station is within the airport. Look for one-way flights to Alicante since we will be leaving from Barcelona where you flight choices are unlimited. Maybe you want to check out Madrid post Barcelona?
Accommodation is double occupancy and arrangements will be made for your 'roomies'. We have just one single room but there is a possibility of single occupany in the double rooms with a supplement fee. First come, first gets, for the one single room.
PRICE $2300 per person includes:
- 7 nights accomodation, 4 nights at the fina or Untramar and 3 in Barcelona at a 4-star hotel
- all breakfasts, lunches at the finca only and two suppers, including one with Flamenco entertainment. Food is not included in the Barcelona leg of the trip where we will dine together but each order from the menu and pay accordingly
- transportation to Guadelest castle, local transportation within Calpe plus chartered coach to Barcelona (we fly home from Barcelona)
- All workshops
- official Barcelona tour with a guide
- Informal guided walks to Baercelona's streets for bead foraging
Not included: Flights to and from Spain from your home, all meals not noted on the itinerary.
The itinerary below may change slightly but the gist is as follows:
May 22nd: Fly to Alicante and arrive in Calpe for our first welcome feast at the finca, the location of our retreat. After supper John and I will drive those staying with us to Ultramar to our house-with-the-amazing view where you can settle in for the evening.
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Views of the finca
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May 23rd. Finca kniting/crocheting Day
Today we'll all gather for breakfast at the finca (those staying in Ultramar will arrive for breakfast after coffee). Today we'll have a relaxing day knitting, laughing, and sharing as Amal and I lead you projects of your choice. Lunch will be at the finca and we'll be able to swim or walk for breaks and maybe stroll the surrounding orchards. Anis has an ancient olive tree on the property he believes may date back to the days when Spain was occupied by the Moors. That evening, we'll drive down to the beachfront to stroll the town and eat in one of the little cafe/restaurants (price of evening meal not included).
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Scenes from a workshop Amal & I gave (in Morocco). My thanks to models Paula and Nancy
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May 24rd. Guadalest Castle
Have you been to a Spanish castle? Well, we figured you needed to experience at least one old, stunning grand dame of castles, Guadalest. Perched as it is on the side of a mountain, it has claimed a strategic role for many rulers begining with the Moors in the 13th century. It has been cited in some guide books as a one of Spain's most stunning attractions. After breakfast, we will enjoy a liesurely drive into the interior valley of the region, through almond and orange orchards, and through some authentic Spanish mountain towns. We'll linger in the little village of Guadalest to enjoy the cafes, souvenir shop and maybe indulge in some of the region's famous honey. It's always best to sweeten our history doses with dollops of sweetness.
After our excursion, we'll return to the finca for tea and relaxation before heading off the supper in town.
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Guadalest
A view of Calpe from the finca
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May 25th. Finca Knitting and Crocheting Day
This is our last full day at the finca. We'll spend a relaxing day knitting in small gatherings around the pool or in the shade of the portico—wherever we want—maybe swim or walk and certainly eat and laugh, all the while continuning with our projects. Lunch will be held at the finca and tonight, to celebrate our last evening there, we'll go out for a Spanish buffet accompanied by Flemencan entertainment.
May 26Th. BARCELONA
Today after breakfast we set off on the second half of our Spanish adventure and head for Barcelona, that beloved city of grace, vivacity, and Gaudi! Barcelona is a city to amble around with myriads of interesting neighbourhoods and parks to savour. Upon checking into our hotel, we'll take a stroll together to orientate ourselves, possibly stroll the street that is an event in of itself, Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas runs a pedestrian boulevard down it's broad flanks within which street entertainment abounds, every bit as clever as any I've seen on my travels. We may wander through the Gothic Quarter, too, with its mysterious old buildings, some wrapped around bits of ancient Roman edifices, and vist the beautiful cathedral guarded by snowy geese.
Tonight we'll eat in a tapas bar/restaurant together (price of meal not included) and stroll the elegant streets at nightfall.
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Scenes from Barcelona
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John, your host, on Las Ramblas (he's the one on the left)
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May 26th. Barcelona. Today after breakfast we'll have a guide to take us on an escorted Barcelona tour where we'll learn of the city's history as well as view the main sights. This is the place that gave birth to Gaudi's incredible organic architectural magic, a mastery and bravery of spirit that continues to inspire artists and craftsmen (and knitters) to this day. Barcelona also has many stunning museums, parks, and palazzos, which we may brush against, stroll through, or sip coffee in. The city will enscorcel us in its special way.
May 27th, Barcelona. By now you will have gained a feel for Barcelona and know where you would like to spend more time. Maybe visit all of Gaudi's creations, maybe shop or visit musuems or even the yarn stores (though I admit, don't entice me too much)? Today is yours. We will meet in the evening at a neihbourhood restaurant (price not included) and celebrate beautiful Spain.
May 28th. Barcelona
May 29th- CHECKOUT
Barcelona truly is an amazing city with so much to do and see. I've been going regularly for years now, I can't get enough of the architecture too, i'm even looking to build a Gaudi inspired out-house in my garden, similar to the one in this blog post. You got some good pictures in this post, they are making me want to be back there now!
By Sam Gooch on 2012 02 06
What a wonderful trip ! And so close-by .... And the time of year is perfect for a visit to Spain! I can see the JT/Amal group gathering around Gehry's Olympic Fish http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/fish.htm - knitting with a view of the Mediterranean Sea - Just wanted to mention that Ryan Air is operating flights from London-Gatwick to Alicante, priced at ca. English Pounds 30. There's a good train connection between Heathrow and Gatwick.
By Lauragais on 2012 01 25