Considering that the weather in the UK is very cold and that many places are covered in snow, we are fortunate that in Benidorm the thermometers are still in double figures. However, even here temperatures have most certainly dropped over the last week and today are hovering at around 13 degrees – but with a crisp blue sky.
It was the fiesta of Sant Antoni today – the Patron Saint of Animals and many churches held blessings after the Sunday service. The Ermita de Sanz, behind El Cisne rastro saw a multitude of four legged animals, from pooches, cats and ferrets to horses, budgies and multi coloured pigeons!
The Levante promenade was still brimming with people walking up and down – a favourite Spanish pastime and the bars had many enjoying an afternoon drink in the sun. It is part of the relaxed café culture, so enjoyed, especially by all the visitors. For those of you coming over on holiday, or even those fortunate enough to live and enjoy this beautiful place you may be baffled as to the vast choice and selections of coffee available at bars and cafes.
The Spanish drink a lot of coffee but not much tea - this is especially evident if you ever go into an electrical store to purchase an electric kettle. If you want tea then you'd best stick with the British cafes where you'll find PG and Tetley - there are plenty about. A particular favourite with many here is coffee and either a liqueur or brandy, often readily available at most of the bars and cafes, with boards enticing you in.
When you pop out for a coffee you may be baffled by the huge choice available... so here are the most common and what they are:
Cafe Solo - equivalent to an expresso...small and very strong black coffee.
Cafe con Leche - is half cafe solo and half hot milk.
Cafe Bombon - is a small glass containing condensed milk with cafe solo - very sweet!
Cafe Americano - large black coffee.
Cafe Cortado - is cafe solo with a drop of milk.
Cafe con Hielo (pronounced Yello) Mostly drunk in the Summertime, this is cold iced coffee. You will be served a normal coffee and be bought a separate glass with ice and then you pour the coffee over it.
Cafe Sombra or Cafe Manchado - mostly milk with a few drops of coffee.
Cafe Carajillo - is a cafe solo served with a shot of brandy... obviously a very popular choice! You will witness most builders having one for breakfast and the price is far cheaper than a Starbucks frothy milk concoction in the UK!
If you want de-caffeinated then ask for descafeinado - most places will have it. So off you go and enjoy – or you could always just stick to a glass of wine or beer … far less confusing, as is evident from those sat at Tiki Beach - a place that always has plenty of people.
