Crafty in the Med

I am here to enjoy meeting other bloggers and to share my love of craft ,mostly crochet, my thoughts and my daily happenings here in Alicante,Spain, my adopted country. I belong to a local choir because singing and music makes me happy. Flea markets and book shops are two of my favourite places to be. I read lots......sci´fi/fantasy,buried treasure, and off world adventures. I have a passion for history! I walk and walk and walk for about 10 months per year during the hot months I swim.

Wednesday 3 February 2021

Campello

  

Two weeks ago we went for a short drive to Campello an old fishing village which is situated on the road to the popular tourist resort of Benidorm.  

It is one of our favourite places!   

We often visit an islet there which is situated on the outskirts of Campello called the Isleta de los BaΓ±os de la Reina (Islet of the The Queen's Baths). A small island connected to the mainland that holds the remains of an Iberian/Roman settlement. 

The sea waters around the islet are crystal clear teeming with marine life hence it is a very popular area to snorkel dive.

 


 

CAMPELLO

We used to come here frequently to snorkel when the islet was just a lump of rock,or so it seemed, long before the authorities cordoned off the islet to the public to start the archaeological excavation which took several years. 

 

I have always felt disappointed with the many photographs I have taken over time of the islet.


I have never in my opinion been satisfied with the views I have obtained of it! I have come to the conclusion that unless you get an ariel view of it or better still walk around it you cannot fully appreciate this flat little islet. 

I would very much like to see a few palm trees planted there which would offer essential shade for the visitor. 


 This snapshot taken by the Marq Museum from a drone gives a much clearer view of the the islet.

 Excavation and some restoration continues in progress but it is possible to visit the site for a small fee. It is quite interesting how the Museum has set it up so the public can see and visualise how the occupants lived so many centuries ago. You can see the warehouses with houses and adjoining thermal baths, the small temples and curious fishponds excavated in the stone there.

Having an exotic name like the Queen's Baths one could be forgiven for imagining that this was where the Queen and her handmaidens would have their daily baths surrounded by servants and musicians and slaves waving palm fans over their mistress while she enjoyed her daily ablutions.   I hate to disappoint... but recently it has been announced that this settlement was a fish farm! Unfortunately why it was called the Queen's Baths...no one knows... the explanation for the name of the islet is lost in history.  Speculating a little I thought it might be because the fish farm might have been commissioned/owned by the Queen.

Authorities have continued to allow the public to use the outer rim paths of the islet to go to the favourite snorkelling areas and snorkellers if they are lucky and observant may get to see some of the submerged remains of the settlement that are still there resting under the sea.


16th century watchtower.

 I think this tower,recently restored overlooking the islet, speaks for itself as this part of the Mediterranean was rife with pirates for centuries.

 

THE MED

 In contrast I have always been  horrified with what they did to this little bay,another place where we used to go swimming and snorkelling!

  

It is situated on the right of the watchtower. When I turn to the right and see this eye sore view. .. well... as I consider myself a polite person I won't share my thoughts on this with you. Progress...tch!    

As they have mucked up that side of the bay perhaps they wouldn't mind transferring a few of those palm trees to the islet!   


 Prickly pears

Nature will have her way and some plants grow in the most unusual places.   As we were returning to the car Sr P saw this Prickly pear cactus laden with ripe fruit on the pathway.  

 


 

 Sr P loves Higo Chumbos ( Prickly Pear fruit) so he was all for picking some to take home with us. This fruit is quite popular here and they also make jams from it.  That was fine by me I told him as long as he picked them as he knows how to do that. They are a bit awkward to pick and you need to use a couple of plastic bags if you haven't got gloves and also be wearing long sleeves and he was wearing a thin shirt.  In the end,thank goodness,he decided not to. Prickly pears are not called that for nothing and I could foresee having to be digging out all the irritating thorns from Sr P's body during the afternoon! 


 

Interesting video clip on how to harvest Prickly Pear fruit (certainly not the way Sr P does it)

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NΒΊ 14 on the 21/16 list on my last post has been completed which you can read about here:

Lazy darning completed on Sr P's black jeans


A little bit of cutting out.  I decided fish this time.


 Ironed on and completed in a jiffy!

Mmmm...I have mixed feelings about these fish.  The smaller one is ok but the bigger one looks more like a submarine.   

I can tick this off the list now and there are 15 dos to do now 😏

 

A request

As requested by Kathy on Compassionknit , and I quote:

" I'd like to see a photo of you as a child!"

 

Look at the old tin beach bucket.

 

I'd say this is circa 1955 at Minehead seawater paddling pool in Somerset,UK.   

I was a water baby and I still am 😁
 

I would just like to add I am answering to all the comments I receive (occasional one could skip my eye LOL!) on my posts. Just so you know any queries in your comment will be answered.

 

Keep well & Stay safe 

 

Amanda :-)

 

 

 

36 comments:

  1. Campello looks wonderful, as does the islet - those Roman excavations much be absolutely fascinating, closer up.
    xx

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    1. Hi Joy thanks for calling in :-) It really looks like nothing from a distance but it is very interesting if you go in and see the dig close up. It is well documented! I just wish they'd plant a few trees it gets very hot there in the sun. A x

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  2. Thanks, Amanda - a lovely post which shows how sometimes 'progress' is anything but! The excavations look really interesting. I'm glad you didn't need to wrestle with the prickly pears!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Hi Ellie. I am glad I was able to persuade Sr P that he was not in the right gear to pick prickly pears,although he thought he was. A x

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  3. what welcome blue sky photos on my very gret wet day x did you get my email? The one where I explained the two names!!

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    1. Hi Rachel, Thank you for dropping by! I did get your email thank you last weekend. Certainly understand why you used two surnames:-) That is fine all clarified A x

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  4. Thanks for sharing those gorgeous blue skies. It's cold, wet and grey here so blue sky, even on screen, is very welcome. The prickly pear harvesting video was a bit scary. I think I'll stick to my Conference pear tree, a lot less dangerous! And, yes, I remember those tin beach buckets, much nicer than today's plastic ones. 😁 xx

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    1. Hi HH. It is quite cloudy this morning but hopefully when I go out for my walk the sun will be shining again :-) As for the prickly pear video clip I totally agree! i think they would kill off the plant with so much fire. Seems that is the way they harvest the PP in Texas. definitely not how my husband does it...thank goodness. A x

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  5. Beautiful! What a stunning part of the world you live in and I really appreciate you sharing it with us. It all looks so interesting and I always enjoy learning about new places.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Betsy :-) I actually find all these places much more interesting myself now as I have to think is it worth it posting about this to my blogfriends! Therefore I search for bits to photograph and talk about so I see more that way and very often things I haven't noticed before then! Do you see what I mean? A x

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  6. On hese dark wintery days I can't tell you how much I enjoy living vicariously through you and your lovely post.

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    1. Thank you for calling in Chris and i am glad you enjoyed my tour :-) A x

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  7. Oh thank you !!! Look at those curls!!! you were adorable!!!!!!

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    1. Hi Kathy You see I pay attention to you :-) Changing the header photo is a difficult one. I took the actual photo myself and I am so fond of it....a wonderful experience! :-) A x

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  8. I enjoyed seeing and hearing about the island.. I love islands. I'm glad they're showing the past on there and not making it all fake and like a theme park. I also don't like to see natural places ruined by "progress". I'm glad Sr. P didn't pick the cactus fruits as it might be illegal to pick things so in a public area. Here in Oregon many wildflowers are protected under the endangered species act, where violation of said act could result in "a $50,000 fine and one years imprisonment, as well as forfeiture of any vehicles and equipment in violation". What a cute little girl you were! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Thanks Teresa for dropping by :-) I really detest theme parks. I accept that for families with young children they are more fun and much more practical to keep children entertained but I find them boring and always have. Although this islet doesn't look very attractive it is set out in such a way that with a little imagination you can see just how those people lived there way in the past. I think you have a point there about the possibility that it is illegal to pick things in a public area. Certainly I know that it is illegal and you could be fined if you pick wild flowers or pull up plants on the mountainsides or along the nature trails. I shall have to find out more about the Prickly Pear Cacti. Thanks for bringing this to my attention :-) A x

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  9. Hi Amanda, I really enjoyed reading about this-so interesting, would be really neat to view. I can see where some sort of trees would be nice there for shade. and to be able to snorkel would be cool. me No I never learned how to swim was always afraid to be in the water.
    I have never tasted a prickly pear but have read about them
    I do like your patches! Hugs Kathy

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    1. thanks Kath :-) I dont like prickly pears at all but Sr P does. I think I shall buy him some prickly pear jam which might stop him from picking them.LOL! Glad you enjoyed the post. keep well Amanda x

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  10. Have enjoyed catching up on your posts, Amanda! Interesting to learn what others think of Alexa. I don't have her but I have been consulting Siri more lately, having her call my youngest daughter, or asking her how to spell or define words... so amazing! Your baby blanket stitching is lovely, and I admire the area you toured in this post even though I can understand your concern and disappointment about the development of one of your favorite water spots. The Prickly Pear clip was enlightening for me as well! Thanks for posting! xx

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    1. Dear Gracie thank you for calling in! I really need to set up Siri on my computer and get all the benefits they say Siri offers. i have to sit down and read just what I can do with it! I was a bit shocked with that prickly pear video clip it seems rather a dangerous way to harvest that fruit. A xx

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  11. I love an Island so it was lovely to read through all the interesting facts about this interesting Isle. Loved the fish, such a clever idea.

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    1. Thanks for dropping by :-) It is a lovely area which I never tire from visiting. A x

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  12. Another interesting post, thank you :-) I think we all are grateful for these "days out" when in another lockdown. x

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    1. Thanks for calling in Radka :-) I have to admit I love blog travelling via everyone's posts. A x

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  13. Lovely scenery. The difference in water versus development is striking to see. The prickly pears, those spikes hurt.

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    1. Thanks for dropping in :-) I know we have to have progress but does it have to be so unsightly!! A x

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  14. I love the little fish. Tony might be getting a patch on his jeans next time I feel like sewing.

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    1. thanks Cherie :-) I really must learn how to draw better! In my mind I can visualise what I want but when those thoughts transfer to my hands it just doesn't turn out the same. There must be a lapse in communication somewhere LOL! A x

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  15. I enjoyed reading about Campello what a lovely place to visit, pity about the touristy bits it's like they can never leave anything unspoilt. The fish look great! I hope Sr P thinks so too haha. You were so cute as a child that;s a lovely photo. I think I would be leaving the prickly pears well alone! Have a great weekend.

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    1. Hi Linda,thanks for dropping by :-) I think my next patch will be a butterfly (they look easy to draw) :-) I never pick the prickly pears I leave it to Sr P. I don't fancy being covered in spines! A x

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  16. What a beautiful island, beautiful photo from the drone.
    The prickly pears are amazing.
    The photo of you as a little one is so cute and sweet.

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    1. Thank you Loes :-) I count myself lucky to live here in the city of light. That is what they call Alicante. A x

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  17. Such beauty surrounds you my friend. I suppose there is a lot of beauty here in Florida but I am working so much I rarely see it. Love you mended pants for Sr P. Stay safe you cute baby!

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    1. Thank you Mere...I wouldn't mind some of those baby curls back :-) A x

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  18. Aw, that's such an evocative photo and absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the Queen's Fish Farm, it sounds like just the kind of place I like to visit. I live close to Viroconium which was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain and it's fascinating to wander around and imagine the place bustling with life. I think you've done a good job with Sr P's fish, they look fab. Take care. x

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    1. Thanks Mrs T for stopping by :-) I would indeed like to see Viroconium! All those sort of historical remains I find very interesting. Next darn on Sr P's jeans will be a butterfly. I don't think I'll have difficulty drawing that LOL! A x

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Thank you for your comments. I do read them and try to reply to all as well.Please keep them coming. Amanda :-)