MANILVA.

Saturday 24th. May.

We got up early and arrived at the Aparthotel to prepare the buffet in the very small kitchen with very little equipment,we did buy a very large pan to boil the Gambas in and the prawns were cooked on sea salt on a hot plate which when they are cooking crackle! We served them hot and the Gambas cold,As well as traditional salads we made some coleslaw and potato salad to give the buffet a hint of England as well as a pasta salad with fresh Tuna,The stuffed peppers were served warm and went down very well along with all sorts of cold cured meats and chorizo and the carved Negro ham served with crisp dry biscuits. Every thing was dressed and accompanied with various dips and garnished with fresh mint and parsly.We recommended a Pink Champagne with a fresh local strawberry in the frosted glass’s for the toast and also we arranged for Vidal to come and play on the terrace as a surprise to Rafael the birthday boy! The weather was warm and hot and the party went on all day and into the night,we have been asked to do the same again for his wife on the 21st June,which is the Saturday before Brenda’s big birthday on the Sunday-watch this space!

Sunday 25th.May.

As usual we had a lie in and then had a late brunch of Bacon, Sausage and Eggs as we got the dinner ready in the afternoon.We had invited Anna and some of her family who are over here on a golfing holiday and staying at the Aparthotel for our now traditional Sunday Roast,this week is was Roast Leg of Pork with all the trimmings and followed with Crepes for sweet.We met David,Debbie and their son Tom earlier in the week at the hotel.We started with a Cava with Kir which we bought in Lucon which now seems a long time ago!from the distillery in the town.Carlos,Ana Mari and Fabio called in for a drink and Mano joined us later after he had finished work and we were just getting onto the Soberano brandy! Another Helluva Sunday!

Monday 26th May.

Today we caught up with the chores around the house after the weekend and I later popped out with Mano to Estepona to take some pictures for him and send them to him on an e-mail as he needed them for the building project that he is also evolved with, Over the weekend Brenda’s sister Jenny rang her to catch up with all the news and our dear friend Tim also rang on Sunday and we caught up with all his family news as he was Roasting a Leg of Lamb for them and some friends as well ! Just as I am typing this the plumber has arrived and fitted a new sink and wash stand and cupboard in white wood and marble in our downstairs loo which we had the problems with last Sunday-very quick by local standards! Tonight we are having cold Roast Pork and salad for supper.