PINOSO, ALICANTE

As I said I have recently returned from Spain and am really feeling this English winter.
The town of Pinoso is situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevadas and is only an hours drive from many of the main coastal resorts. That's one of the reasons I liked it so much. To have the seclusion and yet not be far from anywhere. This area is so beautiful and restful. I'm finding a huge difference here. Used to have so much free time and now that has been dispelled by the British way of life.
The winters were so different - set out in the morning dressed fully, socks, jeans and sweater and by lunchtime shed these clothes and exchanged for shorts and a t-shirt. Even three hours of bright sunshine in the afternoon gave such a boost. No SAD syndrome there.
I could walk for for miles and thought nothing of setting off to trundle the lanes into town for a bit of shopping. Could have driven but the walking was more pleasurable.
The town of Pinoso is so different to the coastal areas. Extremely Spanish and very friendly. Used to love practising my meagre Spanish language and became quite adept at making myself understood. It was surprising how many local people I spoke with who were desperate to practice their English on me. I used to have a laugh with the people in our garage - we would get our words confused and end up with a good giggle. So many words if said incorrectly could cause a completely different conversation to the one intended.
I really do miss it.
Now here we are in the coldest winter for over 10 years with snow to come during the back end of the week-end. Brrrrrrr!