Sundays are for…

In the old days, Sunday would be a day of rest. Alarm off and a well- deserved lie in; traditional fry up with all the trimmings for breakfast and thumbing through the Sunday papers, leaving your hands black from the print.

Personally, I cannot remember the last time I physically bought a Sunday paper, as I subscribe and read them online now. Many years ago, I would go out and buy The Sunday Times, picking up a croissant or two at the same time, but sadly they never came with all the supplements here – one of the best bits.

So instead we now subscribe to the online version at a fraction of the price, with all the extra bits – travel, style, Times magazine etc. and no dirty hands! It is true that it’s not quite the same as actually turning the page, but online is the way the world is going, especially at the moment. The arrival of the super slick Amazon vans to nearby houses week in week out are evidence of that – ok, occasionally they stop at mine too!

Here in Spain, Sundays are for bargain hunters as there are plenty of markets on. After many months’ absence, Benidorm’s Pueblo hotel is back on, however only on Sunday at the moment. Perhaps it will restart on Wednesdays once more, if the hotels start reopening.

I was wondering whether there would be anyone there – both stall and customer wise, especially with the majority of surrounding hotels still closed, so definitely a lack of holidaymakers. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see it positively bustling. There were designated entry and exit points and everyone had to gel up upon entering… and obviously be wearing a mask, which for us here has now become second nature.

My hunch is that face masks will be here to stay for some time – whether you think they help or not is another debate, but none of us are going to risk a hefty fine to find out. The only time I don’t ( should I really admit this in print?) is when I take my dog out for a walk in the campo, although I have it around my wrist or in a pocket just in case.

Back to the market – I estimated that around 75% of the stallholders were there and it certainly looked like it was business as usual. I looked at how many people had a carrier bag in their hand with a purchase, and there were plenty, which was very encouraging.

There were very long queues at the fruit and veg stalls, which were at the front in between the knickers, flamenco dresses and handbags. There is always such a variety and the market is the place that every holidaymaker ensures they visit whilst here, generally picking up a memento to take back with them. And depending on the stallholder, a bit of bartering goes on, especially with the, how shall I say, look- a- like merchandise ones. However, be careful as you may end up with a pair of Ray Ben sunglasses, as was the case once. It certainly caused many laughs afterwards upon realising!

For those that like to rummage at a car boot sale, then head to El Cisne rastro, probably the closest you ll ´ find and located right on the border with Albir. They have predominantly second hand items, bric- a- brac, tools, and clothes – in fact, virtually everything. There is a bar and restaurant, the food is pretty good especially the paella, which is always busy and they also put on live entertainment over the weekend. The ever- popular Pablo Bloom performs every Sunday at midday, drawing in the crowds… You ll ´ also find him at Café Roman at the cable ski end of the Levante promenade at 19.30 every night except Monday and Tuesday.

Again, they have hand gels at the entrance to the market and stallholders are spaced apart. For those that haven t ´ been, there is ample car parking and the number 10 bus stops directly outside. El Cisne is also open on Saturday as well as Thursday, so you have not one but three opportunities to pay it a visit.

If you head to Albir, you will find the third Sunday market in the vicinity, at the main municipal car park halfway down the main high street. If you park in that car park during the week, remember not to leave it there on Saturday night otherwise it will be towed away. Again, there are the typical stalls you will find at most weekly markets, but I found the longest queue was at the rotisserie chicken stand near the entrance – obviously a popular Sunday lunch choice for Albir residents!

So on Sundays, there are certainly many places to go and spend your money if you fancy.