Not your normal Christmas....

Belen in Cartagena (a small corner of a
very large display)

A Spanish alternative xmas tree

G.  Well it's been a very different run up to xmas! Sunshine, warmth and no pressure!  We went into Cartagena with our friends for tapas and to look at the Belen (the Spanish take on the Nativity scene) and the xmas lights - a nice change from 'over-the-top' UK. 

Miami or La Manga strip?

Very tropical looking.

Next day ( 22nd ) we had a walk along the Mar Menor at Mar de Cristal and the sea was so calm you could see the reflections of the hotels on the other side on La Manga. It was so quiet and peaceful it felt like the 21st Dec had really happened! . 

Juvenile black necked grebe (unless you
know otherwise)

Avocet

A proper tablecloth!! (thank you
Dorothy & Brian)

Bolly from Bron - excellent

Xmas day was spent cycling to the wild beach near the nature reserve at San Pedro for a champagne picnic.  Little bit cloudy but still warm enough to eat out! On the way, as well as seeing some flamingos, we saw avocets and some young black-necked grebes.