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Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 12:54 pm
by Dieselman
The weather doesn't look a patch on what we have at present...

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:01 pm
by MTXM
Thanks Will and is it really into the low thirties!! After a little tinkering with the car to fit Ray's mk2 improved headlights we headed into Benidorm to see the sights. The weather started a little overcast but by midday was bright and clear and pleasantly warm while not hot, actually around 20c. A short stroll along the seafront between the palms and then meeting up for lunch with Ray's travel companions, Alan and Andrew. In the late afternoon we drove up the adjacent mount for spectacular views across the two bays and beyond. During tomorrow we hope to spend more time around Benidorm and environs'. Regards, Matthew T.

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:05 pm
by Dieselman
Forget Spain...tell us more about swapping the lights to Series 2 items. Is it a worthwhile excersise?

p.s. Please pass on my regards to Ray.

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 8:12 pm
by MTXM
Sorry Will but the lights are Ray mk2 not XM mk2, with hid zenon lamps. With regards, Matthew T. PS. Ray also says hi!

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:28 pm
by White Exec
Out this way, you'll see quite another Spain... ;)

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2018 10:16 pm
by MTXM
Another interesting day in and around Benidorm which started with a full English breakfast on a nice cafe veranda! The highlight of the day was probably ascending the Gran Hotel Bali to the 46th floor although the viewing gallery unfortunately turned out to be closed due to high winds. Another striking nearby tower is capped by a cone shaped motif and clad in gold coloured metal and now the tallest building in the town. The weather has been cooler due to the wind but clear blue skies and still very pleasant in the sun. Our activity tomorrow is a four hour journey south down the coast to meet Chris (White Exec). Regards. Matthew T.

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Fri Jan 12, 2018 10:59 pm
by MTXM
It was quite a momentus day with nearly 450 miles in a round trip to Almeria. I had the pleasure of driving Ray's car which performed most impressively, including a nice floaty ride and quite sufficient power that allowed effortless cruising at around 80mph. It was also a delight for us both to meet Chris for the first time and initially to enjoy a fishy snack! After eating we drove a further short distance along the coast for a bit of fettling and photos. We then returned to the town and found an authentic local cafe before motoring back to Benidorm. It is my last full day tomorrow that will be spent on more local sights and may be some shopping! With regards, Matthew T.

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 10:09 am
by White Exec
Well, what a day yesterday. I feel I got off lightly with "only" a 360km round trip from home to Almeria town to meet up with Ray and Matthew. The sun shone, the wind blew a bit chilly, but what a good time!

We not only both managed to rendezvous mid-afternoon in a car park next to the port, but also found it came equipped with a cafe and food - rather a lot of it, as it happened. We think the waiter was on a mission to sell as much fish on the menu as possible, behind a pretence of not being to understand us. Only when the bill arrived did communication mysteriously become much easier.

Just outside the town, a good bit of passing traffic on the old N340a coastal road, some of who did a double-take on seeing two unfamiliar cars pointed at them...
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Late afternoon, it got somewhat chilly, and we decanted to a 0-star bar for a warming coffee and lots more natter, before retrieving the cars from a side street (where I got a parking ticket!) and heading our separate ways.

I must say, it was sheer delight to be able to meet with Ray and Matthew face-to-face for the first time. Lovely gentlemen both, and you couldn't want for better owners and ambassadors for these great cars. Thanks must go to brave and undaunted Ray, for making it all possible. :)

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 7:05 pm
by MTXM
That is a very good account of our meeting Chris and I especially liked your comments about the waiter! We were so sorry to hear about the parking ticket and guessed Ray was not targeted due to the UK plates! Once again many thanks for making the trip from down south and we can now picture you when exchanging wise words on the Forum. With regards, Matthew T.

Re: France/Spain road trip in January

Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2018 7:16 pm
by MTXM
We had a slow start with full English breakfast and then up the coast to Calp, a small Rock of Gibraltar and resort/fishing port attached, all most impressive. The scenic drive and views back to Benidorm were also quite something. The old town with picturesque narrow streets and the fine baroque church gave a taste of 'old Spain' and Ray and I enjoyed a paella lunch with local seafood. It was very interesting to meet Carl contacted through facebook with his immaculate BX GTI and of course a photo opportunity! Regards, Matthew T.