Last Day

Wednesday was our last full day in Cadiz.  It was a grey, overcast day and a chilly breeze was blowing in off the Atlantic.

We had breakfast in the bookshop cafe around the corner from our hotel.  Coffee and a pastry (very healthy!)

We had read that the large covered market was worth a visit so we strolled through the narrow streets, past the cathedral and found the market in a small plaza surrounded by cafe bars.

Quite a few of the stalls there were closed up, presumably because they don't do much trade in the winter.  However, there were plenty of others open and most seemed to be doing a good trade.  All of the central aisle was taken up with fruit and veg stalls. Piled high with  bananas, oranges, papayas, melons, strawberries and lots of exotic looking fruits that we didn't recognise.

The next aisle was the fish section.  My goodness, what a selection of wonderful fresh fish and shellfish, all glassy eyed and piled up on mountains of ice chips. Around the far edge of the market are all the meat and deli stalls.  Again, all incredibly fresh looking.

I wanted to take a photo but didn't like to intrude so this is borrowed from the internet to give you an idea

We stopped at one of the cafe bars outside the market for a snack lunch and coffee and a spot of people-watching.

After lunch we walked across town to the far side of the promontory to take a look at the beach, La Caleta.  It was still overcast and breezy and there was a group of hardy souls trying to surf, although the waves were not really big enough for that.  There were cyclists, walkers and mothers with tots all out along the promenade.  We sat on a bench and took in the view for a while.

Time for a siesta, so  another long walk back to the hotel where I snoozed for a while.

That evening we argued debated about where to eat. I was tired of tapas snacks and wanted a "proper" meal.  P was not keen as he said that the only restaurants that would be open at 7 pm would be tourist traps. He finally agreed to take a stroll around the places we had passed earlier as I had noticed one that looked inviting. 

I persuaded him to go in and take a look around. Inside it was done out in a style to match the building's history. No plastic tat.  We were greeted by one of the most beautiful young women I have ever met, who showed us into a little dining area at the back. She was very chic and elegant  with a stunning,  warm, welcoming smile. I think P was hooked right there.

There were lots of enticing options on the menu.  I chose the pheasant breast stuffed with figs and P had the slow-cooked suckling pig.  Both were gorgeous. 

The chef came out to ask if we enjoyed our meal and we chatted with him in our very sub standard Spanish. He was a very cheerful and charming young man who was originally from Gran Canaria so we spoke a little about our time living in Tenerife. 

After our meal the lovely young lady presented us with a plate of two sublimely light and oh so delicious profiteroles.  Heavenly.

By the time we left the main dining room was full so it must be a popular place to eat.

We strolled around for a while  enjoying the street vibes before heading back to the hotel for a coffee.

It seems there was a big football match on that evening as a big screen had been set up in the bar as well as the usual TV in the corner.  There was a family of five and two couples watching but they drifted away after a while.  We were left alone with our coffees and complimentary turrones (small almond paste cakes). 

I am going to need to lose some weight now.