My Dénia Neighbourhood

Dénia’s old town starts at the port and surrounds the hill upon which sits the castle. It isn’t huge but, in true Spanish tradition, sports many narrow streets, most lined with two- or three-storey houses. The waterfront neighbourhood has its unique feel, very reminiscent of a fishing village. The castle itself is surrounded, at least on two sides, with little houses that snuggle up to the massive walls like barnacles. I saw one of these houses advertised for rent a while back and was quite taken by how cute it was. Seeing the area up close made me wish I had had a chance to rent it myself.

I spent some time learning my way around, always finding a new way to get to either the municipal market or the Mercadona I get most of my groceries from. Most days I stop at the little French bakery where I buy great croissants and other treats. Right around the corner from the house is a recently (as in the last two years or just after the last time the Google car came by) built gastronomic and social centre Els Magazinos, a collection of eating and drinking establishments that spans a couple of blocks and is always buzzing with activity, even with limited occupancy. Since there is usually a long line to get in, I had to wait until I was out at an earlier than usual hour (hair salon appointment) to sneak in and take a look around. It is a very interesting space, I must say, and I totally understand the appeal. There are many various restaurants, or, more accurately, stands, where you can get a variety of different foods, from Japanese to Spanish fusion. I will definitely have to come back and see what it’s like when people are present, now, thankfully, in reduced numbers.

I did go get my hair done but the only reason I’m mentioning it here is the fact that I met a very cute pupper that lives in the salon. His name is Pino and he’s only nine months old. He was very happy to keep me company as I was getting pampered and I was very happy to have him do so. I was not very happy to have to pay cash for my haircut, especially since there was no sign or anything telling me so, and I don’t carry much cash on me at the best of times. This, combined with having to pay cash for a meal Sagra and I had once at another place around the corner from the house (without prior notice), has reduced my cash stash to next to nothing. I do wish businesses would advertise the fact that they only take cash, especially now when governments and business leaders specifically urge people to go contactless. Ugh … sorry for the rant but really, people, smarten up! At least the pup was cute.