Without existence

 It is an almost straight road today and most of it hedged in by the sort of businesses which like space and easy access - and presumably well kept roundabouts.



We could begin by popping into the El Gran Ruedo.  It opens from 7.15am to 4pm, except Sundays, when it is 8am - but not at all on Saturdays. It seems to be a 9-11 and lunchtime sort of place.  I’m going to start with Hugh Johnstone’s year old review.  I do not think he has quiet got the vibe.  ‘Might lead you to believe, as many Spanish restaurant's do, that they open and close to a set timetable rather than as and when they feel like it, this place was closed a good hour before I arrived. Third world yet again.’  Begona was more positive last week ‘This is our favorite restaurant. We always come here for the set menu, and we like it more and more every day! We recommend it to all our friends! Quality and good prices! I hope they don't change because there are no more restaurants left! I give them a 10! A great team!’



We are walkers however we are passing the Calamity Janne MC Surreste, which is a well thought of biker hang out and I think we must do due diligence. A year ago David was word. ‘An excellent motorcycle club where you can enjoy the best music, the closest biker atmosphere and brutal facilities.’ Three weeks ago Carlos felt ‘A biker meeting, the place was great, the people were excellent!!!’



We are heading into the joyful town - Villajoyosa.  English wiki says this of it.  ‘The area is famous for its chocolate industry and tourism. One of the most popular tourist attractions is its Gothic Catholic church of the Assumption, with a Baroque altar piece. Another popular destination, the Royal Palm Casino (formerly Casino Costa Blanca), is now closed. The town's festival of Moros i Cristians, celebrated at the end of July, was declared an International Tourist Interest Festival. Currently, this festivity commemorates a boat landing from the Berber pirates’



Well, if we can’t go to the popular but closed casino we can pop into the artisanal chocolate heaven that is Marcos Tonda. https://chocolatesmarcostonda.com/   A bar of Chocolate Artesano Extrafino 55% Cacao, Puro Virgen 200 gr. Will set you back 4.50 euros - well, it would if you could buy it but it is, according to the website ‘Sin existencias’  Meredith gave five stars but warned ‘Skip the MUSEUM.  It’s a waste of your time.  Go right to Marco’s Tonda!!! Great selection recipe from 1793.  They even have free samples available for tasting. We bought a large selection and can’t wait to eat it all.’   Magne offered four and said ‘Very nice shop in the capital of chocolate, Villajoyosa, and a various selection of chocolate and cocoa-products. We could taste before we bought, dark chocolate, chocolate con leche (with milk). The marzipan was very good also.’



We’ll end the day in a museum.  Vilamuseu https://vilamuseu.es/   Barry was saddened by the lack of English translations, and given the location, I think we can extend sympathy to him. ‘We visited the museum whilst on holiday. We gave 3 stars only as we were disappointed that the displays looked interesting however no facility is provided to relay it to us in English. For instance the video could have subtitles and static displays (photographs) could have additional information. Perhaps a headset programmed with the articles against a numbered index ?  We understand that it's Spanish history, but would be enjoyed by many more visitors if a translation facility were available. Good luck for the future.’  The reply suggests they did not really get his point ‘Thanks for your review Barry! If you have any suggestions for improvement it will be welcome. All the best!’
























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