A mystery of alum



We are in Puerto de Mazarron. It is one of those places which had a town, Mazarron, which is safely tucked away, 5km in land and the port.  About 12,500 people live in Mazarron and 10,000 in the Puerto.  You get the usual crowd of people of the various ages, Phoenicians, Romans and Moors here.  Philip II granted the place town status and fishing and mining helped things along.  Mining peaks in the early twentieth century, whereafter the place shrunk from 23,000, down to 10000 till the recovery began in the 1980s. Today tomatoes and cucumbers are the top agricultural products grown here, sardines and prawns are the sea harvest of choice and 15% work as waiters.


Now for personal rabbit hole.  Alum.  Used in dying. Apparently England got most of its from Italy in the Sixteenth Century.  But what is this.  Alum in Mazarron.  It ends in 1572 https://visitamazarron.com/en/monument/old-alum-factory/ 




We are near the sea front and what Google Maps describes as a fish and chips shop. I have included a picture.  Can I say Freiduria Lute Y Jesus Puerto de Mazarron’s chippy is one that would enhance any street in Blighty.  https://luteyjesus.com/  It opens Thursday to Sunday for lunchtimes and evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.   Three days ago ‘Realist’ said ‘Fried seafood, self-service, and pleasant seating on the promenade with sea views. We found the food very tasty and would gladly come again.’  Micki said, six days before ‘We'll definitely be back. For €8.50, we got a good bag full of fried fish.’






We are near the harbour and why not.  Up to the ice cream parlour - which is closed.  We will wander by  the Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.  It was inaugurated in 1948.  Generally people praise the view. Anna was less happy. ‘Beautiful view, fantastic panoramic view, but there are broken glass, trash and dog droppings everywhere...what a shame.’  Kopit, probably focusing on the statue, reckoned it was worth a star ‘what good is it to anyone?’  Kenzo thought this was the point. ‘The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a profoundly spiritual image that conveys peace, love, and hope. Its presence inspires faith and strength in difficult times. The quality of the artwork is exceptional, with details that reflect devotion and sensitivity. It is a powerful symbol of divine mercy and protection. Perfect for any home or place of prayer. Highly recommended; a true blessing.’





Time for a haircut.  Peluqueros, Noe peluqueria was loved by Antonio - who, a month ago, said ‘Fantastic service. Pleasant staff and great work.’  Raccon agreed. ‘Very good service and good conversations with Noelia. Very good cuts and highlights to show off on the walk, to leave everyone speechless. I highly recommend the salon because in addition to being affordable, it's very welcoming.’



We are heading on, and I suspect we will have more wide open spaces to come.




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