In search of the diaspora

 We are going to see lots of different ways people will live when lots of people decide being on a very sunny southern facing coast, which really doesn’t have a lot of coastal plain is a good thing.  We will head out at the northward encroaching roads, which contour their way up. We will see villas grand, small and opportunistic.  We will see shops and terraces and even some blocks of flats.  I think it time to go shopping.







Bar the Blarney https://theblarneylacala.com/  333 reviews give it 4.5.    Three weeks ago Ove wrote

2026-01-15: Looks great from outside. Will visit soon and update this review. See you later!

2026-02-06: Great bar in the sun. Lovely service. Poor loo. Coors pinta 3,75. Will be back!

Five months ago Sue wrote ‘Great karoake night. Staff always super friendly. Frequented mainly by locals but do have tourist visits. Word of warning though it is a cash only bar. As a couple of times I had forgotten and had to go and get cash out.’  She also offered a Noise Level ‘Loud, but you can still talk.’




 

Just down the road is Biddy Mulligan’s Irish pub - 2630 reviews give it 4.2 stars. It has a facebook page https://www.facebook.com/biddyslacala which was updated yesterday.  Two weeks ago Claire said ‘We have been here twice in a week. The atmosphere is lovely, the service is great and the food is awesome. We tried the phenomenal fish and chips and the Sunday roast. It's a definite must try.


One of the cultural joys of Span is the Chino Supermercado.  Aisles and aisles of things like ceramics and gardenware and ill-fitting swimsuits and all the wonders a budget can afford. More to the point an ideal place to take a very small boy who has yet to distinguish between the quantity of gifts and the quality.  Bazar Chino Supermercado runs to 287 reviews and a solid 4 stars.  It is open 9.30am to 9pm every day but Sunday - when it does 10am to 8pm.  A week ago Lia wrote ‘They always have everything I need and are very kind; they have a lovely little dog.’  Cristian gave a star but as they only wrote ‘very bad’ we will dismiss their review as unworthy of consideration.    Felix, on the other hand, went to town - and probably bought half of it. ‘This Chinese supermarket impresses with its huge selection of products and kitchen utensils. You can find almost everything you need for Asian cuisine here. The prices are consistently low, making shopping particularly attractive. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed, so you'll enjoy browsing. Whether you're looking for something specific or simply want to discover new things – this market offers both. For anyone who values ​​variety and fair prices, this supermarket is highly recommended.’



The Times Sports Bar and Grill is permanently closed - so we won’t bother with it.



We will end with a Cheese Shop.  Not just a cheese shop.  Jamones y Quesos Alta Charcutería - Vinos.  It may only have four reviews but each of them are five star. Kirsti wrote ‘Wonderful store to buy ham, cheese, wine and other gourmet products. The owners are very helpful and they have top products to a fair price! 10/10’   Sofia added ‘Really good Muga Rioja wine and jambon iberico. Typical products from the region. Worth a stop.’.



So we end and tomorrow - well, probably more of the same so maybe we need a rabbit hole.




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