The octopus and Holly

A lovely warm morning, so after a quick trip to the supermarket, off to the beach, El Cristo, down the hairy road again. The sand slopes so gently into the sea, it's the perfect beach for kids to play. We splashed and paddled: the water was warm(ish) and beautifully clear to the sandy bottom: we could see tiny hermit crabs scuttling about; and shoals of fish in the shallows which we herded, Kevin on one side, me on the other. We even saw an octopus, following it for a while, watching it shoot off at speed then settle, spreading its tentacles like a star.

I made sandwiches in Beatrix for a beach picnic (cheese with sand, that classic combination); and had a lovely dip (you never regret a swim). Then another English family arrived: Holly, aged 3, baby George, and their parents, a very nice couple who have a B&B in Whitby, and spend 3 months abroad every winter - how lovely. Jemima and Holly played and played, all afternoon, both enjoying the company of another child - there aren't many around this time of year. Jemima was so sad to say goodbye we took her for some ice cream to cheer her up (while I bought three pairs of cheap sunglasses...). Some takeaway chilli con carne from the same cafe, then back to Beatrix for the night. 

The cafe is owned by a friendly couple, an English man and German woman, who have a two year old called Maya (who will one day be trilingual, lucky girl). They came to Estepona eleven years ago in a campervan, and never left. I can see why - we are now on night two, and are thinking of staying longer. With this weather, and this beach, and this little town that has everything you need, where else would you want to be?

Beatrix at the beach:

Still in Estepona: