We enjoyed Rota, what with a quiet secluded car park, an unlimited supply of freshwater and respite from the brisk westerly winds, what was there not to like? So what could else should we crave? This time it was the burgeoning issue of laundry. At this point we're under threat of disappearing under a heap of smelly socks and other unmentionables. Just up the coast from Rota is the town of Sanlucar de Barrameda (Map below) and here we were sure a big fat shiny launderette would present itself, and I could strip off just like the bloke in the Levis ad to get all my clothes clean. We followed the directions to the Vicarious listing of San Lucar. This was a large square car park with many motorhomes in situ. Our Lonely Planet Guide had boasted a sublime view of Donana National park across the estuary but I didn't get any sublime feelings, it just seemed busy and I hadn't seen any evidence of a launderette. Our main focus of the trip today! So, what does a motorhomer do in a situation such as this? Look again, of course. Snoop Dog had the answer! Another Aire between Sanlucar town and Chipiona. By the way, we had stopped briefly at Chipiona on the way from El Puerto, following glowing reports from my sister Catherine and Mike's Dad. We couldn't see anywhere to park a palace, or find a launderette so had moved on to Sanlucar. Don't worry - I'll get to the point now.
The description was good at this Aire and Snoops had included it in the Camperstop listing - Co-ordinates 36*45'43.0"N, 6*23'46.2*W. (The * equals a degree symbol btw) There was even a reference to a washing machine for 3 euros a load. We had to get there. It was back along the road to Chipiona. As soon as we pulled up, a Spanish man bounded up to the motorhome just like a cheery Labrador dog.
"Welcome! Pleeese, you are most welcome here. I am Alfonso. Do you need anything? The market closes soon- it's Sunday"
What a lovely man. So welcoming. While Mike fiddle-arsed about getting the van ship-shape and Mike fashion I went to the shop. It was located 400m up from the Aire and I couldn't stop smiling, Yes - there was an open drain down the middle of the street but there was something inexplicable about the place that made me grin from ear to ear. I arrived at the shop before closing and it was stuffed full of locals. All seemingly getting their fill of Sunday gossip before heading home for lunch.
We're still here, by the way. Mike has an appalling cold. The washing takes an hour in the machine but Alfonso has anticipated our every need. There's a covered area for the washing lines in case of rain. Of which there has been plenty over the past 24hrs.
If you're ever in this neck of the woods, I urge you to come here. Alfonso, as I already said, provides the most amazing warm welcome. He's trying to make this place work, and if effort plus welcoming friendliness is the winning formula, he definitely deserves the prize. The site includes free wi-fi (no, I'm not a slave to it), showers, toilet, dump and fresh water all for 8 euros per 24hrs. 5 amp electric comes in at 2 euros a night. Alfonso's previous life was as a surveyor in the building game and we all know what happened there do't we?
Anyway, this is our roost for now. Mike still has an appalling cold which dominates every snot ridden breath. I'm using mind over matter techniques to combat the germs (yes...I'll let you know how that particular theory pans out)
TTFN,
Ali and Mike xxx
The description was good at this Aire and Snoops had included it in the Camperstop listing - Co-ordinates 36*45'43.0"N, 6*23'46.2*W. (The * equals a degree symbol btw) There was even a reference to a washing machine for 3 euros a load. We had to get there. It was back along the road to Chipiona. As soon as we pulled up, a Spanish man bounded up to the motorhome just like a cheery Labrador dog.
"Welcome! Pleeese, you are most welcome here. I am Alfonso. Do you need anything? The market closes soon- it's Sunday"
What a lovely man. So welcoming. While Mike fiddle-arsed about getting the van ship-shape and Mike fashion I went to the shop. It was located 400m up from the Aire and I couldn't stop smiling, Yes - there was an open drain down the middle of the street but there was something inexplicable about the place that made me grin from ear to ear. I arrived at the shop before closing and it was stuffed full of locals. All seemingly getting their fill of Sunday gossip before heading home for lunch.
We're still here, by the way. Mike has an appalling cold. The washing takes an hour in the machine but Alfonso has anticipated our every need. There's a covered area for the washing lines in case of rain. Of which there has been plenty over the past 24hrs.
If you're ever in this neck of the woods, I urge you to come here. Alfonso, as I already said, provides the most amazing warm welcome. He's trying to make this place work, and if effort plus welcoming friendliness is the winning formula, he definitely deserves the prize. The site includes free wi-fi (no, I'm not a slave to it), showers, toilet, dump and fresh water all for 8 euros per 24hrs. 5 amp electric comes in at 2 euros a night. Alfonso's previous life was as a surveyor in the building game and we all know what happened there do't we?
Anyway, this is our roost for now. Mike still has an appalling cold which dominates every snot ridden breath. I'm using mind over matter techniques to combat the germs (yes...I'll let you know how that particular theory pans out)
TTFN,
Ali and Mike xxx
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