Sociable day at the pool

After the days in Granada, it's time for nature again. There are supposed to be many hot springs in this area. I'm going to Durcian, which is on the way to the coast. It's very windy, I can't find a suitable spot and when I end up in a narrow alley where I have to keep my nerves to get out again, I look for another place.

My destination is Alhama de Granada. There is a large free camper parking lot where I can finally end the day. Luckily, Ashraf gave me a bell pepper, so I have something fresh to cook and I fry it whole in the pan for a change. ;)

The next day, the parking lot is still in the shade and the air is icy cold. I motivate myself to go for a walk and catch the first rays of sunshine. It continues to the town center where I enjoy a coffee in the sun. I realize it's St. Nicholas Day. I'm not feeling any Christmas vibes yet.

The woman at the tourist office gives me tips for the way to the hot spring, which is next to the Balneario, a hotel with an Arabic thermal bath.

Even if this free 'spring' is just the hotel's drain, it's very convenient for sauna bathing next to the river :) First, I share the bath with a Spanish family. Later, a Polish-South African couple joins me. The Pole even lasts longer in the cold river than I do :D

The German-Swiss couple recognizes my German accent and we talk about van life and all the beautiful places in Spain that I supposedly missed. :-D They invite me to cook together in the evening, so I don't have to drive any further and can spend the evening in the warmth with them in their camper.

So we spend a sociable evening together with an Irish couple, each contributing something delicious. A colorful combination of Indian curry, oriental couscous, and tomato-feta salad comes together and for dessert, the Irish woman conjures up a freshly baked chocolate cake from her van. It's a bit of a shame that the atmosphere is somewhat overshadowed by the drunk Anna. Nevertheless, it's nice to be among other van lifers for a change. At the same time, I realize that contacts with locals inspire and strengthen me more than contacts with other travelers.