Roger came over and briefed us about changes to Casares, showed us how to work the air con (each control works any room’s unit, and you can set them individually) and had a coffee with us.

We now have a list of restaurants to try, mentioning Roger’s name, bless him, and info about horseriding and the best walks around – LOL.

Sarah and I then set off for the Carrefour supermarket in Estapona (Roger: head for Estapona, go through the centre, follow the beach, can’t miss it) and lo and behold, we found it.

We were hungry, as had not eaten since our jacket potatoes last night, so stopped at the little cafe/bar in the supermarket for tapas and a small beer first.

Three hours later, loaded up with fresh fish, chicken and various vegetables (note: get them weighed by the man in the veg section before going to checkout!) and some fine local rose, we drive back up to Casares, missing our turning on the roundabout and ending up back on the toll road heading to Gibralter.

Lucky I knew from when we lived here previously, that there is another exit to Casares at the next town, so via the circular route, we arrived home.

NOW!

If you want to drop your shopping off in Calle Fuente, you drive into the municipal multistory, wend your way right to the top, exit the car park, then drive down the street itself. The entrance to the street is just, and I mean JUST, wide enough to get the car down, so to the sounds of Sarah hollering “just feel the fear and do it anyway” I squeezed down, praying that I would not meet one of the frequent dumper trucks, police 4×4’s or mopeds that seem to go up and down, both ways, with impunity. The police station is in Calle Fuente too we have discovered, they look very fit too, and well armed.

I reach the house, but due to large numbers of police 4×4’s parked there too, I have to park briefly in the square, but we had alerted the kids by mobile to be back at the house to help and they were standing by to unpack quickly.

Round the village again and back into the municipal car park, which is free this year by the way, and means the car doesn’t get too hot.

Followed by a short saunter back down Calle Fuente, where the shopping is unpacked and the wine uncorked.

Phew! Another adventure!

I prepare a paella, which is the kids request, leaving out the rabbit, but then we discover we have absolutely no idea how to turn the hob on. It’s gas, there is a gas bottle attached, various fiddlings do not produce gas or a spark, so we pack the paella makings away, till we can get a reply to our texts to R&A or Roger.

Various salamis, hams, and Laughing Cow cheese on tosts, it is then!

All part of the fun.

Find out how you can rent this beautiful house at http://www.HolidayRentalCasaresSpain.com