Originally we were told it was a 3 month refit schedule once they started work on the boat which was actually back in January. Our plan was to arrive in June so we stressed that we would prefer that they took their time to assure the quality of the work versus rushing the project, so it was a bit disconcerting that they were so far behind. Alan gave us a tour, pointing out the area’s of transformation and touching on the work left to do. He had owned the same model and sailed it extensively for 2 years and was very knowledgeable about use of space, options, equipment etc. Generally an interesting guy and a gifted sales man.
Ed dropped us at our hotel which was located a few blocks from the beach and we checked in, dropped our bags and walked down the esplanade to meet up for much-needed drinks and a meal. It was cool and breezy out and none of the summer crowds had arrived yet but apparently the place would be transformed by mid July. On the beachside, there was a wide paved promanade which ran for a few miles and was interspersed with tree’s and seats, with a wide sandy beach to the ocean.
On the other side of the road were all the restaurants, bakeries, markets, shops with t-shirts, sunglasses, towels etc for tourists, little cafes, and bar’s. There was a central square with a classic carousal and a casino, which was lined with bars and restaurants and appeared to be the focus of dining.
On our trip last fall we had stumbled across “la Petit Brassier”where the gruff but jovial owner spoke Catalan (we think so anyway as it didn’t sound like French or Spanish, and we couldn’t understand him at all). At that time it was one of the few places open and obviously a locals favorite judging by the 2 tables of well lubricated folks that were there. There was a huge TV that no one seemed to be paying attention to so we asked if we could change the channel to the Formula One race that was on. It was hysterical trying to convey this request and also have everyone at the bar try and figure out what we meant and then navigate the remote control which added to the challenge. We did eventually manage to locate the right channel and a big cheer went up from the crowd amid lot’s of gesticulations and laughter. So it was here we returned for drinks on our first night back in Canet. The place was exactly as we remembered.
We had now been awake for 36 hours or so, and were happy to have Ed lead us to La Siesta for dinner. The hostess was a lively lady who used to work on charter boats in the Caribbean. The decor was beachy and comfortable with distressed wood tables and chairs, palms, and bright colors. There was a mock long drop toilet or to borrow an Aussie term a”thunder box” which was slightly challenging for the sleep deprived!
The food was very tasty, with a long selection of the local Paella’s, tuna steak with a coconut lime sauce, and various other meat and fish dishes which I can’t recall.
In America there is a big push for farm to table cooking but it seemed like this is just the norm in France. It is definitely “slow food” too, and we were reminded of the more leisurely time schedule for meals in this part of the globe, which was nice.
There must have been one more stop for a night cap before returning to the hotel because the front door was locked when we got there, and we realized we had not brought the code with us. Fortunately while we were contemplating our predicament, a very tall and urban looking German couple exited the building, with a very tall long legged black dog, off for an evening stroll we supposed.. The night manager got his rest that night and we made it up stairs (no easy feat as we couldn’t locate the light switches), and to our comfortable bed.