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| Two girls awaiting their appearance |
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| Two sisters making their way along the carpet |
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| Plaza Mayor |
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| Old Theatre |
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| Same old Theatre as depicted in painted tiles |
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| Group of local Merry Makers in front of a taverna |
28 April 2012 - Castellon de la Plata, Spain
Well, first time to this port for Prinsendam, ergo: Red Carpet Occasion, with local Ministers, Officials, Wives and Friends and Children all lined up along the pier, where a row of white tents had been erected for the Welcoming Event, as well as generous length of Red Carpets on the concrete pier.
Television, reporters, photographers had turned up in a mass of paparazzi and awaited 'action'.
Of course, the pier was barely long enough, the huge ship fenders on the dock not quite the right dimension, and the officials were shivering in the cold while corrective action slowly got under way. A little extra red carpet needed to be duct taped into position, and an extra access ramp at pier level rolled out.
No local ramp being available, Prinsendam's adjustable stair/ladder was called into service for the first time on this cruise. It took ages to adjust lines, winches, levering mechanism, hooks etc...and someone working at it suggested to utilize a certain helpful doohicky, when the response from the Bridge came over the two way radio, saying: "it probably doesn't work, it is the Prinsendam" alluding to certain signs of old age on the good little ship. About twenty minutes later all seemed resolved, and a nattily dressed Minister with an entourage of Immigration and Customs officials as well as other VIPs entered the ship via said red carpet and readily positioned ramp. The local band started it's welcoming concert on the pier; and fore, aft and breast lines were finally secured and the ship - with twelve meters to spare - made fast.
Shortly after passengers were cleared to come ashore, and immediately invaded the white tents to taste Valencia's famous orange juice, which a small army of local attendants had prepared for all. A little kiosk offered maps and help, and another large tent offered small bottles of local Tempranillo wine, one bottle for each passenger. Knowing the inclination to grab anything 'free', it was no surprise, that most of the about 1000 bottles lined up, disappeared in short order after some of the 600 passengers aboard Prinsendam had made their initial touch down at Castellon de La Plata. Do the math...
The press interviewed anybody who was willing, and a few tour buses (to Valencia) and shuttle buses (to downtown Castello) steered through complicated three point turns on the narrow pier to get in position for departure without driving their cumbersome vehicles into the drink.
Saturday, Sunshine, small non touristy town with a charming city centre - what else could one want. Castellon is in the Province of Castello, in the East of the Iberian Peninsular on the Costa de Azahar (orange blossom coast). Resort Development has not quite made the same inroads as it has further south at the Costa del Sol, which means, that the area is relatively untouched and very pleasantly friendly and laid back.
Life happens around the central Plaza Mayor, which is surrounded by various old buildings and a basilica, some dating back to the time when King Jaume I of Aragon re-conquered the town from the Moorish Kingdom of Valencia in 1233. One may stroll through pleasant parks, scented with orange blossom aroma, dotted with tiled benches, fountains and Glorietas, wander the quaint streets past a small bullring, the obligatory Roman Theatre ruins, remnants of fortifying city walls, old clock towers, a lively city market and a historic theatre. Shops were open during Saturday morning, and there was a surprising number of chic and trendy boutiques for European designer wear et al.
Everyone in Spain dresses to the hilt, when leaving the house for any errands or to go to work. No Spaniard would be caught looking less than perfectly groomed and immaculately dressed, and that includes the children, which look neat, fresh and tastefully turned out. Not too many baseball caps, droopy shorts, dropped crotch jeans or t-shirts with Budweiser advertising around. No Mickey Mouse outfits either.
The excitement for the day was a fashion show, which took place on the Plaza Mayor under open sky, and fortunately balmy sun. The children's show started at noon - we would miss the adult fashion exhibition as it was scheduled past ship's departure time. The children duly made their appearance, some dressed in local folkloric outfits and strutting, mincing and toddling over their particular red carpet. Some were so young, that they were carried by their mothers, some hung onto older siblings, whilst sucking bewildered at their pacifiers. Ooohs, Aaahs and applause from all, especially fellow guests who are reminded by these youngsters of their own brood of grand and great grand children back at home. Behind the scenes, mothers were adjusting little ribbons here, and little jackets there, and putting the last little curl into its proper place. The kids looked stoic.
One of those days, where no 'must see' attractions take away from a relaxed, enjoyable stay of strolling, watching and enjoying a little local fare. Even our afternoon departure enjoyed a special treat: Castellon citizens, musicians and folk dancers put on an impressive show by a great number of participants all dressed in local costume, and they danced and played and sang and waved from the pier until Prinsendam finally wiggled her way out of the tight harbour back into the open sea.
And then the rain started again....perfect timing.
