We set off for Pals, with our pal, Pierre. He has an incredible knowledge of Spain (and France) and today he take us up to the hilltop medieval village of Pals, near Emporda Bay on the coast. Pals has one of the smallest paddyfields in Europe and has been producing rice since the 15th century, where it was introduced by the Arabs from Valencia. We stop to have coffee and croissants and admire the church and the stunning views.

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After coffee, we drive to Palafrugell, where we visit the biggest wine store we have ever seen, with wines and spirits from Spain, France and the rest of the world. We spend a couple of hours here before heading down to Calella de Palafrugell, a beautiful town on the Mediterranean coast, with wonderful views and restaurants.

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Pierre takes us to one of the many great restaurants on the front and we sit overlooking the sea, drinking white sangria (see recipe) a much more refreshing drink that the typical red sangria. We eat a delicious paella made with arroz de Pals (rice).

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After the meal, we walk along the stunning coastline. Next trip we are planning to take the coastal path running from Calella de Palafrugell, taking in the towns of Llafranc and Begur on the way – but that’s for another time.

We walk back to the car and head home from the wonderful Mediterranean coastline.

RECIPE FOR WHITE SANGRIA

1 Bottle sparkling wine (I use Freixenet or Blanquette de Limoux)

100ml vodka

100ml Cointreau

Strawberries, apples, peaches, cut into 2cm pieces

oranges and limes (sliced)

Ice

Soda water (optional)

Put the ice and fruit into a large jug, add the spirits and wine and stir. Add soda water if you find the mixture too strong or if you want to make it go further. Salud!

VRUISE NEWS

Today Phil is feeling a lot better so he decides to try out the swimming pool. Jude goes shopping.

That evening, Jude and Phil meet up with their pals and dance the night away. Jude wishes she had bought flat shoes.

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All the wonderful Norwegian scenery