September Morn

Well tomorrow is the first of September and I can hardly contain my joy and delight. (A like minded friend has just called to play Neil Diamond´s September Morn down the phone to me - sad but true!) I know thousands of people enjoy the summer in Spain and where would we be without the tourists? But I for one am embracing the cooler months ahead. No doubt I will be moaning about the rain as soon as it starts - but hey - complaining about the weather is a British thing after all. September is a beautiful month - still warm enough to sunbathe but cool enough to walk on the beach or to trek inland to one of the beautiful inland nature reserves such as the Sierra de las Nieves at Ojen, which boasts some of the most stunning scenery and wildlife in Andalucia. And all just 20 minutes from Marbella centre. September is a time for catching up with friends who return after summer, and to reclaim the pool and the beaches after the majority of tourists have gone home. There´s not one person in the pool today - which is a first for August at my complex, and most people seem to have started their journeys home this weekend. It even feels cooler today (but that is probably my imagination), and there is a good sea breeze whipping in from the coast. So to celebrate the end of silly season, we are going for lunch today at Finca la Mota, just outside Alhaurin el Grande, which is one of my family´s favourite Sunday lunch venues. Quirky and well priced, we normally order a selection of tapas and salads to begin with and the mixed grill with some fab. marinated ribs as a main course. They also serve some great rolls and sandwiches including fillet steak with mustard and onions, and a range of salads including thai prawn and fresh tuna. There´s also a pool in the grounds and plenty to keep the kids entertained. If you enjoy a change from the usual beach bars and restaurants, and now that the weather is cooling down, venture a little bit inland, and you´ll find some great places to eat and drink at a fraction of the price you pay on the coast.