Javea Grapevine 186 2016 Five | Page 101

The Xàbia Book Circle   Our group›s summer outing took place on Tuesday 14th June;  the destination in the Albufera region near Valencia was the village of El Palmar, an oasis of peace and tranquillity where time stands still. We  then embarked on our 9km trip around the Albufera lake in a traditional boat. The Albufera is a freshwater lagoon and estuary hosting a wealth of more than 350 species of birds and a rich variety of flora and fauna. We were also able to see a traditional, high-peaked thatched fisherman›s cottage known as a barraca with a design that dates back hundreds of years. The boat trip was relaxing, refreshing and a total delight! Once safely back on dry land, we gathered for lunch in the excellent El Palmar restaurant and sampled a sumptuous lunch featuring its signature dish, Paella, prepared with ingredients grown in the vegetable gardens that surround the wetlands. A splendid day out was had by all!   Alma Dorndorf tel. (0034) 96 646 3262