As the Costa del Sol revels in the first few days of Phase 1, EWN asks the public in Spain how they are enjoying their freedom

As the Costa del Sol revels in the first few days of Phase 1, EWN asks the public in Spain how they are enjoying their freedom

IT was the moment we had all been waiting for, that first taste of freedom that the majority of us had been unable to have for two months. The enforced confinement had pushed us into facing unprecedented challenges, luckily from the safety of our own homes.

This Monday we were finally allowed to visit family we had missed dearly, go for a coffee or a beer, catch up with friends, go to the shops and a number of other things we had previously taken for granted.

As residents and businesses try to grasp some kind of a normal life, Euro Weekly News spoke to members of the public on the Costa del Sol to see how they were enjoying the first few days of Phase 1.

Elliott Wright, owner of the popular Olivia’s in La Cala de Mijas told Euro Weekly News “It has been hard work preparing for Phase 1 but we have rearranged the terrace and can now seat 80 people observing social distancing.”

“We reopened on Monday and were very pleased with the number of customers who came and as an added attraction we now have a DJ playing on the terrace which has been well received.

“Whilst we would prefer advance bookings, it is possible to turn up and if we have room guests will be more than welcome” he added.

Marie lives in Benalmadena, “I was obviously excited to get out of the house to see my family, which was wonderful. However, I am a bit alarmed by the number of people that are on the streets and not wearing face masks or staying apart from each other. It would be heartbreaking to come so far only for a second wave of the virus to come.”