A Spanish Seaside Afternoon....

So what do you do in Spain.....it's a frequent question asked of us.  Here is a for-instance:

It's Saturday, middle of July and the seafront is busy!  Dive boats are carrying divers to and from the sea by the dozens; sailboats and cozy powerboats gently glide family and friends for a day on the water.

We like to take a walk along the town's seafront and admire the small fishing vessels that have long docked since the morning's catch of fish.  The fishing nets have been mended and casually laid along the dock ready for the next day.  The air smells of the sea...

The coastline is a rugged one on the port side of the cape and creates a dramatic backdrop.  Brave swimmers climb their way down to the cool waters, small boats find a calm spot between the rocks and on the opposite of the port is a shallow area where paddle boats and kayaks make their way into deeper waters.  The sandy beach is directly behind the port and the narrow spit of land that separates them is wide enough for a small parking area and a two way road.  Today the beach was full of sunbathers - some lounging, others under canopies or umbrellas (protecting oodles of coolers) and a few others played beach paddle tennis.  Children screamed with delight as they rolled with the waves.  No loud music, just the sound of happy family and friends spending a fabulous day at the beach.

As the time neared 1:45pm we made our way to the restaurant for lunch - it would be a paella of some sort, or a "caldero" (a soupy rice and fish stew) plus a refreshing sangria.  The restaurant had but a handful of diners as we arrived and within the hour, there wasn't a table to be had; the bar was three deep and outside tables (overlooking the waterway) were filling up with those wanting to sit in the shade and watch the boats come in.  After a two hour lunch, we needed to walk off the lobster paella that was perfectly cooked and accompanied by a chilled "jarra" (jug) of sangria.  Bueno!

Many of our days are spent walking through the towns that are nearby, greeting many of the restaurant owners and staff that recognize us.  We love to look in the windows of the shops and especially peruse a menu or two.  Last evening our community held a craft market; it was themed "hippie"....well, it was sort of hippie-dippie in the most delightful way - and yes, we made some purchases!  The craft market is held every Friday evening in July and August...something to look forward to either before or after a dinner in the village!

Tomorrow is market day - and dinner is always a rotisserie chicken that tastes as delicious as it smells!

Here is a short video of the afternoon's photos....adios!