Amo España

 Spain is a vibrant culturally rich European nation on the Iberian Peninsula... with a deep history and stunning varied landscapes... I've only scratched the surface with what I wrote last month and what I'm sharing now....

Barcelona has always been one of my favorite places to stop on my way to somewhere... but I finally spent a considerable amount of time there when a friend of mine and I attended The Olympics in 1992 when we decided to go at (almost) the last minute... and we were amazed to get a reasonable flight and accommodations (about 40km southwest of Barcelona) ...we had a ball but I'll get back to this later.

Spain in more linguistically complex than most people realize... If you look at a map of Spain you will notice that place names have variant spellings... such as Villajoyosa and La Vila Joiosa... Almost anyone who took Spanish class in school learned to speak and read Castilian Spanish...which is the language used in  Madrid and Seville. Catalonian Spanish or Catalan is the language used in much of Northern and Eastern Spain including Barcelona and Valencia as well as the Balearic Islands... I'm only bringing it up because often there are two different words meaning the same thing like 'playa' for beach in Castilian and 'platja' in Catalan... I've never had a problem with communication traveling (because I alway brush up on my language skills and have some common phrases memorized in case I need them... to tell you the truth almost every time I've met someone and I'm trying to speak a different language most have said in English that they want to practice speaking English... I think they were just being nice... that being said once you get off the beaten path... you don't always find people who speak English as a second language... so be prepared to communicate... it's a lot easier now because our phones have a language app.

The Official slogan of the Barcelona Football Club is "Més que un club" meaning more than a club... it was officially adopted in 1968 and represents the clubs deep connection to Catalan identity, democracy, social commitment, and values beyond sport such as unity, pride and solidarity... And thus sums of my feelings of admiration and respect. 

I've met a lot of people that seem to think nudity laws are very loose in Barcelona... you have to understand that public nudity has been regulated since 2011...Nudity is permitted at the beach and the surrounding areas. Public nudity has been banned on the streets.

In a perfect world clothing would be optional everywhere... but alas I am perhaps more open minded than most or maybe am just more of a free spirit... suffice to say I spend my vacation and leisure time at the beaches where it's permitted...

Spain is said to have over 200  costal  sites where nude swimming and sunbathing is customary... that are strewn across the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts as well as the islands...nudity is generally accepted on any remote beach outside cities and towns... in addition many accommodations and resorts offer a clothing optional experience. 

Barcelona is in the northern area of the part of Spain's Mediterranean coast known as Costa Dorado... Barcelona has three urban beaches established as clothing optional and all three can be reached by public transit.

Playa de la Mora is located just north of Barcelona in an industrial zone... it's rather bleak surroundings do not stop a large number of beach enthusiasts. It's easy to find... take Metro Line 2 to the Sant Roc stop in Badelona... from there is about a 1 km walk (use the chimney towers of the power plant as landmarks) walk east along Avinguda del Mareseme to the end of the street then go left around the power plant to reach the beach... If you drive there is street parking.

The second is only a few kilometers south of here... Playa de la Mar Bella...it's very centrally located just a short distance north of the zoo (Parc Zoologic) Just north of Port Olympic there are four adjacent beach coves... Playa de la Mar Bella is in the third cove.(if counting from the south) It's about 400 meters long and 2/3's have been designated clothing optional since 1996. The beach has restrooms, showers and a beach bar... as a side note this is my favorite... but don't take my word for it visit all three and decide for yourself.

Just a few kilometers south is Playa de Sant Sebastia..Nudity is freely tolerated here although not officially authorized...Take the Metro Line 4 to the Barceloneta stop... Walk south on the beach (right when facing the water) about a kilometer to reach the nude area at the very end of the beach. Look for Club de Natacio Barcelona as a landmark.

Spain is one of the places for me like Italy and Greece that I've never had a bad time... so whether you go to la playa or la platja your experiences will be the same but please be courteous , follow the rules... carry out what you brought in... and have fun...

Remember the sunscreen.. and after you have had enough sun there is plenty to see and experience in Barcelona...

I've been to Barcelona dozens of times... and every time I go back I discover something new and interesting... if you are a first time visitor make a list of what you 

want to see and do... but always leave some wiggle room for the unexpected.

After the beach... I usually start with food....

The food in Spain is in my opinion some of the best that the world has to offer...  do a little research... go on line and find what will satisfy your taste buds... look into a cooking class if you are so  inclined....

The one thing I've always noticed when I've visited... it's a great destination for couples, groups or families.... and even if you are traveling single...The best time to go is spring and summer (April - August) especially if you want to enjoy the beaches... figuring out where to stay is another thing... if it's your first visit I would suggest The Gothic Quarter...

because you will be near the major landmarks and attractions and maybe most importantly...it's very pedestrian friendly... Hotel prices vary from budget to luxury and everything in between...If you love to visit museums and want to see the top attractions consider getting a Barcelona  City Pass the prices vary from seeing the essential sites to an unlimited all inclusive pass.

No matter where you stay and where you go... find your way to Passeig de Gracia...it's one of the most famous boulevards for shopping and dining... and people watching.

There are a lot of travel guides written for 3-10 day visits... I would have to say even if you stayed for 30 days...you would not see, experience and taste all that Barcelona has to offer... so just make a resolution that you will visit again and again.

Since my friend and I attended the Olympics... I've never gone back to Barcelona without making a stop for at least a few day in Sitges.... this is the closest place we could find to stay...about 40 minutes away... and we only got in because there was a last minute cancellation... but the experience was so wonderful I've always loved going back for more.

It's a very popular destination with a very vibrant night life... The town beaches of Sitges are actually a long continuous beach divided by piers of eight small beach coves... the sixth (if counting south to north) with skimpy swim costumes to near nakedness.

Playa dels Balmins is located on the north end of Sitges and nudity is freely tolerated here although not officially sanctioned. It's very well attended during peak season...It's easy to find... head north (left when facing the water) just north of the main town beaches (about 10 minutes) You can buy a beach map in town.

But the most popular beach in the area is Playa del Meurto

It's two side by side coves both of which are designated clothing optional. A few kilometers south of central Sitges... the first cove about 300 meters is a mixed mostly nude crowd... the second is the southern cove  around the corner about 150 meters of beach it's pretty much all gay and all nude... This is a somewhat strenuous  hike so wear sturdy shoes and bring provisions... Sometimes there is a vendor or two selling refreshments... but not always. Finding it is pretty easy. The Hotel Terramar is a prominent eight story white facade hotel on the south end of town... follow the beachside road to the Atlantida nightclub from that parking lot there is a clifftop coastal path parallel to a railroad track. After about 10 minutes you reach the first cove and the second cove is around the corner... Public transportation will take you are far as the hotel and a taxi can take you from there to the nightclub. If you have a car public parking is available near the hotel.

Sitges has always been a place for me that's easy to make friends... especially if you go out and indulge in the night life... that starts quite late and moves from place to place.

There are a lot of places to stay in Sitges... the first place I stayed that holds a special place in my heart is The Hotel Romantic... and what can I say it's very romantic... the only drawback for me...when it's really hot I appreciate air conditioning... but it's not a total deal breaker... sometimes you have to find creative ways to stay cool.

It's really a charming beautiful costal town full of alley ways with shops and restaurants... 

but two of the things I always do (of many) when I go back... I love the sunset cocktail cruise... I've always said one of the best ways to see a place is from the water...

And a couple of vineyards in the area offer a tour and wine tasting with van pick up service to and from your hotel...

If you want to do any shopping... please keep in mind that the shops are open from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon... and reopen from 5:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 at night... some shops stay open until 11:00 pm during high season. (this is about the time that night life starts to take off) If you plan on indulging in the night life... you'll appreciate the siesta even more.

Most of the big chain and higher end stores are on Carrer Sant Francesc... One of the four main shopping streets that include Carrer Parellades, Carrer Major and Carrer Jesus and they all come together at Cap de la Villa. You can find fashion, artisanal goods and unique jewelry.

There is so much more... if you fall in love with Spain the way I did you just have to make the commitment with yourself  to come back every chance you get... Perhaps in the not too distant future we will return to talk about and revisit all the other places I love too... Spain has something for everybody... plus a little extra.

Thanks for reading... see you next month.

Spain- Everything Under The Sun

My memories of visiting and enjoying Spain and everything it has to offer goes as far back as the early 70's. Spains national motto is "Plus Ultra" meaning "further beyond" and it captures the country, culture and people perfectly.

Tourism particularly in the Costa del Sol experienced a massive tourism boom in the early 70's transforming sleepy fishing villages into bustling International resorts. Affordable high-rise hotels and glamorous high end nightlife and upscale retail slowly built up to what is is today while staying true to its history and charm...Long before the euro the devalued peseta to the American dollar or the English pound made it very, very affordable... it was during this frenzied expansion when I had my first taste of life in Spain... what I remember really loving best was despite the fact that the country was still living under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco until his death in 1975 there was a true La Algeria De Vivir attitude ( a vibrant, cheerful enjoyment of life) and a laid back charm that still exists... My early travels to southern Spain were spent mostly in Torremolinos, Malaga and Marbella and eventually extending to Benalmadena, Fuengirola, and Puerto Banus. If you ever saw the movie "A Touch Of Class" with Glenda Jackson and George Segal it will give you a taste of the flavor of the region at the time.

James A Michener wrote a book in the early 70's titled "The Drifters" detailing the lives of six young people from different backgrounds as they travel through Spain, Morocco and Mozambique searching for identity during the height of the Vietnam war. As with all Michener novels its visually stunning in the descriptions of the locations and its in-depth  examination of the political and cultural attitudes of the era...I enjoyed the book but felt very little  connection with the characters and their motivations... but the books description of Torremolinos  was mostly what inspired the first visit.

I was thinking about my early trips there recently and about the person I was then and the similarities and differences of the fascist dictatorship in Spain at the time and the one we are currently experiencing in the United States... I'm not going to go into any of that in this months installment... But what I really want to say is that Costa del Sol has grown and changed over the years and I've been lucky enough to be a part of the evolution.... The next photo is what it looked like back then...

and now...

I've written previously in almost every travel piece I've shared here... the reason I travel.. in a nutshell for those of you who have recently started reading... Travel has afforded me the best education possible for understanding different cultures and learning about the world and it's people... in addition I've been able to sample amazing cuisine and create unforgettable memories from my experiences... on top of that my travels have taught me to challenge myself and be adventurous  and enjoy life... sometimes it's important to relax and escape reality for a short time and take a holiday away from worries and everything else life can throw at you... I said way back in a very early excerpt it's important to look at new landscapes sometimes to make new decisions about where you want to go and who you want to be and what you need to do next. There is a magical ingredient to travel that when we get home it's still the same...but the secret magical ingredient from travel somehow alters something in our mind and/or perspective...and it changes everything...

Always remember... tourists see the world... but travelers experience it.
My personal motto has always been... any money you spend on eating well, dressing well and seeing the world... is never a waste.

Getting there is half the fun... but you will eventually find your way to the Airport in Malaga... I've been there more times starting in London (you can sometimes get a less expensive flight if you go out of Gatwick) it's about a three hour flight with a one hour time difference... From New York Kennedy Airport there is a direct flight that takes about seven and a half hours and it's 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

The actual airport and your next mode of transportation have overwhelmingly improved over time... when I started visiting you really needed to rent a car... now you can take a train from the airport as far south as Feungirola... there is also bus service and car for hire ride shares... I still recommend renting a car unless you are staying at a resort and plan to spend all or most of your time there... I personally like the freedom to get in the car and explore... it's about an hours drive from Marbella to Gibraltar...I highly recommend the short excursion for an afternoon or an overnight quick get away.

The Costa del Sol is  the costal  border of the province of Malaga. Malaga City is in the eastern part of the province. Torrmolinos is the (or used to be) the epicenter of gay life in southern Spain. Playa Benalnatura is the official clothing optional beach in Benalmadena Costa... it's a short drive or bus ride from Torremolinos. 

I've been going to nude beaches for about as long as I can remember and this is one of the best... It's a small beach but there are a lot of amenities...restrooms with showers, umbrella rental and a beach bar that serves beer, wine, mixed drinks and snacks... practically everyone is nude and there are signs that prohibit bathing suits.. but because it's a public beach it can't be enforced if you feel you must cover up.. but it is enforced at the privately run bar... you actually have to be naked to be served. Frankly I could spend my whole vacation here and enjoy the different shops and restaurants in the area.... there are two other  beaches that offer clothing optional areas further west that could be more of a day trip... 

In terms of accommodations... well there is wide variety that all depend on your needs and budget... there is a place I really like in Marbella that has rooms, suites, bungalows and villas... a spa... a tennis club and amazing restaurants and easy access to golfing about 20 minutes from the hotel... but I'll let you in on a secret... if it's clean, quiet and they have room service and do not disturb signs, maid service and a swimming pool and a decent restaurant... I'm happy.

There is so much to do in addition to a day trip to Gibraltar... you can take a ferry from Malaga toTangiers Morocco in about 3 and a half hours... there are historic guided tours... you can visit wineries... I took a cooking class on a couple of trips...

I can spend the better part of a day and evening wandering around Marbella, there are great shops and restaurants...

I don't know if you are familiar with the phrase "Top To Toe In Tailbacks"... its an English expression that means being stuck in a long line of slow moving traffic... often with red tail lights visible in all directions. It's during such times... especially if snow is involved... that I start formulating an escape to someplace warm... like Spain...

The Costa del Sol has a Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and a very  short mild winter...The hottest months are July and August and the coldest January and February... but even in the winter it's clear and bright and definitely beats the dark winter days and nights of Northern Europe and the Northeast in the United States.

It was here once that I got back to being myself again...the happy me that was not afraid... the unapologetic me... the fun, kind and adventurous me that was willing to take risks again. I learned sometimes there is no silver lining for certain events... because  there are certain things that never should have ever happened... Period. A lot of water went under the bridge before I learned all the lessons and I looked at my reflection in the mirror one night and said... "you've been through an ordeal and you survived and found your way back to yourself"... I also learned an important lesson about everyone else in the world too... Everyone has a story... and there is a reason why people are the way they are...you have to be careful not to judge because you don't know their story.

Make sure your story is a great one that people will want to share and remember....

There is so much to Spain that I have not even begun to scratch the surface... so next month we will continue on to Barcelona and Sitges...Someone said something to me once there in the moonlight... "You will never no matter how hard you try... be everyone's cup of tea... but rest assured you will be someone else's  double shot of tequila with salt and lime!" 

I hope you will join me again next month... stay safe and warm... or cool depending where you are in the world right now.