We are winding down our time in Spain. In our last few weeks we’ve come to the coast to get a little bit of the Mediterranean: sand, sun, beach. We have found the world of expats. We hear more english than spanish in the street. Pub names like “Irish Annie’s” and club Rockefeller stand out. We easily get mistaken as residents and not because we speak or act Spanish. I’m not sure Mike and I like that, but we take it in stride. It is another part of Spain and this expat community has been part of Andalucia’s economic recovery. I can’t help but wonder how the Spainards feel about so many foreginers living here and taking up prime real estate next to the beaches.
The coast is reason to rent bikes again. We picked up these silly city cruisers and took them on the hilly coastal road. A total Alaskan move. Serious road cyclists were zooming past us no doubt thinking “WTH?” Actually riding these cruisers in terrain ill suited to them made me think of a short story called “The Freedom Machine” about a woman who escapes her violent partnership by slipping away one day on a bicycle. She rides weeks through the desert on a cruiser bike just like this one. It kept me from any complaints as we peddaled up hills and it puts in perspective what one is capable of on two wheels.
It’s nice to be finding a rythym. I work for a few hours in the morning then we spend the afternoon outside. I have my favorite fruit and vegetable shop which we visit almost daily. We buy fish at the local fish store and cook meals at home. We no longer need to navigate via google maps as the maze of streets have become familiar. Our favorite past time has been sitting on the rooftop terrace with views of the mountains and sea. Spain has become “living” instead of traveling. It’s a welcome groove.
Mirczak's Magical Year 