A Knap Sack On My Back.....

I´ve returned to Spain and plan to make a small loop around the southern area of Andalucia. Having finished a cup of coffee and a plate of freshly fried and greasy churros this morning, I took a bus to the most Southern tip of Europe in the great little town of Tarifa. There are lots of kite surfing here as the winds are strong, the beach also forms a lagoon and the waves make it ideal to learn or go airborne when the wind really picks up.The beach is long and extends to the east for at least 5 km, past the new part of the city while the old walls contain the compact old city with a view across the Mediterranean Sea.

Tarifa is at the most narrow part between the two continents and you can get a good view of Africa from here. It´s amazing how close they are, yet how different. The fast ferry in Tarifa advertises it can cross over to Tangier in 35 minutes flat. As an added bonus, you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean and two minutes later, take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Just because you can.

Before leaving Portugal, I visited Tavira and getting off the bus, I immediately liked the town with its´ small castle ruins, seven arched bridge and pleasant walk-way center. There´s a nearby island to visit with a long stretch of beach to the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the fresh water river on other side. There`s plenty of fishing at the mouth of the river. There was also some nude sun bathing further down the beach, mostly of old men which in my opinion, did not add to the scenery. The monk fish stew in Tavira was excellent. A circus was in town but I passed it down, even if it was the famous Victor Hugo show.

After three local buses and one ferry (as the express bus was sold out), I crossed over to Spain and stayed a couple of nights in Seville. I had forgotten how beautiful this city is. Reminiscences of the Moor with its´ Arabic influences can most visibly be seen in the Andalucia, in particular the cities of Granada, Cordoba and Seville. The tangle of small streets and lanes in Seville remind me of the souqs of Morooco except without the hassles of touts and the chaotic energy of the market. The 70 meter tower (La Giralda) at the Seville Catherdral with it´s Islamic designs which was previously the site of a mosque is the same minaret you see in Marrakesh and Rabat. I can still remember walking at sunset and hearing the call to prayers from these minarets. The Alcazar Palace in Seville is also exceptional beautiful with the interior court yards, Isalamic architecture, underground water tanks, lavish gardens and fountains. One of the great Moorish designs is the typical court yard of lined orange trees contrasted with the surrounding white washed walls.

I´ve been spoiled with the pristine beaches I`ve been visiting as I found the beach in the old town of Cadiz to be small, crowded and filled with litter. Essentially, the beach was one big ash tray for cigarette butts. Still, the center is easy to get around, the catherdral impressive, the two small castles close to visit at the tip of peninsula and the people extremely helpful. Just looking at the map would solicit offers of help from the locals.

I´m back to England in six days for some rest, and fresh scones and clotted cream. Hope you`re all doing well.