¡Vamos a la playa!

¡Hola a todos!

This weekend, a small group of Bucknellians shed themselves of academia and relaxed at a local beach called Salobreña.  The trip back and forth apparently lasts one hour, however, as photo evidence below reveals, I was less than attentive for the beautiful Spanish landscape.

Credits to Holly for snapping this spy-like photo.

The beach was not fine sand, to which many (including myself) are accustomed, but rather semi-fine pebbles upon which walking shoe-less I can only liken to the feeling of bare feet upon broken glass.  Luckily, with the sun bearing upon the shoreline all day, these pebbles became fiery embers.  All together a win-win, in my opinion.

Ball on sand. Artsy! Maybe?

OK, all less-than-subtle sarcasm aside, the beach was a brilliant scene:  gentle waves of cool water, rolling hills lined with clusters of white houses, and people from around the world sharing a perfect day together in southern Spain.  I came prepared for the day bearing gym shorts, a towel, and a box of cereal I bought at the super market.  (As a random side-note, it's funny the types of things you find you miss when so removed from your native environment.  Since breakfasts are so small in Spain, I had craved cereal since we arrived.  I finally caved into temptation.  Let's just say the box was finished before I laid my towel on the beach.)


So, although I came less than prepared for the beach, I was more than ready for the excitement of the day.  (Who needs sunglasses, sunblock, or a bathing suit, anyway?)  After brief spouts of swimming/realizing how out of shape I am, and kicking around a football, a small group decided to explore a bit more of the town. We trekked upwards to find an Arab castle, but were careful to take advantage of the many photogenic spots along the way.

It's really quite interesting how much is discernible by observation.  For example, it was immediately obvious that the castle was built by Moors by the several high, horseshoe shaped arches.  Considering that Andalucia was the last strong Arab stronghold during the Reconquista, it seemed only too reasonable that this must have been, in fact, some sort of Arab architecture.  Some quick research revealed that it was actually used as a prison and defensive stronghold for many years.  But, like many Moorish works, we also saw a cross and a Virgin Mary statue resting on one side of the edifice.  This belied the Christian takeover ordered by the Reyes Catolicos: Isabelle and Ferdinand.  Many mosques and other Arab palaces were converted into churches, or the like, during the reconquest of Spain.  This seemed to be no exception.  Although our timing was dreadful (the castle was closed to visitors), our journey to the top of the town was more than successful.

Arab Castle

All in all, the vacation (within a vacation?) was a wonderful adventure and experience.  I was even mistaken for a Spaniard twice!  Albeit, one person was from Holland.  Regardless, it is truly amazing what a slight tan and a minimal vocabulary can do!  Although not all "viajes" we take will involve swimming in the Mediterranean, I am quite enthralled by the thought of more travel and exposure to different cultures and people.


Thanks for reading!


-Matt

Left to Right: Emily, Lyndsay, Holly, Lauren, Jen
Not pictured: Wes, April, Hallie, Sarah... :(