This summer, as restrictions on travel were eased in some countries, I endeavoured to get out of the U.K. My journey was to take in four different destinations beginning with Zahara de los Atunes in Cadiz, Spain, then a trip to rural France followed by a return to Spain and its capital, Madrid, ending in the eastern city of Valencia.
Found in Cadiz province, Zahara de los Atunes lies between Cape Trafalgar and Tarifa and represents Spain’s far south at her authentic, relaxed best. “Zahara of the Tuna” offers deserted beaches, fish restaurants and beach shack “chiringuitos” where the party carries on through the night. Day or night, eating and drinking are central to life here. The markets (especially Mercado de Abastos with its fresh fish and meat) and the bars and restaurants are bursting with top quality Spanish fare and make Zahara the perfect innocent getaway. For those who get too restless chilling on the beach other activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, bike riding, horse riding, and diving are all available. If all else fails you can take the 45 minute ferry ride from Tarifa over to Tangier, Morocco.
Next on my itinerary was a trip up north to the south of France. I have visited rural France on many holidays almost always staying in a gîte. I could go into depth about the agriculture, the geography, the architecture, the cuisine, the hospitality, the welcoming spirit of the locals. However, I choose to mention one place close to my heart which epitomises each visit I have made.
There is a place called Floriac to be found on the edge of the Dordogne. Here there is a riverbank of smooth stones worn down by water over thousands of years. The sun shines and time disappears. The river is wide and, on the far side, has carved an overhanging arch into the rock face. Fish jump, eagles sore above, and the water drifts down. I have swam here, dived in here, sunbathed here, eaten baguettes filled with the abundant delicacies to be found here. Locals swim here too. I have thrown stones across the river, dreamed, played music, read books, and made memories. What is rural France to me? It is peace, beauty, labour and love.
For my final outing, flying from the U.K, myself, my eldest sister and my niece headed to reunite with my second eldest sister, my nephews and brother-in-law in Spain’s capital, Madrid, and then travelled to the eastern coastal city of Valencia. Whilst in Madrid we visited the Retiro Park, enjoyed a tuk tuk ride around the centre of town, and invested in a live caricature drawing of the nephews and niece and a toreador picture (with my name inserted) for myself. Wined and dined, we then headed to Valencia where my sister had negotiated a house swap, landing us a house in the old fisherman’s quarter, a stone’s throw from the beach. Things to do in Valencia on a flying visit?…..The aquarium, a guided tour, the beach, and Paella.
The aquarium is the largest in Europe and is pretty much a theme park in itself. It boasts a dolphin show, sharks, Beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, pelicans, and a multitude of fish from all over the world, all accompanied by a cool musical soundtrack as you walk around.
A guided tour around the historic quarter of Valencia is recommended. Established over 2000 years ago the city’s different eras are all represented.
The beach here is very popular with the locals and tourists alike. Every size, shape, and colour congregate here and it is a very relaxed affair. People swim, sunbathe, walk, run, and play volleyball on the many permanent courts provided.
The finale of our stay was sampling the world famous Paella. Valencia is generally thought to be the original home of this dish and it didn’t disappoint. A word of advice, let the Paella sit in the pan for five to ten minutes after it is cooked as this will make it doubly delicious.
Lessons learned from these travels? Most definitely, where there’s a will there’s a way
I’m D.B.G (Dan Barnaby Goddard), a writer and recording artist based on Dartmoor in the West of the U.K. My songs are musical poems reflecting things I have seen and felt throughout my life and I’m always on the lookout for stories which reaffirm my trust in humanity and the human spirit.
In this Buzz column I seek out instances to fill in the spaces left by an increasingly corporate world, commenting on the unpredictable and heart warming gems which are created as the wheels of power keep turning round.
