Swimming into May
When you wake up with the need to escape and 24 hours later your on the beach.
With no planning or preparation, I stuffed my carry-on with as much beachwear as I could, hoping for sunshine and crossing my fingers that it would all fit. After a quick 4-hour flight, I arrived in beautiful Spain, ready for an unforgettable adventure.
I packed a bikini, but I confidently chose to spend most of my time in various swimsuits. My hair needs colour, so I made the smart decision to protect it from the strong sun by wearing scarves. I packed five; they take up no room and double as a sarong.
I confidently grabbed a handful of fashion magazines at the airport and put on my large Mickey Mouse earphones, shutting myself off from the world. With no internet connection during the day, I embraced the quiet—this was my time, a welcome break from any burdens.
I made a deliberate choice to pack only a few pairs of shoes and decided to leave some behind. I have an abundance of summer shoes, including duplicates of the same style, which gives me room for new additions. However, I didn't purchase anything new—I focused solely on buying food.
Wandering through a foreign supermarket is a delight. As a vegetarian, quality fruit is essential, and I always seek out beach snacks and fresh bread. The vibrant products and enticing souvenirs at local markets are impossible to resist, and I fully embrace the experience of immersing myself among the locals.
Routine & discipline, yes, I did a whole blog on this mantra. The same as my London day, I woke at 7 am, headed out to the local coffee shop for coffee & a croissant. Not easy being low season, I ended up in a harbour in the early morning with the fishermen for company. Greeting everyone in my limited Spanish, I felt relaxed, unrushed and happy.
Lunch on the beach at 1 pm after my 10k steps of paddling and swimming. Indulgent afternoons, unwrapped juicy plums and tomatoes so sweet they tasted like oranges. Why does fruit taste so much better by the sea?
Despite the generous application of shiny oil, much like a turkey at Christmas, sunburn was unavoidable. My shoulders were burning! I only had three long-sleeve tunics, and these were crucial to protect my shoulders and arms from turning me into a bright red lobster.
I made it a rule to stay in after 6:30 PM, embracing the cosy comfort of my apartment. Nights out in London can be chaotic, so I decided to indulge in some quality time with my favourite films. I downloaded a selection of four Diane Keaton classics: "Book Club," "Something's Gotta Give," and "Manhattan Murder Mystery" with Woody Allen. Once I pulled the curtains, I immersed myself in this delightful escape, free from phones and distractions—just pure enjoyment, laughter, bottled water, and some tasty local nuts.
I've never understood why some people travel for a holiday only to spend day after day in local "English pubs," eating "English breakfasts," or dining at Burger King. Instead, I prefer to enjoy coffee and cake in unique local spots. I always try to see where the locals go. Thankfully, coffee and doughnuts are easy to order in any language! Freshly squeezed juice was a delightful treat during my trip. Oddly enough, this was the first holiday I can remember where I didn't have any alcohol.
The image above captures my sunburned shoulders—no soothing cream can tame this intense heat. As I sat there watching the boats bob up and down, I found myself dreaming of their next adventure. I refuse to rush back to London; I deserve this escape. Life has been tough and unyielding, and the term “escape from reality” perfectly described my need for a break.
Like life itself, the time flew faster than ever. My long beach walks, endless pool dipping & solitude away from home were coming to an end. The slower pace of life, the quieter days came to an end. Heading to the airport, the ocean crashing down along the coastline, I wanted to jump out of the cab.
A sense of foreboding & dread was ahead. Arriving at Gatwick, I lost my credit cards, the phone rang with news that “We didn’t want to spoil your holiday .. but” Arriving home a letter with more bad news sat waiting.
Sometimes in life, you don’t fully appreciate or understand a moment or a person until they’re no longer there. You carry a longing in your heart, aware that no matter what you do or where you go, you cannot escape that feeling. But I tried.
