the jourknow: Village

Tuesday, 11 September 2012

The Spain Diaries: No.2 - sun, swimming and…more sun and swimming!

It’s safe to say that when you go on holiday, you expect to relax. In fact, when you go to Spain, it should be pretty much guaranteed. With the gorgeous sunshine, sizzling temperatures and stunning scenery, there’s no better way to watch the world go by then sunbathing in the Costa Del Sol.

And that’s exactly what I did do when I arrived in Spain on a recent holiday. After completing my first year at university, I wanted nothing more but to get away and forget about my impending results. Staying with family in the Spanish countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the UK, and the Internet, I was able to relax and unwind.

Despite coming over to Spain several times in the past to see my Grandparents, who live in a very traditional, quaint Spanish village called Tapia in the heart of the Costa Del Sol, the area never fails to amaze me. Mountains in the distance, covered in olive groves in between which are tiny casa’s and villages, all majestically dazzling in the sunshine. Paradise right!?

Paradise indeed. As we sat, drinking ice cold cervezas from the pool, we couldn’t help but laugh at the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere the locals seem to embrace. The Spain we see on the news might be rocked by riots and financial ruin, but it’s not apparent when you’re over here. Despite the hardship, all the people are friendly and welcoming, smiling and nodding “ buenos tardes” and what not throughout the day.

But with temperatures this high - high 40’s most days - who has time for small talk? The only way to enjoy this weather is a dip in the pool, looking out at the glorious views and enjoying the company of your family. As my pictures show, I did just that!

Previous Spain Diary entries:

- No.1 - the BA experience

Monday, 2 April 2012

The New Zealand Diaries: No.9 - Baaaaaaarmy!

If you were to describe one of the delicacies from New Zealand, a food export which rivals all others, one would say lamb. New Zealand Lamb is world famous, there's no doubt about it. Tender, fresh and high quality.

So would it surprise you if I admitted the only bit of lamb I 'had' was a picture taken next to one? Because, wants you see the beautiful, gorgeous animals strolling across the fields, you find it very hard to contemplate eating one!

The New Zealand sheep are cute and cuddly, surrounding towns and villages across the South Island. Sheep are popular with farmers, despite the government drive to focus farming on dairy. From village to village, you'll find at least half a dozen or so farmers tending to their sheep.

Sheep are big business in New Zealand. Besides the meat which is found and highly regarded across the globe, their wool is world renown too. 'Merino wool' is luxurious and highly expensive, a favourite with tourists who visit the island.

Sheep have something of a high status in New Zealand too. Forget your television or radio presenters, the real celebrities are often New Zealand's animals. We recently had 'Happy Feet' the penguin, but before him, came 'Shrek' the Sheep. Shrek's story is known throughout the world; a sheep who, after 6 years in the wild yet never sheared, was found and became the nation's new hero. He met the New Zealand PM, and was even flown to an Iceberg in the Pacific Ocean. Crazy huh?

But it just goes to show how much New Zealand cherishes their fluffy friends, even if it does sound immature and barmy. Yet, it put me off lamb whilst I was there. There was something deeply unsettling about waking up to a field of sheep, and then anticipating a few lamb chops for lunch. No thank you!

Alas, I am not a born again vegetarian. I just appreciate sheep a little more than I used to. So Father Christmas, the only thing on my list this year is a few fluffy lambs for Christmas! BAAAAA.

The second to last photo is of Shrek, courtesy of the Otago Museum