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

First Gold for Great Britain!

Good news for Team GB and the country today as we finally claimed our first Gold medal of the Olympics.

With the home support feeling a little “down” from our lack of medals so far, it couldn’t have come at a better time for Team GB to win their first Gold.

And what a superb victory it was for rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning in the women’s pair, who become the first female rowers in Britain to win an Olympic title.

With the crowds cheering and the whole country celebrating the first Gold of the London 2012 games for Team GB, it now brings our medal total to six. Our first medal went to Lizzie in the Women’s road race, with another silver going to the Equestrian eventing team. Bronze medals have also been awarded to the Men’s eight rowing  team, Rebecca Adlington in the 400M and the fantastic Men’s artistic gymnastics team, who were controversially downgraded from silver in a thrilling, history-making day of gymnastics.

Catch all the latest on the BBC Olympics page and the London 2012 website.

Keep going Team GB!!!
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

And the first Team GB medal goes to...

Congratulations to Lizzie Armitstead of the Team GB’s cycling team, who won SILVER in the road race this afternoon.

Lizzie, despite the horrendous weather and conditions, used her skill to take a few risks during the race and pushed for first place. She was eventually pipped by a whisker by Dutch cyclist Marianne Vos in the final kilometre, in what has been described as a thrilling sprint across the finish line.

Congratulations to Lizzie, who gives Team GB their first medal.

Meanwhile, Team GB are looking strong in the sailing, football, gymnastics and equestrian events, with more medals available tonight in swimming and weightlifting, amongst others.

GO TEAM GB!!

(And to those who are panicking over Team GB’s medal woes so far, remember that in Beijing it took us a few days to claim our first medal by Armitstead’s teammate Nicole Cooke in the road race. We have plenty of chances in many other events. So get behind Team GB and stop tutting!)