Alpens, Spain

Ahhh Spain, I knew I wanted to bring the kids here but I 
had sort of forgotten what it was that had captivated me 
the first time we visited, but now that we are back, I 
remember. Spain is alive, it is a vibrant place full of 
colour and life. Here in the north with influences like 
Gaudi and Dali there is eccentricity and spectacle everywhere.

It's hot and dry, and slashes of colour are set against a
background of pale stone building and paths. Muted pale 
green arid plants cover the ground. The rugged windy coast
line harbours beautiful turquoise, clear water beaches, 
covered with umbrellas so dense you can't see any sand and
the masses of skin on show remind me that we really do live 
in quite a prudish society at home.

We are staying in a tiny hill side village, all stone attached 
houses lining narrow stone alleys that are full of neighbours 
enjoying each other’s company until late into the night. I 
can really appreciate the benefits of siesta here, up early 
to do your work, then rest and refresh during the heat of 
the day and then be social until the wee hours. The Spanish 
seem to have perfected enjoying life to the full.

In addition to sharing with the children Gaudi's unmistakable 
contribution to Barcelona, I felt compelled to take them to 
Dali's theatre museum, it was not very far away from our 
village and I have really enjoyed seeing his exhibitions 
when they have been in Brisbane. I like the idea that his 
quirky representation of things might challenge the children 
a little, but I must say that having an entire museum created 
by such an eccentric mind where oddities were every which
way you looked, combined with masses of people - it was all 
a bit too much to take in. There was no opportunity for 
reflection or thought on any of his pieces, just the 10 
second 'look see' and move on to allow others a look. There 
were even long line ups once you were within the museum to
see certain pieces, the kids did an amazing job coping with 
this, but this is a serious down side to travelling here 
during the summer season. I'm thankful that we stayed in such 
a delightful little village that days spent at home were a
wonderful break from the summer crowds and gave us an 
opportunity to really experience the local culture here.

Think I feel a little more at home in Spain with the heat,
dust, coast and fresh produce then in Northern Europe. 
Looking forward to a month in Italy..... Bring on the 
summer heat.