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Tuesday we had a day of chilling. At home, by the pool, at our local beach. Good day for some relax. When you have these days your first thought Is that you're wasting time. So much to see and do. But have to keep reminding ourselves that part of this trip is about slowing things down. So you roll with it.
A few times on a day like this I've looked around wondering what I should do. I'm not used to being "bored". But just like its a good things for the kids to be bored and find creative ways to spend their time, it's a challenge for me too. Like most, I'm not used to having "nothing to do". I find myself picking up something to read, or engaging with the kids and what they're doing. I've played Lego, read magazine articles or the local paper, played crib with Olivia, practiced my Spanish, or even sat in the sun with my eyes closed for a few minutes of quiet.
We were going through book withdrawal, especially with the kids, so we've used the iPads to download some books. Olivia has been drawn in totally by a book series called Warriors that her friend Hannah recommended. She can't put it down! Jess of course is into Ninjago books plus we're doing some of his school book reading with an online app his teacher showed me. His reading is JUST about there!
Last few days we had heard about some sand dunes just west of here. And Greg was itching to get closer to the rock of Gibraltar. So I did my research and off we went on Wednesday. We got to La Linea, the (not very nice) border town from Spain to Gibraltar. Long lines of cars for the border... Apparently Gibraltar is bitter about something with Spain so they've committed to making the border crossing more onerous going south. A lot of history here... Spain gave Gibraltar to Britain in the 1700's but they've pretty much wanted it back since then. There have been a few referendums in Gibraltar in recent times whether to remain part of Britain or revert to Spain. Britain has won out every time.
Our plan was to park, cross by foot, and take a taxi on the other side. But we quickly realized what an ordeal this was going to be and changed paths.
Out of the city and back on the hwy west and heading to the dunes... All we knew is they were somewhere near Tarifa. We pulled into Tarifa just after lunch and what a sight for sore eyes. A sweet little city, with some soul. A walled city dating back to the 7th century, it was named after a military commander and may have now lent its name to "Tariffs" around the world. This was one of the first places to charge merchants for using its docks so some say this was the origin of the word "tariff"
We stumbled on the old town and found perfect parking to stroll for lunch. Gorgeous little town. After lunch the obligatory ice cream quest turned into treats from a spectacular panadería we found. Pastries and cakes and eclairs, oh my!
Turns out Tarifa is also one of the worlds most popular destinations for wind sports! Drive along the extensive beach that runs west of the town and there are literally hundreds of kite boarders, wind surfers, kite fliers out. And this is mid week, March. We find our spot to pull in near the far end and wow. The west end of this stunning blonde beach piles up into huge sand dunes that were just calling our name. Greg sat himself in the sand to take it in, and the kids and I ran for the top. So much fun and SO breathtaking. We spent hours here, climbing the dunes, sliding down sand hills, jumping waves, watching the surfers, and just being. One of the most special beach experiences we've had. Both kids say the dunes are the best part of the trip so far.
Sand in your hair, in your shoes, and happy faces to end this day.
Xo
- comments
Walt Your descriptions have us "living" the experiences with you!