Waving from Such Great Heights

So I've officially found a country where I would be 100% happy running away to and never returning. Literally and specifically in Alicante, Spain. The culture, Mediterranean Sea, people, nightlife, Sangria, and food are absolutely to die for. My roommates and I decided to go on sort of a vacation from a vacation.  For the most part, we like Brussels, but it is not exactly known for their "pretty sights." We booked our tickets randomly last Tuesday after a conversation of wanting Sangria and a clear water beach and after multiple conversations with our banks and parents, on Friday, we were finally in Spain!  Here are some views from Alicante:

The pictures overlooking the city and beach are from the top the Santa Barbara Castle. There was an option to walk up but we decided to take the elevator which cost us 2 Euro. Litereally best money I've spent while in Europe.

View of Santa Barbara Castle

Spanish beaches are very "free." To say the least, don't be shocked if you see  a lot of nudity at a "family friendly" environment. Spaniards are very free with their bodies and think it is natural and completely normal.

(Note: Don't expect it to be a Maxim shoot either. This includes women 20-80 year olds.)

Part of the castle courtyard

View of Alicante

Staircase up to the Santa Barbara Castle

The Roomies!

Pure class, Mel.

The water was so warm and pretty. We literally stayed out on the beach for 5 hours everyday.

(Note: Since sunblock is a necessity, a small bottle can cost minimum 15 Euro, equalling about $21.50.)

Marketplace...open to midnight every night.

View from our hotel-Eurostars Mediterranea Paza. You can see the castle at the top. Not bad for 90 Euro for three days.

I cannot express enough how much I LOVED this city.  The people were so nice and had a unique "love for life" that I have never seen within a culture.  There was always some sort of festival or celebration with fireworks going off. If there's one thing that I've learned from this trip, it's that Spaniards never need a reason for a fiesta, it's just part of their everyday life.

I also enjoyed this trip because I could actually understand what people were saying. I took 7 years of Spanish and even though I am not fluent, I could easily understand menus, conversation topics, and directions more easily than living in a city that speaks primarily French when all I know is "Bonjour," "Merci," and "Je suis desolet, Je suis American."


This next weekend I am really excited because my best friend, Kelyn, is coming to visit me from her study abroad location in Italy! I will keep you posted with what trouble we'll get into next.