Submitted by Kailey Schissler on the 2019 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
On Friday, we decided to take advantage of one of our last free days in Granada (the last free weekend we are in Barcelona!) and hit the beach. We heard the beaches nearby were beautiful, and our host home recommended Almuñécar. We took an early bus at 9:00 am (Sge thought we were crazy). Our host mother kindly called a taxi for us, and we were both surprised when right after hanging up the phone, she rushed us out the door because the taxi had arrived. At the bus station, we faced a little confusion, but found our way to the right bus eventually after asking a worker for help.
The beach was gorgeous. MUCH nicer than the Jersey Shore that I am used to. Something I found surprising was the sand, which was not actually sand at all. It was mainly rocks, some huge and some very small, it could be mistaken for sand. Despite some of the rocks hurting your feet, I liked it. I felt there was no way I could be at the coast in Spain and not go in the ocean, despite the water being freezing. Although later, as it really heated up, it felt refreshing.
After the bus ride home, we took a taxi home. Although we didn’t speak to the driver much, when we did, it was Spanish! Although I have realized some workers here speak some English, I always like when they don’t so I can practice. At a restaurant in Almuñécar, the waitress immediately realized I did not speak much Spanish, although I tried, and started speaking English. Although it is comforting to hear sometimes, I like the opportunities to practice.
Overall, I would recommend a beach trip to anyone who has the chance on a free weekend. I take any opportunity I can to stand at the edge of an ocean. La Puerta del Mar is a 10/10 in my books.
