Around the World in 180 Days
28-Mar-2001 Costa Del Sol.
Left Granada and the vision of the snow covered SierraNevada's and the quaintest little town in Spain I amsure... well so far. My friend's Grandpa lived in alittle town just near Granada, so we headed that way.When we arrived we searched everywhere for the CavesGrandpa lived in only to find many new developmentscovering the hillsides... we both felt that maybe theyhave torn them down... they were nowhere to be found. He was consoled that at least he experienced Caveliving in Granada, and to be close by, see thelandscape of his ancestors was moving and connecting.
Heading towards the coast we wound our way throughbeautiful mountainous countryside, seeing the ancientvillages dotted amongst the mountains. My friend keptsaying "Grandpa said this area is just likeCalifornia, and he was right"... seems Grandpa wasright about a great deal... I began to love Grandpathrough the eyes of my friend.
Watching and filming him reconnect with his¨"Spanish"beginnings was moving, his love of his grandparents,who had a great influence on his life, was intense andtouching to my inner core.
We turned onto the Coast at Motril where we began ourtrip along the Costa Del Sol... from Motril toGibraltar was a short way on the Map but a long way inreality. This coastline was amongst the mostbeautiful I had seen, second to the East coast ofAustralia.
Gentle waves lapped the dark sands of the beaches,suddenly a cliff jutted from the sea. The white washhouses with the orange tiles covered the steephillsides. Development along this coastline wasabundant, multi level apartments half completedlittered the skyline.
Arriving at Gibraltar, the Big Rock we called it, withits military history and most of all it was the lastvision Grandpa would have had of Spain. We were unsureof how he made the trip from the Granada Hills to thisdistant tip of Spain... but thought maybe it was bysea... we will have to look into it... if not by sea thelong arduous trip over such mountainous terrain withthe hope of a better life, a life without the tyranny.This family were to experience the hardship ofsickness and shocking conditions in the bowels of theship only to find that they were to be not much morethan slaves for the rich plantation owners. Grandpamoved from Hawaii to California, worked hard andbecame successful... sent for his brown eyed beauty hemet in Hawaii, and began his family.
There is so much more I could tell you about thiswonderful gentle gardner but space is not permittingme... just know that he is one of the Unsung Heros ofthe past.
I have so loved my time in Spain, I want to come back,but the next time I will speak a "Leeetle" of thelanguage. It is a country worth visiting... theshopping is fantastic!!! for all you shoppers outthere, Italian leather shoes for 3999 ptas... can youbelieve it and perfume is soooooooo cheap here... asis the food... an average meal over here is 3000ptasfor two.
I do think Spanish Tourism should put me on thepayroll. Well guys, see you in Miami.
My love and hugs to you all,
Wendy
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