Feb. 22, 2008 - La Playa - Field trip!
This is the view from my luxury beach-front condo in Marbella, Spain. Let me just pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming... ouch! Dreaming again!
In the last entry we talked about wishes, and right now I could say, Quisiera estar en Marbella.... I wish I were in Marbella. Marbella sits in Southern Spain, in the province of Andalucia, on what is called La Costa del Sol - The Sun Coast. You can see on this map that it is at the western edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and in close proximity to North Africa.
In the last entry we talked about wishes, and right now I could say, Quisiera estar en Marbella.... I wish I were in Marbella. Marbella sits in Southern Spain, in the province of Andalucia, on what is called La Costa del Sol - The Sun Coast. You can see on this map that it is at the western edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and in close proximity to North Africa.
La Costa del Sol is where Europe goes to relax and play, and get away from the dreary winter and chill of the North. One of the major industries of Spain is tourism, and Marbella is the tip of the iceberg. Not only are the beaches and fresh seafood a lovely temptation, but Southern Spain is a bounty for the history buff, and a great opportunity to practice Spanish.
Here is Marbella Castle, the remains of a Roman Fortress. Outside of town you can stroll through the old Roman Village called Las Bovedas. After a morning of enjoying this amazing history, let's have lunch in a cafe in La Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Plaza), whose fountain dates back to the 15th century.
We will enjoy tapas, savory appetizer portions of Spanish food, served until you are satisfied. Our yummy options include thin slices of serrano ham, calamari and shrimp in garlic sauce, marinated olives, roasted pepper salad, and a lemony potato salad. There are more choices of dishes than we have time to enjoy!
Here are some phrases that may serve you well on our beach vacation:
Here are some phrases that may serve you well on our beach vacation:
- No te olvides ponerte el bronceador - Don't forget to put on sunscreen
- Me encanta la playa - I love the beach
- Vamos a ver la puesta del sol - Let's go watch the sunset
- Quisiera probar las gambas - I would like to try the shrimp (gambas is a word unique to Spain, camarones another option known throughout the Spanish speaking world.)
- Vamos a pasar la tarde en la playa - We are going to spend the afternoon on the beach
- Hace sol/Hace calor - It is sunny/It is hot
- Tengo sed/tengo hambre - I'm thirsty/I'm hungry
- Vamos a visitar las ruinas - We are going to visit the ruins (Roman or otherwise)
- El restaurante está en la plaza - The restaurant is in the plaza.
Ah.... a leisurely stroll through the old city... a day trip to the Moorish palace in Málaga... don't wake me up from this sueño yet, please......
