keywords
Spain, travel, culture, adventure, personal growth, identity, mental health, exploration, Cordoba
summary
In this episode of the Human in Progress podcast, Jen shares her transformative journey to Southern Spain, exploring the cultural richness and personal insights gained throughout her travels. From the initial need for an escape following the 2024 presidential election to the challenges faced during travel, Jen reflects on the importance of self-care, the beauty of local cultures, and the lessons learned about identity and safety. The trip serves as a backdrop for deeper discussions on personal growth, relationships, and the desire to return to Spain for further exploration.
route
1. Malaga: airport and car rental
2. Espejo: Stayed 2 nights at Casa Almara in this white village with a very small town vibe. We had a traditional breakfast of café and tostada on our last morning in Espejo. We loved it!
3. Córdoba: Toured this historic city with a guide and enjoyed the Jewish District, the Roman Bridge, the Mosque-Cathedral, the culture, the food, the people, and so much more. We want to go back to Córdoba.
4. Écija: Drove through this city with an old town and more modern residences and retail stores.
5. Carmona: Stayed 1 night at Hotel Servilia located on the busy town square of this bustling white village. Met an 8 year old boy who wanted to practice speaking English. The ancient ruins and architecture are incredible.
6. Seville: We loved this big city! Enjoyed Metropol Parasol after dark, a breezy boat ride, walking by the river, and so much more.
7. Jerez de la Fronterra: We stayed 2 nights at B&B Hotels where we had a very basic, stark white room with an emerald green tile bathroom complete with an oversized bathtub and a rolling cart. Breakfast was 10/10!
8. Morón: Visited the military base where Brian was stationed after 9-11. Met Pilar and Concepcion, two local women who told me to take it "poquito a poco" or "little by little".
9. Rota: Visited the military base to check out the services we could use if we moved to the region. Had lunch at a local restaurant on the beach - best pizza and salad we have ever had, including Italy. Burrata cheese, sundried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil, balsalmic, olive oil.
10. Tarifa: We loved being in the wind capital of the world and seeing dozens of wind surfers! Walking across the pier to the ruins felt like we were in a sandblaster! The Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and the stark difference in colors is visible. SO COOL!
11. Punta Carnero: We stayed 2 nights in this tiny coastal neighborhood. From the balcony of the hotel we could see the northern coast of Africa. At night we could see the lights of Ceuta (a Spanish city) and the lights of Morocco. They are separated by a mountain range the locals call "The Sleeping Lady".
12. Algeciras: We visited the mall and enjoyed people watching. People of all ages gathered in the mall -- the place was hoppin at 10PM!
13. Gibraltar: We had a great view of the rock of Gibraltar from our hotel and we saw it close up as we drove through Algeciras. We opted not to visit because of the weather, the cost, and the reports of aggressive monkeys. :) Next time...
14. Marbella: We drove through this playground of the rich and semi-famous, but we did not stop. We aren't much for exclusivity.
15. Málaga: We were unable to get last minute tickets to the Picasso Museum, so we will have to go back. :) Lunch and people watching on our last day in Spain. We checked into the Holiday Inn Express and paid triple the cost of other accommodations because the hotel is next to National Car Rental and they have an airport shuttle. It was a good decision.
