an american in belgië : Viaje

Once we got into Spain (actually Catalonia - the northeast corner of Spain that borders France), our first overnight stop was in the Costa Brava region called S'Agaro. On the Mediterranean Coast, it rivals Portimão, Portugal in beauty, which we were lucky enough to see a few years ago.

First, I have to point out what a bargain everything was, especially compared to Belgium, but also compared to most any place we've been. This receipt is for 2 beers and a large glass of Sangria (the best I've ever had too). One small Sangria would cost more than that here. Check out that tax! Only 10% compared to our 21% in Belgium.

This is the hotel we stayed in which felt like a step back in time. The rooms are modern now, but the hotel has only 22 rooms and has been in business at this same location since 1966. Our room was one of only 12 which had a nice balcony overlooking the view . . .

This is the view form our balcony. We were just steps away from the beach. Jim noted there are probably very few hotels anywhere as close to the beach as this one. Even "right on the beach" usually means a bit of a walk through dunes, etc. This place truly was like a step back in time.

But these next photos were definitely one of the highlights. No photo-shopping. This water is really that clear and that color. Although I took plenty, I know my photos simply can't do it justice.

That's our hotel and beachfront in the background. From what I have read about S'Agaro, it is by no accident that this small area is still so beautiful and has none of the traditional high rise hotels. When the area was purchased in the 1920's, the owner was determined it would not succumb to the typical property development in the other nearby areas and it remains very natural to this day.

We climbed a long way to get up here. Although it's hard to tell from this photo, we are way up there! In some places, we were as high as 150 to 200 feet up.

It's difficult to get a scale for the size of this place. It's huge! If you look really close, in the center of the photo you will see a seagull flying. This will give you an idea of how vast this area is.

These pine trees are everywhere here along the coast.

Not a bad view for whoever lives up there.

You can actually walk down to this area and swim if you want.

Although the water was freezing cold, we did see quite a few people in the water. For some perspective, you can see a huge seagull perched on that rocky jut out.

The S'Agaro area is one big cove. From here you can see the other side.

This is one of those places where there are steps down to that beach area! We decided not to go there.

There are walkways all along the beaches from town to town. Some, like this one, were really nice. Most were rugged and very close to the cliffs. We walked several hours and even to the next town. We were lucky, the weather was perfect.

Another nice walkway.

This represents one of the rugged walkways - a little more natural than the others :)

We are about 80 to 100 (8 to 10 stories) feet up in this photo. Not a place for those afraid of heights. And of course there are no barriers so you are free to fall to your death. I would never bring children here.

Kind of made us want to take up snorkeling.

Those are sailboats out there. Also gives some reference to the size of this place.

Around every corner were more and more beautiful places.

So serene and quiet.

A rock island out in the water.

This is the view as we made it to the next cove in the town of Sant Feliu de Guixols.

You can also see it's a little more commercial and modern with taller hotels and a marina. However, the water at the shore was completely calm. No waves.

Again, free to fall to your death should you forget you have a brain; there are no barriers here.

A seagull (which are huge here) was upset with us and Jim discovered why - here is its nest. Those speckled eggs are slightly larger than a chicken egg.