Add some cinnamon

It's not raining, it's pouring. The forecast promises me sunshine on Wednesday... Wednesday! I have a toddler, a soaking wet cat, and a book to write waiting for my attention. The toddler is a winner as I promise him a journey to sunny places. Here we go. :)

I make hot milk and add a teaspoon of instant coffee to mine, a pinch of hot chocolate - to my son's. As always, I take the little jar with cinnamon from my wooden shelf with spices and open the lid. Here the summer has been hiding, I knew it! The warm scent surrounds me with stories of long desert nights. The locks of sirenes twirl around my hands, their song tempts me to escape, now! The gentle powder in burnt ochra draws pictures in the cups, here a map, there a house, the waves of an ocean, dusty paths among flowery fields... We travel again on a rainy gloomy afternoon riding clouds of cinnamon and playing in puddles of warm fresh milk. Somewhere it is sunny, I know it. We just have to find the place.

It was sunny two days ago in lovely Avignon: http://avignon-in-photos.blogspot.com/2010/05/morning-jog-anyone.html

In beautiful Barcelona people were having drinks on the squares: http://www.barcelonaphotoblog.com/

In Lisbon soccer fans in short sleeves celebrated not only hot summer but hot winning scores: http://lisboa366.blogspot.com/

In romantic Venice the heat is felt in the heart more than on the skin: http://venicedailyphoto.blogspot.com/

*Photo courtesy of www.aideabroad.com

But my personal choice today is Vejer de la Frontera - a village in Andalucia, Spain's flamenco hot spot. You can see some of the accommodations offered here: http://www.spain-holiday.com/advancedsearch.aspx?provinceCosta=1&typen=3&bedrooms=-1&find=1&x=65&y=20#&&PageId=1&SearchId=2015126807

Vejer is located in the Cadiz county, in Andalucia, in South Spain, ten kilometres inland from Costa de la Luz - the road and the well known coastal line. This fact itself saves Vejer from the crowds and grants the village its serenity so attractive to celebrities which can be spotted hiding in the shades of the marble arches. Vejer is perched on a hill and has tons of beautiful sights to offer. Among them one of the most remarkable squares in Spain - Plaza de Espana, shaded by palm trees, with a pretty old fountain showing traditional ceramic Andalucian frogs. The village is quite a big one with about 13,000 residents. It has been declared a key tourist spot many times. Its history has been influenced by the presence and reign of Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Arabs. The Arabs conquered Vejer at the battle of La Janda, and the village remained in Arab hands for more than five centuries.

*Photo courtesy of www.vejerdelafrontera.co.uk

From Plaza de Espana you can enter the old walled town through Arco de la Villa (an arch). The ancient part is absolutely breathtaking, with quiet cobbled streets, hidden patios and pretty white houses displaying iron wrought balconies and splashes of colorful geraniums. Vejer was officially declared a Historical Artistic Monument of National importance.

One of the most attractive things about this part of Spain is, of course, the amazing coast. Vejer is only about ten kilometres from  El Palmar Beach. Nearby are located the Capes of Trafalgar and Roches. Be aware that in July-August the crowds are huge and not always polite. Otherwsie, the beach offers all kinds of services including lifeguards and first-aid medical staff, restrooms, showers, tourist information and camping facilities as well as numerous beachside restaurants serving fresh fish and drinks. However, as a well known explorer of countrysides, I still prefer eating away from the pricy and stuffed beach street. Having tapas in a cafe in the village itself not only satisfies the hunger but creates friendships and brings memories. :)

Another popular beach - Caños de Meca offers excellent conditions for sailing, surfing, wind-surfing, and water skiing, being protected by the capes. During the winter months, the beach the Playa del Palmar is a nature reserve, ideal for long walks. My favorite time is the early autumn - in September the water is almost hot, yet the crowd is far easier to manage.

*Photo courtesy of www.holiday-rentals.co.uk

Historical sights not to be missed:
- Plaza de España

- Church of El Divino Salvador
- Casa de Mayorazgo
- Casa Marquez de Tamaron
- City Walls and Arches

Boating and yachting marinas near Vejer: http://www.andalucia.com/water_sports/marinas/home.htm
Golf courses in the Cadiz county: http://www.andalucia.com/golf/courses-cadiz.htm
Natural parks in Cadiz: http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/cadiz.htm
Natural parks and gardens next to Vejer: http://www.andalucia.com/province/cadiz/vejer/parksandgardens.htm
Official site: http://www.vejer.com/
Good page for tourists: http://www.idealspain.com/pages/places/vejer.htm
Entertaining info: http://vejer.costasur.com/en/bars.html
A great blog written in English and Spain by ex-pats: http://grupocalifa.wordpress.com/

Enjoy! And don't forget a pinch of cinnamon even on a gloomy afternoon. :)