Tag: costa-blanca

Morning People

It’s easy to feel that you have a personal connection to the sunrise. Even when you know it can be seen by everyone. And so, when we get up and go to a particular place to enjoy it and hopefully photograph it, I usually find myself with mixed emotions. I see other people (not many) with the same idea as me and feel resentment that they are crashing my party. My time with MY sunrise. On the other hand, I feel reassured that I am not alone in my appreciation of what is arguably the most precious part of the day.

Please meet some of the dawn fraternity…

I pulled into this deserted street near La Zenia beach just before sunrise. As I took the photo I couldn’t help but think the couple in the shot resented me. Probably because I was crashing their party. Their time with THEIR sunrise!

Some mornings disappoint because of cloud cover but the uncertainty is half the joy. After a dull start, my long suffering wife was rewarded with an inspiring sunrise at Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa.

This is probably one of my favourites. From a technical perspective, it’s nothing special but I think it has a cinematic feel. Something almost nostalgic about it. Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa.

The sun appearing about 10 minutes after sunrise on the coastal path at Cabo Roig. The first jogger of the day coming into shot.

A very cold morning at La Zenia, Orihuela Costa. Alone with her thoughts. This time of day is an opportunity in a frenetic world to find some quiet space.

A lone walker on La Zenia beach. Not many better ways to start the day. And depending on the time of year, this is the only time it is possible. In summer, the daytime temperatures and crowds make it a less enjoyable experience.

Partial reveal. That touch of magic when the rising sun slowly appears above the misty horizon at Playa Flamenca. The patience of the expectant watchers paying off.

There is never any interaction between the morning people, apart from the odd polite nod. A hesitancy exists among the multinational strangers. One unsure of the language spoken by the other. But as the sun rises in the sky and reaches an intensity that is impossible to look at, and as the morning people make their way to their various homes to get on with their days, they can be sure of one thing. They all share a common language. One that has no words. Rather, one that consists of a shared wonder and appreciation of the yellow star that sits at the centre of our solar system and the magic it performs every morning.

Altea

Lost in time. The narrow cobbled streets of Altea in the province of Alicante, Spain.

We all have our preconceived notions of Spain. The mention of it conjures up various images. Sunshine and sangria, beaches and bullfighting. Even civil war. For me, my first thought is of whitewashed villages with cobbled streets and wrought iron balconies.

Altea is just such an example. The warren of narrow streets are an endless discovery. In the summer, they provide welcome shade. In the winter, they offer shelter from the winds coming in from the sea. The old town today is a tourist magnet. Its streets and squares populated with cafés and souvenir shops.

But when I walk around this ancient place, I imagine the merchants and fishermen. Hauling goods, fish and nets to and from the harbour. And I think it would be reasonable to assume that these streets also witnessed their fair share of upheaval as Spain transitioned through Roman, Muslim and Christian rule. Needless to say, its elevated position means it has views over the Mediterranean for those who simply want to take a deep breath and spend a minute smiling to themselves in quiet contemplation.

The quintessentially Spanish terracotta rooftops of Altea.

The religious architecture testifies to the influences of the various cultures that prevailed over the centuries.

Tip: Visit in the off peak season. We visited in February. This will enable you to soak up the atmosphere and appreciate the authenticity of this historical gem. If you go in July or August, it will just be like any other overcrowded tourist attraction, swarming with overheated, malodorous, irate mobs.

The youtubers tend to exaggerate when talking about the steepness of the climb. Anyone with an average fitness level can walk from the coast to the square at the top of the old town in less than 30 minutes. Sensible shoes recommended.