Not every day is sunny, but clouds have their own charm and create beautiful landscapes, strange shadows and unique colours, as well as adding variety to the scenery.
It’s true that I love sunny days, both for walking and for taking photographs; sunlight works wonders in nature, on the streets and even on people themselves, the energy is quite different. I was thinking about something I read at an exhibition I went to last month, which was that many people choose this city for its landscapes and natural beauty. I also remembered a question I asked one of my students when she came to visit me in 2019. The question was, ‘Which of the places you visited in Spain did you like best?’, and she replied, ‘Málaga, because there are so many natural spaces.’
And one of the most beautiful settings is the city’s beaches; I never tire of saying how much I love the sea, the peace I feel listening to its waves. In fact, to help me sleep, I listen to videos of the sound of rain or the sea; I think water is very soothing.
This was a walk on a cloudy day and I thought it would ruin the photos. But actually, I just had to change my perspective; although in the end I had to cut the walk short after an hour because it started to rain and I had to hurry to the bus stop.
But during the walk, I got to discover places, restaurants and beach bars I’d never seen before, as well as some art. I always say that beach changing rooms always have murals, and to be honest, I’m amazed by the quality of them and how much joy they convey. They’re all brightly coloured and make even the beaches feel artistic, which I love.
There are also plenty of areas where younger children can play, both within the promenade itself and on the sand on the beach.
This beach, known as El Dedo, has a story behind it: a certain important historical figure from the city was eating skewers at a beach bar and was using cutlery, and the owner told him he should eat with his fingers.
One of the things that relaxes me most is watching the movement of the foam coming in from the sea, how it gently touches the sand, how it recedes and comes back again like soft caresses. The sea has always inspired me, and when I didn’t live near it, I would always watch videos featuring the sound of the sea. I even use videos of the sounds of the sea, rain or water to meditate or sleep. Yes, I love meditation.
And on this particular day, the clouds created some spectacular scenery; at times they let the sun shine through, but at others they cast very dark shadows over the sea, and shades of grey appeared against the blue of the water and the pure white of the foam. It looked as though it were night time.
As I strolled quietly along the sand, looking around me, I felt at one with nature and I love that feeling; nature speaks its own unique language, and knowing how to listen to it is something very special. I also looked out at the neighbourhoods in the distance, the huge houses nestled amongst the trees and greenery.
I also walked along the promenade where the restaurants are, and the delicious smell of fried fish filled the air. It’s such a characteristic sight. But of course, my gaze always turned to the sea, the palm groves, the horizon. I can’t help it.
Along the way, I came across more beautiful, colourful murals, as well as various signs relating to the beach and its rules or other considerations.
But not only that, look at the spectacular sign I found; it says: ‘We don’t have Wi-Fi, but we have beer, which makes communication easier.’ That’s a powerful message for everyone who goes to bars and restaurants and spends all their time on their phone instead of enjoying the good company right next to them.
I continued my walk and the sun dazzled me from time to time; depending on where I looked, it seemed as though the shadows were advancing like ocean waves across the landscape.
I looked all around, walking and stopping now and then, taking in my surroundings to enjoy the place, whilst listening to the gentle sound of the sea.
My walk continued in a zigzag down towards the coast and back to the promenade, where, even though the festive season was over, a few posters still remained.
It’s a neighbourhood that was originally a fishing village, and it’s very family-friendly and peaceful, I really like that, and there are places where you can hire toys for children.
There’s nothing more relaxing for me than the sea; although I love nature in general, I feel a deep connection with it. I stood there for a long time looking around; the clouds to the east had cleared away, though to the west they were very dark.
I think the waves waved to me before the bad weather rolled in, and that’s when I had to head back, but the walk was spectacular.
Thank you very much for joining me on this Wednesday walk; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.
