Tarifa, 3 years later!!

Almost 3 years have gone by since the last time I went to Tarifa, probably the best spot in Europe for windsurfing and kitesurfing. 3 years without practicing my favorite sport, except for that one time in Cairns where I managed to find a place that rented kitesurf equipment.

For those of you that haven't been there, Tarifa should be on your "Must visit" if you ever come to Spain. First of all, is located in one of those few areas in the Spanish coast that has not been overdeveloped; in fact, most of it is surprisingly wild. Second of all, the view of Africa accross the Straight of Gibraltar, so close but yet so far, will keep you staring at the horizon for hours. Third of all, and I'm not a big fan of that, Tarifa has become a sort of continental Ibiza: chill-out bars, design restaurants and lots of good looking people walking around; coming to Tarifa and not having a taste of its nightlife would be considered a sin by many. And lastly, what put Tarifa on the spot to begin with and what brings me there every time: windsurfing and kitesurfing! I can't think of any place in the world where you will be able to enjoy the spectacle of hundreds of colorful kites sailing the see and thousands more occupying every spot in the sand waiting for their owners to launch me. If it were only to watch that unique landscape it would be worth it to come to Tarifa.

This time I went with my girlfriend María, although we hanged out with quite a few friends from Madrid (or not from Madrid, but still pretended they were) that had the same idea as me. It as a 4-day weekend in Madrid and a great opportunity to run for the beach.

The Eastern wind in Tarifa is well known for its strength and gusty conditions, and that's what we had for 3 days (not ideal for someone lacking years of practice, as myself). However, the Eastern wind was quite mellow this time, so I could enjoy 3 days of kitesurfing with my medium-size kite. However, the wind was very gusty which made everything not so enjoyable.

María decided to take a course, and she did quite well, especially considering the adverse condition for beginners and how crowded the beach was (with Eastern winds, only the smaller Valdevaqueros beach is appropriate for kitesurfing, and everyone crowds over there). She managed to play with the kite in the sand, do some body-dragging in the water and get a 3rd degree sunburn when she decided that no sun block was needed in Southern Spain. How she came to that conclusion is way beyond my understanding, but the fact was that sitting next to her was like lying next to a fireplace.

Other than kitesurfing, we did the usual stuff. Dining out, the casual drink and, my favorite and very critizised activity, people watching. And now, back in Madrid recovering from the hang-over of being away from the sea again.

In a few days I hope to post a message on my trip to Rome. But as those of you that have been following my blogs know, that will have to wait.

And, please, don't be shy and send my your comments. I look forward to reading them!