After yet another long night, the impending trip to the magnificent port city of Cadiz served to wake us up early (9am) for the bus-ride. We had thought of catching a direct bus which leaves at 11 (I think). But that bus was scheduled only for weekdays and it was a Saturday! So we had to take a bus to Jerez and then a train from there to Cadiz. We were standing at the bus station waiting for the bus. An empty bus was standing with a clueless looking bus driver in it. He told us, and other waiting passengers, that he "wasn't sure if the bus would go to Jerez"! Everyone was wondering which bus would go then, coz there was none other around. People started to get desperate trying to figure out if there would be a bus at all. Then, when it was just about the scheduled departure time, he came out (of the empty bus standing on the station) and announced proudly - "THIS bus will go to Jerez!" Some passengers laughed and got in sportingly, cheering the bus driver's attempt to make his own life a little bit more interesting. But there were others who were like "you could've told us before, why were we rotting here outside in the heat!"
A half-hour-or-so bus ride later we were at Jerez. The train to Cadiz was going to be another half hour ride. (The train station is right next to the bus station, neat!). So off we went to Cadiz. Of course, at every possible moment of free time, we promptly fell asleep, trying in vain to catch up for all the sleep lost the previous night.
But we were awoken by the stunning sight of crystal clear blue water and sun-kissed sands as the train rolled into Cadiz. Forgetting all our sleepiness, we stepped into this beautiful little city. With several 'squares' or 'meeting points', Cadiz was buzzing with activity. The sun and the beaches had combined to attract scores of picknickers and tourists from near and far. It was a party atmosphere with music playing on the streets, with the swish of the waves in the background!
We were joined by Ignacio, Esther's friend, who lived in Cadiz. He walked us through some pretty roads and led us to a rather non-descript and quiet one, to a restaurant for lunch. It was to be another typical Spanish lunch, but this time, seafood, seafood, and more seafood was on the menu for me - Merluza (Grilled hake with Cadiz Sauce!), chick peas with prawns, patatas bravas, paella, and of course, Tinto!After a scrumptuous lunch, it was time to hit the beach. There are several beaches in Cadiz, and I'm not quite sure which one we went to (but it wasn't the nude beach that Esther spoke about :P) The beach was full of sunbathing people, all eager to get a tan! There were only a few people in the water, most of them were in the sand baking under the sun! The water was cool, and inviting, in the hot sun. After the initial hiccups of the relatively lower temperature, I adjusted quite well to the water temperature and had a fantastic time playing in the waves. Its the first time in my life that I can remember I enjoyed so much in the sea. I've never been more than knee deep! I've always had a feeling of disgust at the water in Bombay's beaches, and have always been inhibited in going for a bath in them. This was different though, the water was clean and cool, and felt just amazing exactly at the moment of the first dip and then on it was just pure fun!
We must have thrashed around in the water for 2 hours I think. I even came ashore for a beer and some chips... ahh it was just heavenly I say!!
Then it was time to head home... for a shower, and a party!! Esther's friend, Sonia, was celebrating her birthday, and we were invited :) So we headed back to Arcos by around 7, siesta till 9, getting ready, and then we were off!
It was a barbeque party and the Spanish have only red meat in Barbeques apparently. Esther only realized once we got there and was in a hurry to prepare something vegetarian for my sister and me. She got all the stuff ready - rice, broccoli, onions and a few other veggies. Then she handed over the baton to our cook for the evening - her beautiful friend, Laura. She made us a most fantastic quick-dinner and we enjoyed it with tortillas and beer!! The drinks were flowing and the boys at the party started playing football. I desperately wanted to join, but a shooting pain in my shoulder absolutely out of nowhere ensured that I wouldn't be able to participate. Some of Sonia's friends were professional musicians, Flamenco, rock & the like, so we were treated to some superb music. Sonia herself sang in her melancholic deep voice bringing tears to my sister's eyes! It was just about 2am and the night was young. We were just about settled in with the party when, sadly, my shoulder pain became unbearable and I had to drag Esther & Mridula back home. I had apparently twisted a muscle or something along those lines. I went for a hot shower, and the pain immediately subsided and I could thankfully get a comfortable night's sleep.
And THAT was Cadiz's & Sonia's (b)day! Another wow-inciting day in Spain, and I couldn't wait for the sun to rise again the next morning!
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