One really good thing about getting to know the Spanish, is that you get to live and experience places like you would never do being on a touristic trip. Last weekend I was invited by my Spanish friend Jonatan to come to Cadaqués/Port Lligat and stay at his aunt's apartment there.
Cadaqués is a tiny fishing village with only 3,000 habitants in comarca Alt Empordá (province of Gerona), only 2 hours to the north of Barcelona. The village is situated on a romantic bay and has been practically 'cut off' from the rest of the region until the end of the 19th century, which made the ancient caracter is still alive.
The village is not only inhabited by the kin of old fisherman's-families, but also attracted a lot of artists (some great names that came to/lived in and around Cadaqués: Federico García Lorca, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí). Life feels a bit bohemian there. The flower power age still flourishing. People are utterly relaxed and live their own peaceful life, enjoying the quietness of the rocky environment, floating on the calmly waving water, tasting fresh caught fish specialties.
Alas Cadaqués became more and more attractive for touristic visits since the early 1900's, so it's better to avoid it in the summer months.
However, being there in this time of year, strolling through the old narrow streets with caracteristic white fisherman's homes, up and down the old stoney pavements and looking at the overgrown walls from foregone centuries makes you feel part of a medieval, almost indisturbed quiet life.
Enjoying the kind hospitality of Belinda, Jonatan's aunt, which made sure we saw the best beaches, the greatest views and enjoyed the most tastful saucages and other regional specialities, I discovered another beautiful place in Catalunya.
Now, back in Barcelona, I can still smell the mouthwatering fresh scent of sea salt, herbs and fish & meat dishes.
Spain is definitely showing me her most precious assets...
