Castles and countrysides
Having grown up always at the beach, I still respect another type of solitude Mother Earth bestows– that of the countryside.
While my boyfriend and I were making a road trip from visiting friends in Valencia, Spain our main goal was to explore the beaches of Southern Spain. Entering the vast space of Spain’s countryside is quite enjoyable (especially because my boyfriend did all the driving!).
Recently, I watched both a movie and read a book that beautifully depicted the tranquility of being in the countryside.
First the movie. “El alma de las Moscas” is an excellent movie characterized by scenic, silent shots of the Spanish countryside. This gives the viewer time to think about the events just passed or the dialogue previously spoken. The storyline is of two brothers and their journey to attend a funeral for their father.
What is the theme of the movie? I feel it encompasses romance, comedy, and suspense– so basically, life. The movie left me with an unexplainable satisfaction of serenity.
picture credit: dramastyle.com
I different type of countryside is mentally visualized when reading the book by Dodie Smith, “I Capture the Castle”. Most famous for her book, “101 Dalmations”, this young adult book should not be mistaken to be as something so mainstream as Harry Potter. Merely referring to this book as young adult fiction makes the book seen menial to adults. On the contrary, this book should be referred to as young adult literature. Here are some examples of the sophisticated writings:
Contemplation seems to be about the only luxury that costs nothing.
Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.
The warmth of the sun felt like enormous hands pressing gently on me, the flutter of the air was like delicate fingers.
Nothing in the world is single,
All things by a law divine
In one another’s being mingle–
Why not I with thine? . . . Percy Bysshe Shelley….the interest so many people take in puzzles & problems– which often start in childhood–represents more than a mere desire for recreation; that it may even derive from man’s eternal curiosity about his origin.
Currently, I’m writing from one of the cities the European Parliament is located, and I am again wishing to be with my boyfriend listening to him sing as we ride through the endless Spanish plains dotted with olive trees and the occasional bull placards.
Current read: “Selected Stories” by Anton Chekhov
Amazing pics ..
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That beach looks amazing. I’ve only been to the city of Barcelona. I always pictured the beaches of Spain as being full of hoards of flabby, pasty white tourists. 😉
Well, it depends on what part and time of the year the beach is full of flabby, pale tourists who have the freedom to go naked (unfortunately for my eyes).
Oh dear.
Wow, great pictures. The beach is a great place to unwind, for me.
I have a huge preference for beaches as well. . . Thanks for visiting!
Hmm, I have never read Dodie Smith. I think I’ll put this book in my growing list of “to-reads”. Thanks for the reflections and the inviting pics.
Before reading this book, I did not know who Dodie Smith was either. Even though she was the writer of 101 Dalmations, I just thought the movie was purely thought up by Disney.
I love the Spanish coastline. Your pictures are wonderful as always; I especially like the one of you on the beach (cute dress by the way!). I haven’t seen “El alma de las Moscas” so will rent it – thanks for the recommendation. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Yes, the Spanish coastline is great for just walking along the beach. . . Especially during the late summer or in the Spring when the density of tourists has decreased. I hope you enjoy the movie !
We were in Spain holidaying a couple of months back. So your post brought back great memories, both of the Spanish interiors ( with so much of history and lovely cuisine!) as also the coastline.
So what was your takeaway from the trip?
Shakti
Well, the coastline trip is always wonderful, although the north of Spain is my favorite coastline (for the surfing). Being in Spain is always wonderful due to living here “part-time” 😉
beautiful photos! thanks for sharing your photos and stories!
xx
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Love the coastline shot, but I have to ask what is the first picture?
Beaches always do it for me, especially if they are mostly deserted. The quiet of only the sea birds and waves seems to lift whatever is bothering me right away.
The first shot is the City of Arts and Sciences complex. The boyfriend took it at night and the reflection of the building against the surrounding water was just perfect.
It is a wonderful shot. I love pictures like this one, contrast and light. Beautiful.
Good to see you back posting on your blog. Will definitely check out the film. Cheers.
OMG what’s on the first pic?! It’s awesome! 🙂 Btw, I think you’re in la-la-la-love!