Sunny Spanish Beaches... and a little culture shock

Summer has arrived in Southern Spain! I feel a little sorry for my East Coast family and friends who are just recently thawing out from a snowy winter. But here, it is in the 70's and sometimes 80's during the day now. The rainy season has ended, and every day is sunny and dry with clear blue skies. It's perfect weather for... the BEACH!

The kids are still in school, but only in the mornings, so on Wednesday we planned to join some friends and make a short trip to the beach after school. We are truly spoiled here--there are so many beautiful beaches to choose from! Apparently, I went to a different one than my friends, but no worries--the kids and I had a wonderful time! It was my first time at the beach not holding a baby, and I was so happy and relaxed watching the children play at the water's edge. I love the Puerto Sherry beach because it is flanked by beautiful restaurants on one side...

And an ancient wall on the other. The wall has broken and crumbled in some area, due to erosion, but I believe it is part of a Moorish building, which makes it at least 800 years old! It is so amazing to me that we can play and soak up the sun in the shadow of so much history.The kids, of course, were oblivious to their historic surroundings, but I didn't mind. In fact, it is probably a good thing that the kids are a bit oblivious to what is going on around them...

Because this--like most Spanish beaches--is a topless beach. And boy did I see some tops! Or rather, a lack thereof. The Spanish are certainly relaxed about letting it all hang out. Even though I was aware of this cultural difference, it is still a little shocking to see it in person. Young, old, slender, fat, it didn't matter. The sun was out, so tops were off. And even though everyone on this beach was wearing some kind of bottom (there are some completely nude beaches here) I was still surprised by the amount of butt cheeks everywhere. Yep, almost every suit is a thong. Except for the men, of course, who wear equally disturbing and tight Speedo bottoms, regardless of age or weight. I was a little shocked when we first arrived, not only by the clothing, but by the fact that there were so many people on the beach! We have been to those restaurants a few times throughout the winter, and only saw a handful of people and dogs on the sand. On this Wednesday in April, at 1 PM, there were probably 200 people sitting, eating, and laying out to soak up the sun. I guess the beach is a popular destination for lunch and siesta, even this early in the season! It wasn't crowded at all, but I can only imagine what July will be like here.

As usual, Americans stand out. My children--with a sun hat on the baby, a t-shirt and baggy trunks on the 3 year old, and sunglasses on all of them--certainly got some attention. It could have been because of their delightful squeals and laughter as they ran back and forth out of the freezing water. But I assume it was because of their fair skin and the fact that they were wearing clothes. Spanish children, apparently, go to the beach completely naked. I saw little boys and girls playing in the sand, and splashing in the water--nude--and this is completely normal. I haven't even gotten a swim suit for myself this year, so even in shorts and a tank top, I was the most clothed person on the beach. 

The nudity doesn't bother me. I know it is part of their culture, and once I got past my initial wide-eyed stare (from behind sunglasses!), I could carry on politely. I was only uncomfortable because I didn't want to have a discussion right then and there if my children started asking questions... or if my children wanted to take off their own clothes. I wouldn't care from a moral standpoint if my children played naked. They are children, and they are innocent. As long as their actions aren't attracting pedophylic stares, I wouldn't mind. However, the reason I put so much clothing and sunscreen on my children is for medical, not moral reasons. We are of Irish decent, and burn easily. The Spanish sun is strong, and skin cancer is high here. Especially this early in the season, when we are just starting to spend more time outside, they need gradual sun exposure. The Spanish, with their olive complexions, already look tan to me. They don't burn as easily, and apparently don't care much about skin cancer, even though it is rampant in their population. So, for at least a little while, we will continue to suit up and enjoy the Spanish sun and beaches! Because it will be summer for the next 6 months here! :-)