Family holiday with my wife and her family is very different than how my family does vacation. It took some time to get used to the rhythm of the days but once I learned the ways of the Spaniard I believe that I have not only adapted but I have thrived.
8:00-9:30- Wake up and have breakfast. Spaniards typically eat a light breakfast and I normally have one glass (250ml) of fresh squeezed orange juice, a bowl of oats, and a coffee with some milk. I might have some melon, peach, or watermelon depending what is around.
9:30-11:00- Bike ride. We usually go to either El Faro or Torrenostra. Torrenostra is the preferred route as it's along the coast passing by open fields and coastline. There are water fountains throughout the entire journey which is an added bonus as you don't have to even carry a water bottle.
11:00-2:30- Free time/Beach time. This time is the best time to go to the beach so we either jump in the car and go to the "dogs beach" or walk to the nearest beach. It's a casual 10-15 minute walk to the beach from the house. At this time the sun is gaining strength and I love the feeling of working up a sweat and then having the sea breeze hit just in time to cool me down. After the beach we jump in the pool, rinse off, and get ready for lunch.
2:30-4:30- Lunch. The centerpiece of the day. Always a delicious affair, there is a light starter, main course, and then fruit for dessert. A coffee and chocolate is a scrumptious combination that rounds out the incredibly well rounded and possibly slightly overindulgent meal. The matron of the house is a phenomenal cook and I am never disappointed!
4:30-6:00- Siesta. This is not mandatory though I tend to partake. It's perfect after a nice full meal with some wine. Even after taking a cortado coffee after lunch I often retire to my room and drift off for at least a half hour or so. Sometimes I am quite tired from the sun at the beach and early morning activities but most of the time I simply enjoy laying down and having some quiet time.
6:00-8:00- Free time. This is also a popular time to go to the beach. Any number of things can be done during this time and everyone kind of drifts off into their separate activities. One can read under the olive tree, go shopping, play basketball, or go to the beach.
8:00-10:00- Tomar algo. Literally meaning, "to take something", tomar algo is basically going out for a drink and a tapa or pincho. This is usually done at any number of the bars and establishments lining the Mediterranean Sea and best if combined with a leisurely stroll. Some of the bars know they have prime real estate and unfortunately do not put a lot of effort into their food and services but other places offer delicious fresh seafood and warm service.
10:00-12:00- Dinner. Dinner is usually lighter affair than lunch but not by much. One thing about the summer here is that it gets dark very late and there can still be significant twilight at 10:00pm. People here do not like to eat dinner when it's still light out and I've been a part of groups that have dinner as late as 11:30 or midnight, it's absolutely craziness.
12:00-1:00- Bedtime. This is conservative in the Spanish clock and I'm thrilled if I'm in bed by 12:00. Usually it's more like 12:30 or 1 but if you are young then then night is just beginning!
