Kim and I had a beautiful February weekend to take advantage of, so we made sure not to drop the ball. On Saturday morning we took a Damas bus from Plaza de Armas here in Sevilla to the city of Huelva on the Southern coast of the peninsula. Bordering the flourishing salt marshes and soft beaches, we thought it would make a perfect addition to our weekend plans.
Huelva is a city both of history and natural wonders. Having recruited mates and spent some time in the city as well, monuments of Christopher Columbus make common appearances around the town. In addition, the nearby salt marshes give life to many exotic breeds of wildlife to be seen. Wandering around streets Huelva, we were greeted with palm trees lining vibrant squares and architecture reminiscent of the nearby city of Cadíz. Near the famous Plaza de Monjas, Kim and I stopped for a late breakfast before returning to the bus station to catch a local bus out to Punta Umbria and our sandy beach for the day.
The weather, although surprisingly warm for the time of year, was a welcome gift. With the sun in our faces, Kim and I walked along the beach for a long time admiring the plethora of shells beneath our feet and the soft sand between our toes. Eventually we settled on a nice spot to relax near the jetty and layed out for a bit listening to the crash of the waves and other families enjoying the weather.
Nearing lunchtime, Kim and I packed up our belongings and headed further up towards the jetty to a cabana which one of my teachers from school had recommended us to visit. It was located right on the beach with sand coming up to all sides of the restaurant. Unexpectedly, it was packed! Apparently many others had the same idea as us to come and spend a wonderful day on the coast. We were able to get a shared family-style table outside and began with a couple tintos de verano to celebrate the day. Later — much later as the wait turned out to be incredible — we ordered an interesting dish cooked much like seafood paella, but with little macaroni noodles, called fideuá! It wasn’t what we had expected to receive on our plates, but it sure was delicious! Spanish cuisine has yet to fail me.
After lunch, and a few more tintos, Kim and I walked the beach back to the bus station where we subsequently returned to Huelva. However, before going back to Sevilla, we decided to walk out to the old boardwalk called El Muelle de Riotinto. Once a loading site for minerals transported from the mines outside the town to outgoing ships, now it serves as a perfect place to meet with friends and relax after a long day.
Shortly after, Kim and I returned to the bus station one last time and went home. Hulva and Punta Umbria were exactly what we needed — a relaxing day of exploration and fun in the sun. I can’t wait for our next adventure to the coast!
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