By WENDY SQUIRES
As I set out on day one of my walking tour of Spain’s famed Catalan coast, I wondered if this was in fact my beautiful holiday ideal after all. The sparkling Mediterranean appeared to be teasing temptress-like, as I headed in its opposite direction, leaving behind its postcard pretty cliff top clinging villages and cosy character-filled bars serving tapas and sangria.
For a moment wondered why I wasn’t in a wafty Camilla caftan gliding from bar to beach with a chilled glass of local bubbles (cava) in hand, questioning my reality and my outfit. For I was not wandering cobblestone streets of ancient fishing villages but on a muddy track heading uphill wearing lycra and runners. What’s worse, it was starting to rain and my breezy Indian blouse intended to keep the sun off my winter pale Australian skin was already saturated. And the rain was getting heavier. Much heaver. As in torrential. I was wet and cold and oh, look, another steep hill ahead…
It may appear I am not the sort who would put their hand up for an Adventure World hiking holiday, and to an extent, that’s right. But considering possibly my greatest travel experience – and I have been lucky enough to have many – was hiking the Inca trail in Peru years ago, I actually relish the sense of connection with nature, getting away from the tourist traps and sale signs that happens when you explore a country on foot.