Costa del Sol

Not that we haven't already had some great vacations this year, but we decided to take a pseudo unplanned, sorta last minute vacation to Spain's Costa del Sol, on the southern part of the country, not to far from the british territory of Gibraltar.

 Only Europeans would put the topless bathing area between two children's playgrounds.  Perhaps this part was designed by dads, for dads ;-)

 The thought of taking a week off of the crappy German November weather was definitely uplifting, but it was not exactly what we had in mind prior to the super easy going month of December, prior to Christmas ;-)

 The weather wasn't exactly warm enough for us to lounge on the beach or by the pools, but comfortable enough - especially toward the end of the week - to not be cold.

 We took two road trips during the week:  the first to Ronda, an amazing village with deep Christian and Muslim heritage, split by a short bridge (which separated the Christian and Muslim parts) which crosses a deepchasm.  Our second road trip was to Gibraltar, the british territory on the southernmost tip of Europe, which is separated to Africa by a few miles of the Med, which was once an extremely strategic, defensive position, but is now overwhelmed by tourists looking for great tax free shopping.

 In Ronda and Gibraltar, we did the token cache or two and saw some of the highlights, such as the bullfighting arena in Ronda.

Outside of the few roadtrips, our days were rather peaceful and relaxing, spending the day with the family.

 Quinn really liked going to the Kiddie Club (where he practiced his english), and Emily seemed to like her time alone, without Quinn.  Surprising enough, the kids were extra good to each other, and the family time was rather harmonious.  I even rented a road bike and climbed mountains for a few days, riding past the white village of Ojen twice.

As with all good things, they must come to an end.  We landed on the first day of Advent in the cold and snow in Germany...back home.  But, at least, we are well rested for the Christmas month!

 It was a great vacation, and the quality AND quantity time with the family was very, very wonderful.