The World's Biggest Pool
- Bethany Collins
- Sep 4, 2017
- 2 min read
The ocean is the world’s biggest private pool and I have had a month to live and explore it.
Spain has very much changed as a tourist destination for me. I first visited mainland Spain in 2013 and travelled on a road trip from north to south. Every apartment and hotel I stayed in was traditional and homely. Wifi and internet was limited which allowed all your time to be spent outside exploring. Now coming back for my fifth year I am witnessing the major changes that tourism has on a country. Spain used to be a country of exploration and relaxation. Now, due to free use of internet on you mobile phone tariff from the U.K., you are able to freely roam the internet in European countries. With this, I find myself, a lot of the time, using social media to find out what everyone else in the world is up to. I am a true believer that the internet has been a large importance to the progression of the human race, and for a career like photography, research online is vital. But in this age, it is quite easy to spend your time posting what you think other people would enjoy and envy, instead of living your own life and your holiday, how you most enjoy it. Having said this, in this age, it is very difficult to avoid. With all your friends at home freely using the internet, you feel quite out of the loop and lonely without social media behind you.
Change is a thing you can count on. But does this mean it is always the best route to take?
The origins of the name Marbella date back to prehistoric times, where Christians, Romans and Arabs left their culture displayed in the city. The word Marbella has been interpreted many different ways but isn’t that the greatest metaphor, everyone will view the city in a different way depending on how they view the world. Some affirm that it comes from the word Mar, meaning the sea, and Billa, meaning the mountain. Isn’t it strange how two very different things can be placed together to create one complete name. Two things in such contrast. La Concha, one of three peaks along the Sierra Blanca mountain range, in Marbella, is 1,215 metres above sea level. But maybe that’s the point, don’t they say that opposites attract.
I have also heard it said that Marbella originates from the Spanish Mar, meaning sea, and Bello, meaning beautiful. With 17 miles of coastline and 24 beaches, visited by over 2 million every year, it’s not hard to see why many believe this is the meaning of its name.
I know it isn't so far away but I know that this much is true. The culture and customs presented to me are like no other country I have seen before. And I kind of like it! I don't know what the future brings but I know I am here now witnessing such beauty.
