My Summer 2013

This last summer, as I always say every time a new summer passes, has probably been the best yet, not only due to the extend of the summer, which has been longer than usual due to my stay in the United States, but because of the uncountable quality moments I have been fortunate to live.

Ready for Prom

My summer started the 23rd of May, when my year abroad in the United States as a junior finished. All the pressure and stress from the final week of exams flew away, and my goal was to make my last two weeks in the United States the icing on the cake after a memorable and unforgettable year. After those two weeks of both thrilling as well as sad moments and farewells, I flew back to Bilbao, my home. I stayed in Bilbao for barely week and a half, during which most of the time was dedicated to visit my friends, family, and to get used again to the Spanish way of life and most importantly to being back home again.

On June 20th, as it is becoming a tradition the in the last summers, we spent 10 days in Chipiona, a small village in the south coast of Spain, near Cádiz. My time there was well spent in the beach, a place I really missed after a year in the mountains, and spending loads of time with really good friends that I am only able to see once a year. As always, this trip was one of the highlights of my summer.

Then, as always since I was 6 months old, we went to Laredo, a small fishing village in the north of Spain, barely 60 kilometers away from Bilbao. What can I say about this place that I have not already said. Totally amazing as always, and the more time I spend there, the more I appreciate how beautiful it really is. Totally recommendable to go there if you like the beach. Not only its natural beauty made it a wonderful stay, but some of my closest friends spend their summer there, therefore having the opportunity to spend day and night with people you appreciate is marvelous.

View of Laredo from its port

So, from the 1st of July to the 8th of September I have spent my summer in Laredo, not going to any summer camp or not doing any long trip with my family due to my one-year stay in the U.S. I wanted to spend a relaxing summer and to have a good time with my family and friends that I did not have the opportunity to see for a year.

However, during this period of more than two months, the typical family trip during the summer took place. This year the destination was Greece, a place that fascinated me. Disregarding the intense heat of this mediterranean country, I was lucky to sightsee some of the most beautiful beaches, sights and ruins that I have ever seen. Our trip was mainly located in Crete, the biggest island in Greece. This huge island that gave thousands of different options to do, will always have a special place in my mind. Probably, the highlight of the trip was the almost day long trip to the famous beach of Elafonisi, a beach with clear, blue turquoise water, that also had the special characteristic of having pink sand due to coral that got stranded on the shores.

Elafonisi Beach, Crete, Greece

                                                           
And this is my summer 2013. I really hope, and kind of expect my next summer to be as good as this one, but now school has begun, and it is time to earn the next vacations.

Thanks for reading.

Javier Hernandez