Chapter 1: Arrival in Valencia

On August 29th, my friend and I touched down in the enchanting city of Valencia. The moment we disembarked from the plane, I felt a rush of excitement, as if my heart was performing somersaults! With the sun shining brightly, it felt reminiscent of my sunny California roots. There was something about Spain that resonated with me deeply. And the beaches? They were unlike any I had experienced in California; they exuded a sense of freedom that made me feel both exhilarated and a tad bashful.

After a morning flight, we hopped on public transportation, enjoying the liberating experience of navigating the city without the constraints of a car. Ah, the sweet taste of freedom! This is especially refreshing for those of us from car-dependent places, like most of the USA—except for New York, of course.

Our adventure was set to include an epic experience with Stoke Travel, an Australian group, for the famous La Tomatina festival. Imagine camping just outside Valencia and then heading to Buñol for the festivities. It sounded like a dream come true!

We had the whole day to explore, and upon arriving at our “campsite,” we discovered we were sharing a dorm with twelve other people. Talk about cozy—though not in the best way! I was also hauling around a massive suitcase that felt like a closet on wheels. Trying to navigate that in our cramped quarters was quite the workout!

After settling in and treating ourselves to a refreshing glass of Sangria, we made an unexpected discovery: our dorm room was eerily empty. With twelve bunk beds and a single shared toilet, it promised either chaos or an unforgettable experience. Stay tuned for more on that!

With a quick freshen-up, we were off to the beach, just a short walk away. My excitement was palpable; the prospect of plunging into the sparkling Mediterranean under the warm Spanish sun was a dream.

However, as I ambled along the shore, I began to realize this was no ordinary beach day. I was at a nude beach, feeling out of place in my swimwear amid the sunbathers fully embracing their natural selves.

Suddenly, a carefree gentleman approached me, casually inquiring why I was clinging to my clothes. He meant no harm; he simply wanted to encourage me to embrace the beach's vibe. Despite his lightheartedness, I felt a wave of embarrassment and decided to seek reassurance from a lifeguard. Thankfully, clothing was optional, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Finding a quiet spot away from the throngs, I finally felt ready to let go, shedding my top and sinking into the warm sand. Initially, it felt a bit uncomfortable—like an impromptu acupressure session—but soon it evolved into a blissful retreat. The warmth of the sand and the gentle pressure of the pebbles transformed into a personal spa day.

As I relaxed, my friend dove into the ocean, and I was soon aware of a nearby couple enjoying their own playful moment. Feeling slightly awkward, I decided to give them space. While strolling along the shore, I encountered a nude woman posing for her partner, both completely at ease in their surroundings. Their unabashed freedom contrasted sharply with my self-consciousness and prompted me to reflect on the limitations I imposed on myself—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

This moment of introspection revealed that the beach held more than just sand and sun; it offered a unique opportunity for self-exploration. As I continued my solitary walk, I pondered the surprises that lay ahead on this journey of discovery.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Waves

As I strolled further, the inviting Mediterranean waters beckoned me. Although I couldn't swim, I couldn't resist the allure of the warm waves. Immersing myself felt surreal, as if I were enveloped in the sun's embrace. I sat amidst the gentle surf, allowing the waves to wash over me, feeling both the physical sensations and a deeper emotional cleansing.

Now, I’ll leave it to you to guess whether I took the plunge and went skinny dipping! Did I cling to my conventional ideas of how to live, or did I free myself, even if just for a fleeting moment? Was I able to fully savor the experience?

As we returned to camp to freshen up before heading into the city, I realized that while I hadn’t fully shed my inhibitions, I had dared to step outside my comfort zone, even if just for a brief moment. In that instant, I tasted freedom, fully immersing myself in the beauty of the Mediterranean and the liberating ambiance of the beach.

For that, I am deeply grateful.