Few are the cities I return to. The urge to explore the new and undiscovered is almost always as strong as the urge to leave indelible memories untainted. But after an intolerable year in the UK of non stop freezing weather, the urge to experience Summer (on a tight budget) proved stronger still and last month I found myself wriggling my toes deep into the baking sands of Barceloneta Beach.
Surveying the scene before me, it was easy to spot my fellow sunshine deprived-Brits; their glowering red faces, backs and chests a testament to their commitment to soak up as much UV rays as possible even if the end result was not a pretty sight. This was what we were owed. We were owed Summer. We were owed this intense warmth. This warmth that allows us to revel in body exhibitionism without getting arrested; that unburdens us of time and instead hands us hazy hours to while away; that induces smiles and winks from strangers.
