Blackpool-del-Sol - written by Barry Denton

Blackpool-del-Sol

By Barry Denson

James sat in his Manchester flat, scowling at the invitation in his hands. "Spain," he muttered, shaking his head. "What a dreadful place. Blackpool-del-Sol, the lot of it."

His partner, Maria, rolled her eyes. "James, you’ve never even been there. We’re staying inland, not in some tourist trap like Benidorm or Magaluf. You might actually enjoy it."

"Inland? That’s even worse," James scoffed. "Nothing to do, and everyone will be Spanish, hating everything about English tourists. They’ll despise us for insisting on our own food, beer, and language."

Maria sighed. "But we’re not like that, I speak a little Spanish, and you embrace local cultures. Just give it a chance, will you? You love music and writing. Maybe you’ll find some inspiration."

The journey to Spain was a quiet one, with James brooding most of the way. Upon arrival, he was greeted by the blazing sun and the rustic charm of Maria’s friends’ village. The narrow streets were lined with white-washed houses, and the air was filled with the scent of blooming orange blossoms.

Their hosts, Carlos and Elena, welcomed them warmly, speaking English with ease. "Welcome, James. We’ve heard so much about you," Carlos said, shaking his hand firmly.

James forced a smile. "Thanks," he replied, glancing around warily. "I hope I won’t be too much of a bother."

As the days passed, James found himself reluctantly drawn into the village’s vibrant life. The local market was a feast for the senses, with colourful stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and aromatic spices. The village square buzzed with activity, from children playing to old men arguing over chess games.

One evening, Carlos invited James to a local music festival. "You’ll love it," he promised. "There’s traditional Spanish music, and even some fusion bands that mix flamenco with rock."

Sceptical but curious, James agreed to go. As the night unfolded, he found himself mesmerised by the passion and energy of the performers. The music spoke to his soul in a way he hadn’t anticipated, and he felt a spark of inspiration ignite within him.

Over the following weeks, James began to explore more of the village and its surroundings. He discovered a hidden gem of a café that served the best coffee he’d ever tasted and struck up conversations with locals who were more than happy to share their stories.

He even joined a writer’s group that met in a charming old library. The group was a mix of locals and expatriates, all united by their love of literature. They welcomed James with open arms, and he soon found himself looking forward to their meetings, where he shared his own writings and received valuable feedback.

Maria watched with a knowing smile as James’s attitude began to shift. "I told you there was more to Spain than just the tourist traps," she teased.

One evening, as James and Maria sat on a hill overlooking the village, he turned to her with a genuine smile. "I was wrong about Spain," he admitted. "It’s not just Blackpool-del-Sol. There’s so much more here – the culture, the people, the music. It’s all so rich and vibrant."

Maria squeezed his hand. "I’m glad you see that now. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of openness to discover something wonderful."

James nodded, feeling a newfound appreciation for the country he had once dismissed. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, he realised that his initial prejudices had blinded him to the beauty and warmth of Spain.

When it was time to leave, James felt a pang of sadness. He had grown to love the village and its people, and he knew he would miss the inspiration and camaraderie he had found there.

Back in Manchester, he poured his newfound passion into his writing and music. His experiences in Spain coloured his work with a richness and depth that had been missing before. But something was different. The flat in Manchester felt cramped and uninspiring. The city’s noise and haste no longer suited him.

One evening, as they sat in their living room, Maria looked at James thoughtfully. "I’ve been thinking," she began. "What if we moved to Spain?"

James stared at her, surprised. "You mean permanently?"

Maria nodded. "Yes. We could sell the flat, move to the village, and start a new chapter. You’ve found so much inspiration there. Why not make it our home?"

James considered this, the idea warming to him with each passing moment. The memories of the music, the market, and the friends they had made flooded his mind. "You know what? Let’s do it."

The process of selling their flat and moving to Spain was filled with excitement and anticipation. Their friends and family were surprised but supportive. Carlos and Elena were thrilled to hear the news, helping them find a charming house in the village.

As they settled into their new home, James felt a deep sense of contentment. The village that had once seemed so foreign was now a place of comfort and inspiration. He continued to write and play music, his work enriched by the vibrant culture around him.

James and Maria had found their paradise, a place where they felt truly at home. And as they walked hand in hand through the village streets, they knew they had made the right choice. Spain was no longer just a destination; it was their home.