Sitges Tales 3: Principally Summer ‘16

A Tale of Observation 

To hover above the town like the numerous tower cranes marring our sky and observe a resort destination such as Sitges during the height of its annual economic cycle is a very interesting pastime. 

Summer this year is in full swing, we've had our Gay Pride, the first major "festival" of our summer calendar; and it appears as if Sitges has resumed its construction boom, stifled since 2008.

It's hard to imagine, just a month ago the focus was the national political landscape, primarily of its lack of strong government leadership and corruption scandals; whereas, today the seasonal focus is food, fun and fiestas. All are welcomed to join in here, where Sitgetanos blame bankers and corrupt politicians for the crisis as opposed to foreigners. Our arms are open wide to receive tourists, quite the juxtaposition to the racist backlash against refugees fleeing their war-torn countries in the broader European context. 

Los Indignados de Sitges 2011

I must mention here how the momentum of the Indignados movement of Spain has incredibly morphed into Podemos, which has become a national electoral force; unlike in the US where its' equivalent movement, Occupy Wall Street, essentially initiated a national conversation (albeit a vitally needed one) about the desperately wanted change to their social structure.

Take a Closer Look... on the street & on the sea

Yes, the streets are abuzz with movement and the hum of human interaction permeates the air, even above all the activities along the seashore.

The Trends

for Men...

European men are increasingly daring in their grooming and fashion choices these days. Full beards are still going strong since sprouting a couple of years ago – I guess it takes time to cultivate growth worthy of Papa Noel! Conversely, the buzz cut on either side of their heads lends the eyes focus on the lengthy hair coiffed into a little bun atop the crown.

And large floral prints adorn the torsos and hips of the most masculine of physiques this summer.

... for Women

              

Women retain their femininity in the heat by covering their cleavage with peasant blouses which give healthy glimpses of their midrifts as the wind takes the fabric to flight. And gold, silver and copper enrich the straps of sandals with metallic brilliance, whether they're flat, on white-sole platforms or on the prevalent wedges seen step by step around town.

All the while, water shuttles and taxi-boats take passengers up and down the coast, between Barcelona - Sitges and Vilanova.

                             

"Voyage to Sitges"
@thesitgesquarterly
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This is just some of what can be glimpsed, heard or noticed in the oasis that is Sitges this summer of 2016.