Mountains, Fields, and Mediterranean Dreams

By: Christ J. Desruisseaux

The Spanish countryside is, without question, one of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever witnessed. It far surpasses anything I’ve seen in the United States. The vast, open fields stretched endlessly, filled with rows of lush crops and evening laborers tending to them. As we traveled toward the Andalusian coast, the scenery became even more stunning as the rolling hills and winding mountain roads surrounded us, painting the perfect backdrop for our trek towards Alicante. And then, just when I thought it couldn’t get better, we arrived at the coast and were greeted by the insanely beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Its deep cerulean blue waters were striking and made the U.S. East Coast feel dull in comparison. While I can’t speak for the Pacific or Hawaiian shores, I can confidently say the Atlantic coast doesn’t come close.

When it comes to cityscapes, however, I find myself preferring the American style. U.S. cities tend to be more visually consistent and offer greater convenience, with most amenities just a short walk or drive away. Spain, on the other hand, excels in public transportation. The infrastructure is modern, efficient, and far more developed than ours in terms of trains, buses, and walkability. However, it’s pretty clear that Spanish cities prioritize pedestrians and public transit over cars, which can feel restrictive coming from a car-centric culture like ours.

One thing that stood out in the countryside was the number of abandoned buildings scattered across rural areas, a sight rarely seen back home. Still, with such rich land and coastal access, Spain has vast potential for future growth.