A few years back I needed some space to think - that happens with me from time to time.

Back then I was living abroad and had the finances and freedom to jet-set at a moment’s notice, I thought what better way to clear my head than a cheeky wee beach holiday? So, that’s exactly what I had in mind when I booked a week’s vacation on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands.

Apparently, my idea wasn’t unique as it seemed that every single British citizen was on holiday on my island that very same week. But, despite the crowded streets filled with the bumbling Brits, I still managed to soak up some rays and Spanish culture - so much of the first that I managed to get second-degree sunburns covering the majority of my body. *blushes*

While on the island I did a lot of the same things that everyone else around me was doing - drinking, eating, and trying to find shade. While the shops and restaurants truly catered to their UK patrons, the natural beauty of the island still held true.

Admittedly, the island as a whole may not have been what I was looking for in my ideal holiday away. The beaches were black and impossible to sunbath on, the people were all having far more fun than I was - if you know what I mean, and I spent the majority of the time wondering why the temperature was only slightly balmy, in the mid 70’s. But despite the sunburn and the strong language barriers, I made the most of my time away and came back feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of my semester abroad. Maybe all we ever really need is some space to drink and think to get back on track.

They say sunburn is the sign of a good vacation away - by that metric, I guess that means mine was pretty great.