Multi Málaga Experiences (Part One)

26th/ 27th May 2018 

Our last full day in Málaga was shortened by a much needed sleep-in this morning. 

Once we did get up and moving, we were out the door for some easy exploring.

We wandered a bit and then decided on a bit of “brunch” since we missed breakfast this morning.

We found a lovely “seafood” café / restaurant with a free sidewalk table opposite the Carmen Thyssen Museum.

It was Saturday and very busy! 

From our perch we could watch the comings and goings of several weddings happening at a nearby Church.  

We continued with our wander discovering an archaeological site of a medieval wall, plus a unique ceramic tiled Church. 

On a closer look they weren’t actual tiles but painted stucco.

On our walk back to the apartment for a little siesta, we wandered thru the square near opposite the Cathedral. 

As it turned out the Cathedral was located right around the corner from our temporary home in Málaga.

The Cathedral was being dressed and adorned in it’s finest festive wear.

We had no idea what was happening until we asked a local and discerned that there was some kind of celebration starting at around 5PM.

There was a hive of activity. The pallets/stacks of wooden folding chairs were being set up along with barriers. 

Refreshed from our siesta and shower, we headed out at 7pm for a before dinner stroll and drink. 

Our reservation at Lo Gueno (restaurant located directly opposite our building) was at 8PM. 

We easily got out of our street but on our return to the restaurant, the street had been closed off and was being policed. 

Señor spoke with the policeman, and we were let thru to the restaurant. We had the place to ourselves and there was no walk in traffic from the street. We now had learned from the staff there was a procession that would pass by and the reason for the street closure. 

We shared the best tasting salad of fresh, crisps greens with cucumbers, hard-boiled eggs, olives, tomatoes and tuna as our starter.

Señor Honey chose one of the local traditional dishes (when in Rome do as the Romans /when in Spain do as the Spanish) which he devoured. As the restaurant boasts grilled meats as a specialty, I chose the chicken vegetable brochette and I was not disappointed. 

To finish off we ordered a yummy chocolate dessert with two spoons.

 It’s almost 9:30pm and everyone is still waiting for the procession.

More of Magnificent Málaga!

25th May 2018 ... Day 2 in Málaga 

As we were only staying for a short time here,  (as it turns out it was too, too short) we haven’t stocked the pantry and cupboards with much of anything.

We had a very good sleep last night and we were ready to tackle the day. First some desayuno (breakfast)! 

Found a great little café “Volapie” just two doors down from our apartment. 

Delicious coffee and eats ... Señor Honey can’t seem to get enough of the Jamon (ham). 

                                       

                                                              

Now we were ready for more exploring. We had the tourist map in hand but as you probably know by now we are “freelance” travellers and prefer to discover the unexpected sights. We had no plans to visit / tour any museums, etc. 

We just wandered (the map was tucked away in Señor Honey’s infamous backpack ... only in case of emergency, i.e. if we were extremely lost). 

We strolled along the main shopping street “Calle Marqués de Larios” where only pedestrians are allowed.

We walked south towards the water which brought us to a very busy main street ... Alameda Principal. 

We originally planned on walking to the train station to purchase our tickets for our trip from Málaga to Seville on Sunday, however our friendly waiter, Grafa told us it was not necessary ... so instead of a right turn, we went left.  

A walk along the water sounded appealing but rather than walk in the full sun we searched for some shade. 

We quickly left the sidewalks of the main road and entered the Málaga Park. 

What a wonderful green space, opened in 1897 ... 33 hectares of botanical gardens, fountains and sculptures in the middle of the city located between the Alameda Prinicpal and Paseo España. 

This park was amazing ... 

From here we had wonderful views of many of the historical sights plus the beautiful plants ...

Look at the magnificent jacaranda (above) and this gorgeous hibiscus...

 

Not sure what this plant is but oh so pretty...

The Alcazaba Fortress viewed from the park ...

From here we wandered back into the historic centre viewing many wonderful sights! 

It was a full day ... so this is what happens when you just wander, you come upon such amazing sights with surprise!

The Roman Amphitheater...

From here we kept wandering, arriving at a Plaza where today to our surprise was a “Maserati” car exhibition ... it was actually the blue purple jacarandas that caught our eyes first ... at least my eyes, it’s only a car! 

I’m tired just looking at and writing about our day ... and it’s only 1 o’clock! 
We kept on with our trek thru the streets of Málaga for a couple more hours. 

We discovered the market and look some more of that delicious ham ....

Here we could have seen Morticia in the Addams Family ... 

After our siesta, we ventured out for the evening. 

First some strolling thru more of Málaga’s beautiful streets followed by a tapas dinner.

And of course, Señor suggested a stop at our next door “Taberna” Casa Lola for a little more ... 

Meeting Málaga

Thursday, May 24th, 2018

When we arrived at the Málaga Airport, Señor Honey says “do you think they’ve overbuilt the airport?” It is enormous and it wasn’t until we reached the inner corridors that it was apparent it was a very busy place. 

We headed to the assigned baggage carousel and waited, waited and waited, worry setting in that we would be without our personal belongings. Finally, the lost were found! 

Taxi! We were on our way to “Calle Strachan”. We were dropped off in a square as Calle Strachan was a pedestrian street.

We clattered (click-clack) with our luggage over the marble tiled/ cobble stoned streets looking for our street and apartment address. 

Finally, we had to stop for directions ... we were close, it was the next parallel street. 

Eureka we found it ... we were too early to check in but we were able to drop off our bags, get the keys and complete the paperwork with a promise that the apartment would be ready at 1PM. Perfect.

Off we went for a little stroll and discovery. 

We wandered for an hour and then found a shaded café for a cold water before heading to the apartment.  

We quickly did a little unpacking (not much since we were only staying here for 3 nights) and then it was time to catch a little cat nap. 

The bed was calling our names ... and was super comfortable!

Normally, we wouldn’t do this but I was feeling under the weather and Señor had not slept much at all on the plane.

The whole apartment was decorated in reds and actually was quite attractive but it was it’s prime location that ended up being its best feature. We were very lucky with our choice. 

The view from one of the windows ...


Rested and refreshed, we headed out for more exploring and something to eat. We were spoiled for choice.

After a good wander, we settled on a cute Italian restaurant in the Plaza del Obispo opposite the Cathedral and Museum.

We were seated underneath the orange trees.

It was delicious and all I needed, but as you’ll see Señor Honey was not quite ready to shut off his appetite.

The views from our table in the square ...

Oh gelato ... oh okay twist my arm, yes please! 

We continued our evening stroll heading back to “Apartamento Strachan” ... the Café (Casa Lola) right next door to our temporary home was buzzing with activity, Señor suggests we have a glass of wine and do some people watching. And since we are in Spain, Señor Honey decides he’d like a little tapas with his wine ... some of the famous Iberian ham! 

That’s it for our first day and night in Málaga, it’s still light out at 10pm as we head home.

I’ll be back with more photos and story telling soon ...