The journey home.

We'd logged on to the web site run by the firm providing our transport between the hotel and the airport the day before, to find that our pick-up time was 7:50am.  This was disappointing, not least because it meant we would miss breakfast, but also indicated that there were quite a few people to pick up after us and we would be on the coach for a couple of hours.

We set two alarms, just to be sure, but only needed one.  The sun was not yet up, but there was a lovely moon just at the end of the road to see us on our way.

The pick-up point was only 5 minutes walk and we arrived about 10 minutes early just to be sure that we didn't keep anybody waiting.  

Creepy shadows in ceiling

Unfortunately, not everybody was as conscientious and the coach was 25 minutes late getting to us after only 2 pick-ups.   We arrived at the airport without any further delays and with our speedy boarding pass managed to avoid the now very long queue which had developed at the check-in desk.





The flight back was interesting in that most of Spain that we flew over was cloudless which meant great views like this snow capped peak.

We were a few minutes late taking off, but arrived in Manchester 10 minutes early.  A wasted effort on the captain's part, however, as although the steps were wheeled up to the plane as soon as we arrived, there was no-one on hand with appropriate authorisation to open the door into the terminal building.

After about a twenty minute wait we were allowed to depart the plane, found our bag and were in the car and on the way home without incident, in bright sunshine.   

And that was it, our search for winter sun (and warmth) successful, but over for another year.

But not over for you, my hardy readers, unless you've had enough.  I've still more photos to add to the web album which will probably get done in dribs and drabs over the next few days.  Just to remind you, you can see the web album here:

Marbella Spring 2015 Web Album

I'll also check back through the comments to see if there are any need answering.

Thanks for sharing this adventure with us and especially for your comments which we always appreciate.  So it's adios for now, catch up with you all later ...

Friday - last day

The clear blue skies returned, but with a 10-15mph off shore breeze which made it feel a little cooler than the 22degC it actually was.  Still, very pleasant and so we decided to take a walk along the sea front.

And how about this as a nice way to take exercise.  Making the most of the sunshine, these women have taken the opportunity to have their exercise class out on the beach.







The gym they would normally have used is housed in a newish building on the seafront, Le Plaza del Mar, which also contains a supermarket, a convention centre and a cinema with a couple of other shops.  It's an interesting building but a bit under-used.  Maybe because the large arachnoid sculpture that have mounted inside scares off the punters!





 It's pruning time for the numerous palms that line the sea front, all done by one man from a portable hoist which he manoeuvres from the platform. 
















They start off looking like this and end up with a short back and sides.







This was about the roughest we had seen the sea all week.  However, waves less than half a metre high don't really qualify as rough.  







Out of the wind, the temperatures were getting on for 25degC by mid afternoon.  The pigeons here must have been on their holidays and fancied a bit of sunbathing.












After a bite to eat in the cafe just up from the hotel, tuna salad for me, chicken wrap for Eunice, we took a last walk round the old town and then back to base to start our packing.  But with the sun out it seemed wrong not to make the most of it and I fancied an ice cream.  So back on the sea front we found a haladeria (ice cream shop) and sat outside with our crepe and ice cream treats.  No ice cream selfie, I'm afraid, Tone.  Have to come back next year.

We had our last evening meal at El Castillo and then back to the hotel for an early night.

Thursday - Malaga

 The weather forecast predicted a turn towards cooler weather with the possibility of rain and indeed, temperatures in the morning were down to 15degC with overcast skies and 10-15 mph winds.  The rain didn't appear though and by afternoon the sun was out and temperatures up to 19degC.  So, nothing we couldn't cope with.


Our itinerary for the day, was based around a bus trip to Malaga, more as a tester to see whether we might want to spend more time there in the future.  

This time our bus set off right on time, but it was soon obvious that the rest of the journey would not go so well, as we very soon began to get bogged down in traffic.  As we slowed to a complete standstill, and with the opposite carriageway ominously free of any traffic whatsoever, it became clear that a fairly major incident had occurred.  After 40 minutes of stop start motoring, we came across the cause, a refuse vehicle which appeared to have overturned spilling its contents all over the road.  It was just being loaded onto a rescue vehicle as we passed.  


Fortunately for us, the incident had taken place on the other side of the dual carriageway and the police had managed to get one of the two lanes on our side opened up again.  It looked like it would be some time before either lane could be opened up on the other side and with queues already over the 8km mark, delays running into a few hours looked inevitable.

Once we got passed the scene, the rest of the journey went ok, although we kept hearing a warning buzzer coming from the dashboard with a "STOP" symbol constantly appearing on the dashboard.  It didn't seem to phase the driver, though, who just tutted every now and then and kept turning the buzzer off.  

Malaga Cathedral

Roman Theatre

Malaga is larger than we thought.  In fact everything is on a much bigger scale.  The churches and municipal buildings are huge and the old town is full of traffic.  Still there are plenty of museums and things to see so a return visit is possible.

Outside

Inside

And yes, it does have it's share of apparently entirely pointless and very expensive looking structures like this one we found near the harbour, but at least the Spaniards seem to spread the EU funding about not just spend it all in one place like our government (I'm talking about the United Kingdom of London of course).

Bull Ring, Malaga

 Just before setting off back for the bus we popped across to have a look at the bull ring.  Not particularly exciting on the outside, but it did have this charming (Miro inspired?) sculpture out front.

 



 And further on, there was this section of wall with extremely intricate pointing.  Not that it really needed pointing as the blocks (not one the same) seemed to have been cut and laid with exceptional precision. 




And that was our Malaga taster. We got the Express bus back which uses the motorway instead of the local roads we'd arrived by, just in case they were still clearing up the rubbish from earlier in the day. 

Wednesday - Rest Day

 Yesterday was a sort of rest day.  According to the weather forecast this would be the last really warm day so we decided just to amble about and enjoy the sunshine.

First off, we had a walk up to the indoor market.  In the sun and high (23degC) temperatures it was strange to find that some trees hadn't any leaves yet.  I suppose it's easy to forget that winter is relative and all deciduous trees have to have a rest sometime.


Markets in Spain are always interesting to walk around, especially those with fishing ports.  The variety of fish is amazing, and it was really nice to see, while we were there, a party of school children being shown round the market and learning from the stall holders about their wares.  From their laughter and shrieks it was obvious that the children were enjoying the experience.  Hard to see that happening at home. 

Eunice's annual trip to the Blanc du Nile (White Shop) produced another white garment (I didn't ask what) to add to the collection - at least I think it was only one.  Hmm, then again that would be a first ...





After that we stopped for lunch at the Cafe Bar Central in Orange Tree Square, for a traditional meal of egg and chips (Eunice) and cheese omelette (me).  While we were waiting we had a visit from this little chap.  Maybe It's impossible to be certain, but as far as I'm concerned this is the fella that crash landed in my coffee the other day come back to say hello.


Ok, here's a question for you.  The sun dial on the town hall, just above our heads was registering time an hour earlier.  Now this can't be due to daylight saving time because that only comes into effect during the summer months.  I think it's probably because of Spain's acceptance of Central European time, which is one hour ahead of GMT, even though the Greenwich meridian passes through the country, but I'm not sure.  Anybody know for certain?

We're not really selfie people (too old to feel the need to self publicise) but Sally asked for one, so here to is.

While we ate we were serenaded by our very own busker, a Ronda lad who loved and could really play, the blues.  Slide guitar, open tunings, harmonica and kazoo, with a little bit of jazz thrown in.  Excellent.

After lunch we took a walk up to La Canada (pronounced Canyada), Marbella's out of centre shopping mall.  We walked up through the Parque Arroyo de la Repress, which is where the bonsai museum is we visited last year.  I may have included a photo of the bridge last year (or two or three), but here's another!

 The shopping centre is modern, airy and contains a good verity of shops.  Where else, but in Spain, would you find a shop selling dry-cured ham (jamon) next to designer clothes and electrical goods in a prime position in a shopping mall. Not in the Trafford Centre that's for sure!



Nice detail work around what is in effect just a service entrance.  The lighting seen here is artificial, although the effect is of a natural skylight.


When it comes to public realm works, the Spanish to my mind, have incredible vision, style and an ability to get things done.  Their modern architecture is second to none (just look at Valencia) and they treat their heritage with a sensitivity and care that we seem to have lost, or really never had, (just look at their old town areas).  But such a lot of what they have achieved seems to be crumbling away.  Whether for lack of money for maintenance or a lack of interest once projects have been completed, I'm not sure, or maybe they just haven't got the skills to get it right first time.  It's such a shame.  And what started me on this subjected?  A pothole in the lovely Parque Arroya de la Repress in a footpath, which shouldn't be there because it only gets foot traffic and has been repaired Spanish style.

I've added photos from the first couple of days onto a web album, including ones which didn't make the blog.  I'll be adding more as I get time.  If you fancy a look you should find them here:

https://plus.google.com/photos/115876148290792812709/albums/6122500364124954545?authkey=CJvt1rSTrKeybg

Tuesday - To the Hills

Sorry for the late publication, but we packed quite a lot in yesterday and by the time the photos had downloaded it was too late to start writing the text.

The plan for the day was to take a bus trip up into the mountains to visit Ronda.  Ronda has a fascinating and extremely varied history, being ruled at various times by such notables as the Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Christians.  A quick look on Wikipedia is recommended.

It is most well known for its bridges across the deep gorge around which it has developed, but there's much more to see than that and one day is definitely not enough.

The 09:30 to Ronda will arrive shortly

All started well. We managed to squeeze in a spot of breakfast before getting a taxi up to the bus station. Yes, I know we could have walked, but it's over a mile away and if we were to catch the 9:30, we would have had to miss breakfast which you may recall is not served till 8:30.

As it worked out we arrived at the bus station in plenty of time and had our tickets sorted with 20 minutes to spare.  9:30 came, and went, but no bus.  At 9:35 Eunice went to check what was happening and was told it would be here in a few minutes.   It seems that Spanish minutes are, however, a bit like Lucy minutes, as it was getting on for 10am before it actually arrived!

Still, the journey went well, with no more time lost.  The route climbs nearly 3500 feet up a narrow twisty road and the views are spectacular.  Arriving in Ronda we noticed this roof top nursery where the staff were encouraging the children to wave to the people on the bus.  It seemed the staff were enjoying the game much more than the kids.

In Ronda we found the tourist information office, got a map and a went for coffee while I worked out what we could pack in before our planned departure at 4:30pm.

The route started at the bull ring and immediately led us to the gorge.  Photos can't convey how spectacular this place is. I'll include some in the web album, but there are much better ones on the internet if you're interested.

There are many view points scattered around, this one proving quite popular.  It's only when you see it from a distance that you realise what you have been stood on.  I know there are more extreme platforms (Grand Canyon for example) but this was built by the Spanish, remember, so the danger element is much increased - I'm sure it was level when it was first built!





Moving on into the old town, one of the delights of not following a too rigid plan is coming across the unexpected. In this photo you might just be able to make out the old fella at the bottom. He was filling a bucket from this tap.  Now either he was on a water meter and was looking to save a bit of money, or more likely, these older houses still don't have running water.







After a wrong turn, we stumbled across the Jardin de Forestier y Mina Secrets.  The best description of the mine I've found its shown on the information sheet we were given on arrival, so I'll included a photo of that in the web album. The information sheet also included a history of the gardens, but it was difficult to reconcile what actually exists with the description. The gardens and mine reminded me very much of Lord Leverhulme's gardens at Rivington - a fantastic achievement in their day, but one you have to work quite hard to appreciate nowadays due to years of neglect.  Fascinating nonetheless.

Way down - all smiles

The 200 steps circular staircase down to the gorge floor proved quite a challenge, but not as much as the journey back up. 200 steps may not sound much of a challenge, but when the rise of each one is at least one and a half times the going, it makes it quite a stretch for little legs (Eunice's, not mine!).

It all proved worthwhile,though, as the views from the bottom were fantastic









On the way back, we came upon the old city walls, a good portion of which were fairly intact and accessible to all who were brave enough to tackle them (me but not Eunice) without the benefit of all the health and safety add-ons that would be required back home!











Our last port of call before a parting coffee was a house belonging to Eunice's patron saint Don Bosco.  Although he started out poor, he seems to have done alright for himself later in life.  The house backs on to the gorge and has fabulous views and and a very tasteful garden.
   



The bus left Rondo dead on time.  Now I've never really given it much thought, but to me, a bus driver is a bus driver, nothing more, nothing less.  All that changed yesterday.  When your driver gets into the cab and puts on his aviators AND his seat belt, you know you're in for something special.  I've mentioned above that the views on the way up were spectacular, and so they were on the way down.  But there was something else, something exhilarating, something, yes at times, terrifying.  This was not a bus ride, this was a ride around Monica on-board with Alonso, brushing the barrier, riding the kerbs with consummate skill ...  

Ok, maybe that does sound a little Top Gearish, but I can honestly say, that I have never been that impressed with anyone's driving before.

I've included the Strave trace below (ignore the Ice Skate reference in the title - just a tactic to get Strava to accept the data).  If you click on the map it should take you to the full version.  Zoom in two or three times and you will get a good feel for the terrain.  The decent actually begins after about 17miles.  The road drops nearly 3,500 feet in just 13 miles along a road which has vitally no straights to speak of.  On the way up, the drops down into the valley were mainly on the other side of the road.  When you're sat on the right hand side of the coach on the way down, they are in many places no more than 6 feet away with just a flimsy barrier between you and, well, most likely oblivion.  And the average speed, 32 mph.  Respect!!

Right, that's more than enough from me. There are quite a few more pictures which I'll put into the web album.  I'll let you know when that's available if you fancy a look.  I'm afraid they are all snaps.  Most of the time I'm not able to see what's in the viewfinder because it's so bright and I haven't had time to make any digital improvements, so they are what they are, but I hope you'll find them interesting.

Thanks again for the comments.  I'll try and answer a few after doing today's blog. Keep them coming.

Monday - even more miles

Firstly I have to start with an apology.  In the rant post I referred to Eunice's chuntering as being much worse than tweeble chuntering.  I have been asked to point out, quite forcibly I might add, that Eunice does not chunter. Not now, not ever.  Who am I to argue ...

Ok back to today.

No problem with the clocks today and we were both up at the crack of dawn - well 8am anyway, no point in getting up any earlier as breakfast isn't available before 8:30.

Iglesia de San Pedro

After breakfast it was down to Tourist Information for maps and bus timetables and a walk up to Estacion to catch a bus to St Pedro.

Fountain in Church Square,
St Pedro

There isn't too much to see in St Pedro, but it was really meant to be a dropping off point for our walk today, an 11km stroll which can be made completely along the sea front, which over the last few years has been upgraded to a promenade quality that can accept cycles, except for only one short (70metres or so) section which diverts onto the beach.

Fountain on Avenida de Mar Mediterraneo
St Pedro

A couple of senior moments could have spoilt the day.

Firstly I forgot to charge up the gps which I use to record our walks (no point in doing long - ok Lou, longish - walks, if you can't brag about them later). 

Secondly I forgot the spare camera battery which left me very short of power for taking today's pics.

New Promenade, St Pedro

However, I do have Strava loaded on my phone which can do the walk recording without the need to have (very expensive) phone data turned on, and although my phone was showing only 37% battery left when we set out, it managed with loads to spare.  First problem solved.

The lack of camera battery wasn't such an issue, as we'd covered about two thirds of this walk (from Puerto Benus to Marbella) last year and taken photos along the way, but I did manage the few shown here from the St Pedro end so you won't miss out.

I should point out that I've scaled the pictures here to try and get the formatting better (and failed I'm afraid), but you should be able to get a larger size by double clicking on one of them.

I hear you're having a bit of a rough time with the weather at the moment, but it's been absolutely glorious here today. As you can see from the photos we've had clear blue skies, 23degC with only a slight breeze.The sea has been very calm, but visibility on the horizon was strangely pretty poor as you may just be able to make out in this photo.  Our lunch and tea (sorry dinner) were both taken al fresco, although the latter did benefit from a little added heat in the form of the odd gas burner or two.  Nonetheless, very pleasant.




As an aside, we came across this weird bridge which runs alongside main road through St Pedro, not only does it not seem to serve any purpose, but it has a very unique shape.  Is it by design, or did they forget to take the heat into account and anded up with a very buckled deck - who knows....


Today's walk is shown below.  9.1 miles plus our 1.1mile walk up to the bus station makes for a decent day's exercise.  And the 1000 calories burnt makes up for the ice creams we had in Puerto Banus.