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¡Adiós a Malaga!

I could have definitely stayed another few days enjoying beautiful Malaga but as always it’s nice to be back home.

For our last day there, we took a train to Torremolinos to enjoy a bit of sun and sand. The train ride is about 20 minutes and costs €1.95 each. The short but meandering walk from the train station to the beach is lined with cafes and shops (mostly touristy stuff but a few artist shops).

Torremolinos Beach ~ looking toward Malaga

Torremolinos Beach ~ looking toward Malaga

A la Playa

A la Playa

Spain 2013

Spain 2013

On the Boadwalk in Torremolinos

On the boardwalk in Torremolinos

Fountain in Torremolinos

Fountain in Torremolinos near Train Station

One of the hotels in Torremolinos

One of the hotels in Torremolinos

Clocks in Torremolinos

Clocks in Torremolinos

Looking Fierce

Looking Fierce

While it was nice to spend time walking along the beach and having lunch on a patio enjoying the sunshine, I’m so glad we chose to stay in the city rather than at the beach. So much more character in Malaga and lots more cultural things to do. We stayed at Barcelo Malaga hotel located adjacent to the Malaga Maria Zambrano train station. Very contemporary decor, friendly staff, large rooms and great location. So easy (and cheap) to get to the beaches and airport. The walk from the hotel to the town center or to the Pier took about 10-15 minutes. They have a slide in the lobby which Logan couldn’t resist:

Slide at Hotel Barcelo in Malaga

Slide at Hotel Barcelo in Malaga

On our travels, we usually purchase an item to remind us of our visit. I prefer to buy from local artists so I was excited to see a shop in the town center which carries only local Spanish artwork. It’s called “Versión Original Málaga” and is located at Calle Granada, 71.  I’d popped into the shop several times and finally decided on hand painted poppy earrings:

Poppy Earring from Malaga (local artist)

Poppy Earring from Malaga (local artist)

And for John’s Valentine’s gift, I bought a hand painted mask. We’ve collected a few masks on our travels so this will add to the collection. How could I go wrong with fish and gnomes on it…

Hand-painted Mask from Malaga

Hand-painted Mask from Malaga

Logan and I definitely fell in love with Malaga. We’re excited to return to Spain and we’ve already booked a visit to Madrid ~ thanks to Easy Jet for the $126.00 roundtrip flight from London to Madrid.

A highlight of our trip to Malaga was being able to practice our Spanish. It was wonderful to communicate in another language and actually understand when they spoke back to me (as long as they spoke slowly!). It warmed my heart when my daughter said she was so proud of me for speaking Spanish even though I’m not fluent. Hopefully, I set a good example of what a traveler should do ~ respect the culture, attempt the language (even if it’s rudimentary) and keep an open mind. Now, here’s hoping the people of Madrid are just as patient with us.

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Train Tickets to Gatwick Airport: √
Easy Jet Tickets to Málaga, Spain: √
Hotel in Málaga: √
Euros in my purse: √

Living in London for a year already makes me feel like I’m on a vacation so I find it odd to plan another trip. I did manage to get the basics done for my first trip to Spain, which starts tomorrow, but I’ve done very little no planning for once we’re there. This is a first for me as I’m not a “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of girl. In fact, I usually have a detailed, typed itinerary to include the cheapest places to park.

I do know I want to take a day trip to see The Alhambra and spend a day at the beach (we’re forecasted for one sunny day).  That leaves three other days to explore. Any suggestions from those who’ve been there will be much appreciated.

Meanwhile back in London, it’s been an eventful week. Went to Westminster Abbey for a guided tour. The tour started at 11am and it was already way too crowded. I would recommend getting there when it opens. Despite the crowds, it was well worth the visit. The Abbey is AMAZING and has so much history to it. Unfortunately, no photography allowed inside.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

Oldest Door in the UK (Westminster Abbey) circa 1050s

Oldest Door in the UK (Westminster Abbey) circa 1050s

Battle of Britain Monument ~ near Westminster

Battle of Britain Monument ~ near Westminster

London Eye on a sunny London day

London Eye on a sunny London day

On Wednesday, I joined 87,452 football fans to watch the England v. Brazil match. My first professional football match. What fun ~ cold, but fun! I was impressed with the crowd control at Wembley Stadium and there was only one time I felt claustrophobic (when we were heading back to the train). Logan and I are ready to go again but would like to see a Real Madrid match.

English Flag made by the fans

English Flag made by the fans

England v. Brazil ~ start of the match

England v. Brazil ~ start of the match

Yesterday, John went to the half off theater stand and got “We Will Rock You” tickets for £25. We enjoyed the show and the lead singer (the Dreamer) was outstanding. If you’re flexible and can purchase your tickets the day of, then there are great bargains to be had. We’re trying to take advantage of the proximity and low costs ~ so many great shows to see!

The Dominion Theater

The Dominion Theater

London’s Chinatown is getting ready for the New Year’s celebration and unfortunately we’re going to miss it but hoping to catch a Fat Tuesday celebration in Málaga.

London's Chinatown getting ready for New Year celebrations.

London’s Chinatown getting ready for New Year celebrations.

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