We had a late start this morning, and the weatherman is forecasting storms laters. The Iberian peninsula received lots of rain last night and believe me, we got our fair share.
After a terrific breakfast at Las Yucas and of course cafe con leche, we walked in the opposite direction along the promenade towards the Rio Vélez and the camping area. This area is not as pretty nor as developed. You can see construction in the distance. When I look at real estate listings for this area, there are many new developments and the prices are crazy.
Today we want to get our steps in and not necessarily at a fast pace. MaryAnn rolls up her pants and dips her feet into the cold sea. I was hoping to see the French bol players today but it looks like the games area is washed out.
The parking lot near where the campers stay has turned into a lake. They have built a narrow walkway from where the cars are across the water to the beach restaurant.
We find a cool beach bar (chiringuito), called Sirenas Beach Grill for a beverage. The view is beautiful. Even better is the smell of espetos (sardines) on the grill.
Espetos are skewered sardines, grilled over olive wood in boats filled with sand. Many of the chiringuitos (beach bars) have the boats. This is a Malagueña tradition. I haven’t been here in the summer, but I bet you can smell them from one end of the promenade to the other. I’m hoping to share the experience of eating espetos with MaryAnn once we get a warmer day.
We have decided to save ourselves for a nice meal tonight at the Safari Lounge and skip lunch. We must revisit the camembert salad with pomegranate drizzle and eat some fish if we have room. Before all that, we enjoy the sea breeze and brief sunny moments.
MaryAnn was enamoured of the city of Málaga, and in particular the market. She wants to return for some goodies. The weather looks relatively stable tomorrow, so we will spend the day and perhaps the evening.
St. Patrick’s Day in Málaga
The direct bus ride to Málaga is smooth. We stop for a cold drink at hippie dippie Cereal Boom Coffee. The walls are lined with colourful cereal boxes. We enjoy looking at them and counting which ones we have tried from our childhood.
When done, we go up to the counter, give them our table number and the bill is entered into a machine. Using your credit card or cash you put it into the machine. Change and receipt is then provided. No money handling. It’s a cool spot.
We head to the mercado to be faced with hordes of people. Locals and tourists, and food tours. It is wall-to-wall people. The fish stalls are closed today as the fishermen are out fishing. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the preferred day for the freshest fish.
The tapas counters are busy and our desire to stop for a grilled octopus and Málaga wine will need to be put on hold.
The fruits, vegetables, spices, meats and oils though are beautifully presented. This market is a feast for your eyes.
Avoiding puddles, we find our way to the Picasso museum, but unfortunately it is sold out. We linger in the vicinity for a while entering shops to avoid the rain. I find a nice Picasso-inspired cover-up. I waffle for a while, but glad I finally bought it. Around the corner, I take MaryAnn past Taberna El Pimpi and the restaurant owned by Antonio Banderas, a Málagueno resident. I’m not sure he still owns it. The restaurant sits in the shadow of the Alcazaba which is beautifully lit at night and a fabulous place to enjoy a meal on a warm evening. A little pricey, but to be expected in the city.
There is a line up to get into the Alcazaba but there is a lookout that is free. MaryAnn takes a walk up the stairs to the mirador (look-out). I snap a few pictures and one of her taking a picture of me.
We wander through the city and stop at a place to use the washroom. Ordering some croquetas and a drink we are entertained by buskers who received a donation.
We are weary, chilled and tired of the rain. The St. Patrick’s Day revellers, however, are not! This is only going to get sloppier as the day unfolds. We stop for one more break and then decide to head back to Torre del Mar and our dry, warm apartment. Our return ticket is for 8:00 pm, and it is only 6:00 pm.
Making our way back to the Puerto bus station, we go to the Alsa ticket booth and change our ticket for 1 euro. No muss, no fuss.
Tonight we share a stir-fry at Misushi and hit the sack early.
