Posts

In search of the mythic chipmunk and other rabbit holes

Image
  We are going for a walk through Malaga today. It is the real city centre experience - packed through with shops, people and a mildly confusing directions. I remember Burgos had such a thing that you felt you were going one way and small changes lead to a ninety degree misdirect.  Anyway, back to Malaga. Malaga has a population of nearly 600,0 00 people, making it the second largest city in Andalusia and 6th in the county. According to the sort of people who make it their business to know this kind of thing the Phoenicians turned up in 770BC and felt this river mouthed place would make a jolly decent town. From the 6th century before our Lord and Saviour the Carthaginians popped up till, in 218BC, the Romans Romaized the place.  Fast forward through Visigoths and Moors to 1487, when Castile took the place and, as a kingdom that was founded in 1065, conveniently tacked on another 350 years and announced it has reconquered the place. We have lots of Malaga to do and a lot ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The placards are not against the wall.

Image
  Why change a happy format.  Since half way through Blighty we have had route and photos along route.  Today it is more a case of snaps from the castle till we get down out of the castle.  Enter Malaga Castle.  Well, we will enter Malaga castle by nipping down to the lift at the foot of the castle and whizzing straight to the top.  Welcome to the Alcazaba of Malaga. It is, yes, let us use the word, a splendid castle complex on top of the cliffs, over looking the gleaming med.  It was begun in the early 11th century and it was added to across the century. It got a major rebuild under Nasrid emir, Muhammad II, who upped the palace quotient at the top.  On 6th May 1487 the Army of Castile arrived, with cannons, and began a siege. On 18th August the place fell.  By the 18th century its function as a military post ceased and people lived in it.  That all ended in 1933 when it was taken back, archaeologised and generally restored - although w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Near death in the afternoon

Image
Well I can’t find it. This is not much of a shame but there is an anecdote connected and why not. If you are going to die doing it to save a loved one from a fire or similar act of humanitarian relief is at least notable and worthy.  Choking to death on a pork scratching, while having a comic element, is less blue plaque worthy. Let me take you back to a day in the middle 2000s.  It was a day over Easter in which all the shops were closed but a single minimarket a decent walk from where we were staying. We were leaving that day and various sweetmeats and the like were needed. I set out on a quest to find such.  I bought some things. They had pork scratchings. I have never had Spanish pork scratchings. I thought I would try some. It started well enough until one got stuck in my throat. I will spare you the details save I was choking.  By myself. Without any necessary form of relief.  I consider that when my body is found there is no way to link it to my wife and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Promoting Dignified Leisure

Image
  We are going back to the street and on to the Avenida Salvador Allende.  Squeezed between us and the beach are houses of various shapes and sizes and intentions of construction. Some are tourist apartments like the Casa Tia Antonia.  It gets 4.9 stars from 175 reviews.  It’s LGBTQ+ friendly. Ursula is very impressed.  ‘I've lost count of how many times I've stayed here – it doesn't really matter – but this time, unfortunately, it was only for 14 days in January in El Palo, a district of Malaga, in the enchanting "Aunt Antonia Beach House" apartment. The apartment is on the second floor and perfect for 2-3 people. It's located right on the beach/sea with a fantastic, large terrace overlooking the ocean, furnished with a table, chairs, and sun loungers. Speaking of furnishings: the description and photos on the website are accurate. The living room has a kitchenette including a washing machine, all necessary equipment, dishes, etc., and a TV with access to all...
Post a Comment
Read more