Near death in the afternoon

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 child, who are not nearby. I consider that, all in all, this is a bloody stupid way to die. I consider throwing up.  So it was several Spaniards wander by a Brit who is trying to throw up and are probably considering how much drink had been taken.  Ready. You will have guessed that I managed to dislodge the obstruction through some calm and collected coughing and had just wished I bought something to drink.





A Candlemas Bun December 2009 to March 2018 in a click

We are going passed a nursery - for plants. El Morlaco opens at 9am every day and closes at 7.30pm, 2.30pm on Sundays.  https://www.gardenlapalma.com/  Six months ago Ervo was impressed. ‘Very, very good customer service. A relative gave me a basil plant from a flea market, and when the pests and fungus started, I came to this nursery because it was on my way, and they treated me very well even though it wasn't a plant I bought there. It's true that they sold me a chemical insecticide even though it was a plant for personal consumption, but they realized their mistake and refunded my money and offered me another free basil from the store in case mine didn't survive (which sadly, I think I'll have to accept). We all make mistakes, but not many establishments know how to take responsibility for them, and that's something I value greatly. The fact that they offered me a refund for a used product and a replacement plant shows they know how to take excellent care of both the plants and their customers.



Despite two weeks having passed since then, they're still answering all my questions via WhatsApp and giving me advice on how to try to keep a plant that's on its last legs alive. I'm planning to set up a small garden on my balcony to grow herbs for cooking, and I'll definitely be buying more here. They have a wide variety of plants and very good equipment available to customers. I repeat, the service they provide is excellent.’

We are ending by the bullring, tucked under the castle. https://plazadetoroslamalagueta.com/   Entrance is 16.50 euros basic, up to 261.68.  We have missed the 4th April fest - should we ever wanted to go. The next appears to be in August. Six days ago filiprag wrote a thoughtful piece ‘Really interesting and well organised self-tour of a gorgeous piece of architecture. You get a sense of the reality of bullfighting without being exposed to the blood of it. It's very well done. Many years ago I attended a performance of Carmen in Rhonda without realising that the bullfight was going to be real. It has lived with me as a visceral experience. I'm not sure I'd want to witness it again but it's good to have a tour like this that puts everything into cultural context. Really good couple of hours. All staff were really kind and friendly. Recommended.’


There is a museum - which gets 4.8 stars from 154 reviews.  Two hours ago Nicole wrote ‘Very informative audioguide, you can visit the whole arena and a small museum. Well worth the visit.’  Two days ago Chelsea opined ‘Went with my young children, Ivan and Miruna were so lovely to them and helpful taking photos. Arrival desk were also excellent and kind. Very enjoyable and informative tour’


Tomorrow, a castle.








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