Verity’s Views on Monday

It was a very early start on Monday; we left the house at about 5 am; and got the first tube- a first for me and Rowan! After the tube and two trains, we finally got to Heathrow, which was already busy at 6am. We made it through security (both my bags got pulled for inspection because I’m just so dangerous); smashed down some sandwiches in Pret; then boarded the plane. It was so lovely to arrive in the sun in Malaga. It had been very hot and sticky in London for a while, but the heat in Malaga felt different- balmy with a bit of a breeze off the sea- which was the first place we went after we dropped off our bags at the air b n b. The last time I’d gone for a proper swim in the sea was 2019, in Sicily. It was lovely to plough out, and look around at the mountains that surround Malaga’s beach. Malaga- it turns- out, is a very beautiful city, and we got a closer look at it when we walked into town for our evening meal. Our friend Laura had since joined us; fresh of a plane from her home in Graz, Austria, and together we wended our way down the wide, golden streets. Malaga’s cathedral seems at the centre of the city, and towers impressively above, all intricate architecture and sculpture. Our first meal was a vegan tapas, which was lovely, I think I could drink aioli if it was socially permissible. We staggered home, and fell into our beds- tired for the journey, sun, and large meal!

Tuesday 30th August

We had decided the day before that Tuesday would be a lazier day for us to ease us into Malaga. The day started with Verity and Laura doing yoga on the beach while I went for a long swim. I swam out to the orange buoy and back four times. I was one of the only ones in the sea doing laps as most people were just swimming near the shore. I felt very adventurous.

We went back to the apartment to get dressed and then decided to find a good place to have breakfast. We picked another lovely vegan café called Reviv. I had salted chickpea pancakes (so did verity) and a mango smoothie (I love mango as a fruit). My chickpea pancakes were lovely and had a great flavour. I then fancied a dessert; Verity was very surprised that I picked a dessert which was creamy and fruity as I’m known in the family as the chocolate lover. I normally always pick something with chocolate in it on the dessert menu

We ambled slowly back to the apartment stopping for Laura to look at postcards and to look at shops. I saw a water bottle with pictures of different attractions of Malaga. I decided to wait until the end of the holiday, but I eventually bought as I really liked the look of it. It was also a present to myself which would last and one that I could use a lot as opposed to something like chocolate.

I had a little nap back at the apartment and then went out to the beach with Verity and Laura. I swam out to the orange buoy and back 6 times which was really good fun and quite challenging. That meant that I had swam out to the buoy a total of 10 times that day which I thought was quite impressive

We went back to the apartment to get ready for dinner at a restaurant called The Canadu (Oh my gosh! We all loved the Canadu) I had a three-course meal there for my starter I had apple crockets which tasted lovely but were a bit weird to have as a starter considering the fact that they were quite sweet. For my main course I had pasta stuffed with four different types of cheese in a creamy cheesy sauce. It tasted divine but very rich. For my dessert, Verity was again surprised that I picked to have a coconut cream tart instead of the chocolate options on the menu. She had a couple of mouthfuls of it and really enjoyed it. All in all I think this might have been my favourite restaurant we went to on holiday in Malaga

food

Verity’s Views on Tuesday

It was amazing to do yoga on the beach whilst Rowan sped in and out of the shallows. The Malagueta beach is a lovely one, very sandy with a view of mountains on the left, that climb out into the waves. Laura and I had a dip as well, the water cold at first but easy to get used to as soon as all your limbs are moving. After, obviously, we were hungry! We walked through Malaga again, pleased to find our bearings were pretty good having ambled through it the night before. We went to a vegan cafe called Reviv, which did lovely chickpea pancakes! The owner was very friendly, and gave us some recommendations for things to do whilst we were there. We walked slowly home, dipping in and out of shops and seeing the sights. There were some beautiful town squares and long esplanades that we pottered through, feeling very touristy. When we got back to our air b n b, Laura and I went for a walk along the pier, before heading back to pick up Rowan and chuck her in the sea for her afternoon swim (Rowan demands several swims a day on holiday). After that we pootled back into town, to a lovely restaurant called Canada, where Rowan and I ate I think the cheesiest pasta ever invented. It also had a lovely waiter very keen to work out exactly what I was allergic to- I had confidently told him, butchering his lovely language,

“Soy alergica fruitos secos’.

He determinedly drew a pumpkin and a sunflower on my menu, pointing at it and making a ‘little’ motion between his thumb and forefinger. Through this hodgepodges of communication we discerned together I was just allergic to nuts, and not seeds as well! It was really nice to feel so looked after (in such an artistic way), as often travelling with an allergy can be nerve wracking! As we ate we enjoyed watching as people passed through the big leafy square the restaurant resided in. We particularly enjoying seeing the dogs of the town on their nighttime walks, bouncing and sniffing around, very interesting in the scents from the many restaurants!

Wednesday 31st August

When we were planning the holiday to Malaga, I looked up things to do in the area. One of the first things that came up on the list was a guided walking tour of the Roman theatre and palace behind it. Our tour guide was very friendly and quite informative. He was also quite excited and nervous as he said that the Arctic Monkeys were coming to visit the next day.

The theatre is located in the centre of Malaga at the foot of the famous Alcazaba fortress. It is the oldest monument in Malaga.  It was first built during the empire reign of Augustus in the 1st century AD. It entertained crowds of people with music, plays and concerts for over two hundred years. It was used up until about the third century.  

 It was rediscovered in 1951 after having been hidden underground for many centuries. More than half of the seating area has remained intact during the many centuries. The remains of the stands have a 31-metre radius and can reach a height of 16 metres. 

The Alcazaba located behind the Roman theatre was built by the Turks during the 11th century and had to be modified and rebuilt during the 14th century. It was built as a form of defence and protection as it is located on the only hill in the centre of Malaga city. Below are some picture of it

After the tour Verity and I found a lovely meat deli shop and bought a baguette each mine was filled with chorizo and was very tasty. Verity’s was filled with cheese. We accompanied Laura to the café we had visited yesterday. Laura had the salted chickpea pancakes and Verity, and I just ordered a juice. Then we went to a café that sold churros. I love churros!! These churros tasted different to the ones you get at home as they were deep fried pieces of dough, but they were not covered in powdered sugar and were not too sweet. We dipped them in thick hot chocolate ummm yummo. Verity and I were both so hungry that we ordered three each.

We went back to the apartment for a little bit of a rest before our next activity. We watched Shrek while we were resting. I bloody love the first Shrek movie. It has so much heart and is so well written. I like the first sequel too. My favourite character in Shrek is Donkey because I really like how funny his is in it.

We then went on a banana boat which was attached to a speed boat. Oh my gosh I adored this it satisfied all my adrenaline needs. Although I couldn’t see through half of it because my swim hat is too big and slipped down. We all fell off the inflatable once and had to climb back on (with difficulty on my part. My core strength is not the greatest.) It felt so exhilarating, but it was really hard to hang on because it went so fast. I almost fell off again but managed to hold onto the middle strap and the speed boat driver slowed down at that point and I was able to clamber back on. My muscles were sore after that activity. I went for a short swim which wasn’t too long as I was quite tired from a busy day and then I went back to the apartment for dinner

We decided to eat in at the apartment on Wednesday evening. We just made a simple tomato and vegetable pasta sauce which verity and I had with a lot of cheese and Laura had it with vegan cheese and tofu. We also ate crisps (oh how I wish that crisps had proper nutritional value, there are just so addictive). While we ate dinner, we watched Hamilton on Disney+. This was Verity and I’s third time watching it and Laura’s first time. I really enjoyed rewatching because I think that it is really clever the music is really good to work out to. I think my favourite song in it is Helpless as I really like the beat to it. I’m a big fan of Lin Manuel Mirandas work as well. I think he is great actor, composer, writer, and director. However, I was quite tired from the day’s events, so I fell asleep before the play ended. 

Verity’s Views on Wednesday

Wednesday was a really lovely day. We skipped our swim but headed early to a walking tour of the Islamic fortress and Roman theatre that sit nestled against one another in the city centre. Apparently it’s the only place in the world you can see these two brilliantly preserved examples of varying historical architecture so close together. Our tour guide was exceptionally enthusiastic, and also keen to ask Rowan and I what Yorkshire puddings were and exactly how important to the Yorkshire people they were. We let him know straight that they were delicious and immensely sacred to us, though once we mentioned gravy going on top we don’t think he believed us. A real shame. It was amazing walking through the Roman theatre, and then scaling the fortress all the way up. At the top were some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture, with the curved walls, domed windows and mosaiced tilings. After our long walk, we were very hungry, so Rowan and I hoofed back two lovely bresaola and chorizo sandwiches; before accompanying Laura to find some vegan food (a tricky task but not as difficult as you’d think- there were lots of lovely vegan/vegetarian places we ate from whilst we there!). Laura then indulged Rowan and I in our quest to sample genuine Spanish churros at a small cafe. Together Rowan and I gobbled our way through the warm, crispy coils of fried dough, dipping them enthusiastically into a milky sweet cup of hot chocolate. I think I could eat it for every meal if it were social acceptable. After this, we all needed a little lie down. Rowan had been (as she is wont to do) quoting from every movie she loves. She had been saying,

‘In the morning I’m making waffles!’

to a slightly incorrigible amount, but Laura said it had been ages since she’d seen Shrek, so for some reason that became our film to watch as we had our siesta. After Shrek had rescued Princess Fiona, Laura and I managed to depart for a little swim whilst Rowan had a nap (probably sleep talking quotes in her sleep too). When these activities were both over, we all walked down the beach to a water sports centre. There, we strapped on some little helmets, popped on a life belt, and clung for dear life on a banana boat contraption that was towed along but a sadistic young man. He flung us this way and that way, until we splashed into the water. It was pretty fantastic to be honest, and the best bit was Rowan beside me screaming with joy, as her swim hat slipped over most of her face. After that, it was time for a lazy evening, we ate pasta, crisps and chocolate whilst watching Hamilton the Musical, as Laura had not seen it yet. We were all pretty pooped from our busy day though, and fell asleep before the end, very full and sun drenched and satisfied!

Thursday 1st September

I spent a little bit of time in bed in the morning while Verity and Laura did yoga on the beach. When they got back Laura had a nap and Verity and I went to a water park about half a mile away. The water part started off ok but it was quite hard to pull yourself up but I managed it at first. I then fell in and couldn’t get back out. A lifeguard has to help me climb back onto the inflatable. I felt quite upset as I had tried so hard to climb out, but I just couldn’t do it. I had also badly scraped my legs in numerous places from the effort. Verity and I decided to leave the water park before our time was up as I just wasn’t enjoying it

We arrived back at the apartment, met up with Laura and went out for lunch at a café called  Café el Mercader. To cheer ourselves up we had mocktails (it was only about early afternoon, so it was way too early for cocktails) I had a virgin Shirley Temple which is grenadine, lime soda and ginger ale. Which I really liked although I have to say I think I preferred Verity’s virgin pina colada. If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. (Damn! now I’ve got that song stuck in my head. It’s so catchy!) To eat Verity and I had paella with mussels and prawns which tasted very nice. When I am on holiday, I often eat seafood as I don’t get it at home.

We then went back to the apartment for a nap before heading out to do the speedboat activity again. It’s just so much fun that we had to do it again. This time we all managed to hang on and did not fall off once (well I almost fell off a couple of time but managed to cling on). Afterwards we all went for a swim. I was feeling very daring so while Verity and Laura swam in the shallows, I swam out to a buoy that I had not seen before which was quite a way out but not as far as the yellow buoy. I was a bit naughty as I did not tell Verity until I was back that I had done that, but it turned out ok in the end

We went back to the apartment and got ready to go out for dinner at a vegetarian restaurant called Vegetariano Alcazabil. Verity and I shared a starter of spiced mushrooms and vegetarian cheese with bread to dip into it. We ended up feeling quite full after only the starter. For our main Verity and I shared four different types of empanadas. Which were lovely, my favourite was the spinach and cheese one. TO drink we had sangria (I love sangria!) I was feeling very tired and didn’t fancy dessert, so we walked back to the flat and got ready for bed. I felt sad because it was our final full day at Malaga.

 Verity’s Views on Thursday

Thursday had a slightly sad start as Rowan struggled at the water park she had been wanting to go. Despite her energy and best efforts the park was rather badly designed and meant you spent more time in the water than on the fun inflatables! However, we quickly bounced back by indulging in some mocktails and a very delicious paella! After our siesta we went once again back to the banana-boat- inflatable- torture- device- this time we all managed to cling out! In the midst of being towed and flung about, it was lovely to see Malaga’s coast front the sea. For our final meal we went to a lovely restaurant built into the the side of Alcabaza fortress. We all ate rather more than we could handle (a melted cheese tapas plate went down quickly) and we were all very full! It was strange going to bed knowing that the same time tomorrow we would be back in the UK.

Friday 2nd September

Now our final day at Spain Malaga. Verity and I’s flight was supposed to be at 20:15 and Laura’s was three hours later than ours. This meant that we had almost a full day left. Verity and I woke up quite early and went for a final swim. I swam seven times to the orange buoy and back. I only came in when I got a bit scared as my leg clunked against something and my brain said, “Oh my gosh, it’s a shark!”  even though deep down I knew it wasn’t. I am so silly.

Verity Laura and I packed up our suitcases as we had to leave the apartment by midday. We then went to a café round the corner for breakfast. Verity and I had some meat sandwiches with a café bonbon. A café bonbon is a coffee that you stir condensed milk into. So you can imagine that it is not very healthy but I quite liked it. We dropped our bags off at a hotel, so we didn’t have to keep lugging them around the whole day.

Verity and I decided to go into the Malaga cathedral together. It was constructed between 1528 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque. It’s tower measures at a height of 87 metres making it the second highest cathedral in Andalusia After La Giralda in Seville.  It was originally designed to have two towers but there was a lack of funds which meant that only one was built. This caused it to be affectionately known as La Manquita which translates to “The One-Armed Woman.”

The interior design of the has themes of both the renaissance and the baroque era. Which is notable particularly in the mahogany and cedarwood choir stalls designed by Luis Ortiz in the 17th century.  There are forty carved statues of the saints which were created by Pedro de Mena who is considered to be the most celebrated woodcarvers of the time period. It was fascinating to look around at the stained-glass windows and paintings. Before we left the cathedral Verity, and I said a prayer together.

Afterwards Verity and I found Laura and headed to the Picasso Museum. Which we had prebooked tickets for.  Pablo Picasso was born on October 25th, 1881, in Spain Malaga. He is considered to be one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. His parents were called Don Jose Ruiz y Blasco and Maria Picasso y Lopez.  His father was a painter and a professor of art so he first began training with his father in 1890. His original training was mostly copying work from previous master artists and drawing the human form from models. When he was ten his father was employed in a school of fine arts. His father believed that Pablo was a greater artist than himself and admired his skills greatly. After the death of Pablo’s younger sister, the family moved to Barcelona where Don Jose began working at another school of fine arts. He managed to convince his superiors at the school to let his son take the exam for the advanced class which Pablo passed and was admitted at the young age of thirteen.

His work is often separated into different time periods of his life. The Blue Period from 1901-1904 which was when he was experiencing poverty, and this effected his work in terms of the colours he used which were often blue and bluey green. Then there was The Rose Period from 1904-1906. This era was the beginning of his success and features more colourful and cheerful colours. He also met  a woman in this time period called Fernande Olivier who appeared frequently in paintings during this era.  The African influence 1907-1909 which was when Henri Matisse and Picasso began experimenting with African styled human figures. Cubism Period 1909-1919. This was when Picasso began experimenting with deconstructing his work into particular shapes to create his dream like illusions in his work. This changed the direction of art for many decades. As Rose from Titanic said about his work “It’s like I’m in a dream, there’s truth but no logic” and Cal replies that Picasso won’t amount to a thing. Lol. (I love the film Titanic).

His final phase was The Final Years where he used many styles and mixed them together. He began to make sculptures taller and his paintings more colourful. His career lasted for 78years and in that space of time before he died on April 8th, 1973, he had managed to produce 13,500 paintings, 100,000 prints and engravings and 34,000 illustrations.

When looking at Pablo’s work I like to stare deeply at it and try to figure out in my mind what it is supposed to be. Then I look at what the paintings name tag. Often what I see is very different to what it’s supposed to be. For example, in one picture I studied it and thought that it looked like a brown eye. But then I looked at the pictures name tag and found out that it was actually a sparrow under a bridge. Or another time I thought a painting was a picture of trapeze artists but turned out to be a bullfight in red and yellow. There was also a painting that I thought looked like the actress Angelica Huston when she played Morticia in the Addams family.

 After finishing the tour of the Picasso Museum, we went to a shop, and I bought the water bottle with pictures of attractions in Malaga as a memento for the holiday. We then went to eat at a restaurant. We all had cocktails! Laura had a virgin Mojito, Verity had a different type of cocktail, and I had the proper Mccoy mojito. To eat I had Korean wok style noodles with chicken in a sauce containing coconut milk. It felt very warm and comforting. Verity and I then went to get churros again but we only bought a hot chocolate to share as we were too full for a hot chocolate each.

 We then collected our bags from the hotel and took a taxi to the airport. We said goodbye to Laura as her flight was three hours later than our. Verity’s and I’s flight which was supposed to leave at 20:15 was delayed by about half an hour as there had been technical issues with the plane. I noticed on the back of the plane seat in front of me that they were selling gin and tonics. So I suggested to Verity that we get one each. Verity found this hilarious but agreed so we drank alcohol while on the plane. There’s a first for everything! I really enjoyed this holiday and I hope that verity and Laura enjoyed it too. I hope to do another holiday with them sometime soon.

Verity’s Views on Friday

Friday began busily- making sure we had time for beach yoga, a swim, AND getting our flat all cleaned out. After that we went for a coffee and bocadillos by the beach, before hopping in a taxi into town. After dropping our bags off at a holding hotel, we went to somewhere we’d been keen to go to all holiday- Picasso’s Museum. I had presumed Picasso hailed from Barcelona for some reason, but he spent the first seven years of his life in Murcia. The Museum is beautiful, containing so many pieces of his art, and really showing how wide ranging his skills and influences were.

We did some last minute tourist shopping- I bought some Picasso prints that are waiting to be hung up in our stairwell; Rowan bought a bottle bearing Malaga landmarks she had been coveting and Laura bought postcards for her family and friends. After that, it was final cocktail time. I will miss Sangria. I would drink it all day if it was socially acceptable. Our last meals were hearty and tasty, followed, again by a trip to the churros cafe, which was again, unbelievably delicious. It was then time to head home. Our plane was a late one, and Rowan pronounced it was time for yet more drinking, getting excited at the prospect of a gin and tonic on the plane. She’s such a lush. We all made it home safety- poor Laura rather delayed, into Heathrow in the early hours of the morning. It all feels quite long ago, as I sit writing it at the end of September, in a jumper and tights, with the rain drizzling out the window. We are now looking forward to holiday in Greece sometime soon! Rowan is already brushing up on duolingo.

The End