0105 in Malaga

I should have taken another photo when the sun was out as beaches always look a bit sad under clouds.

Yesterday we walked to the beach in the rain only to discover that the sand is almost black - bit surprising as it is such a big centre in the Costa del Sol. We then walked over to the bus station and after much to-ing and fro-ing worked out how to get to Ronda. We bought tickets for Monday hoping to get to see the prehistoric caves but the bus and train times do not coordinate and if we can get to the small village where the caves are, it is then 4.5 kms to the caves. We'll play it by ear but whatever happens, Ronda looks like a great place to visit.

Today we visited the Cathedral and were there for a Mass which began with a nun singing in a beautiful voice. She sang regularly through the service so it was a bit captivating and we stayed for a while. The church was built on the foundations of the mosque soon after the Christians defeated the Moors in the 16th century. It has never been completed, missing a South tower. Outside were many beggars which messes with my head and a busker dressed as a buccaneer? and sprayed gold. When people gave him money he whistled like a bird and performed really funny antics - one of the best buskers I've seen in Spain.

We then wandered over to the Alcazar which mostly dates from the 11th century and was restored in the early 20th century from very few stones standing. I have come around to agreeing with the way these buildings have been restored. At least it is possible to appreciate what was there and the history behind the buildings. The residential palace in the fortress had three main courtyards but was not on the scale of the Alhambra in Granada.

Then up the hill for at least 1 km of constant climbing, to the Gibralfaro which was the oldest of the buildings. The 360 degree views from the defensive walls over the port, coastline, city and bullring were amazing. We really enjoyed both these buildings. I'm pleased we had a rest for a couple of days as I have my oomph back.


From the Gibralfaro.