SUNNY AND HOT MALAGA ON WEDNESDAY;

WEDNESDAY 30^th/ OCTOBER 2013.

We were up bright and early this morning and had our tea/coffee/toast in Bodega Augustin as its opposite the roundabout where we were catching the bus at 9-00am! We set off to Malaga on time and found out that the trip which was arranged by the Cultural Dpt. was visiting a cultural centre, art gallery and after lunch the castle! The weather today as forecast was sunny and warm with clear blue skies and as we got to Malaga it was even hotter than expected -28degs!

Our first stop was at a very impressive building ‘la termica’ where we had a presentation for today’s visit; the history of the building is that it was an orphanage, then an hospital in the Civil War before becoming the cultural, education and social centre. Check out the first picture to find us( look left!) We then had coffee in the old bar next to the cathedral which happens to be just round the corner for our first port of call.

“ The Revello de Toro Museum and Art Gallery ” – the building was the home of the very famous(in Spain!) maker of religious images in the 17^th century ‘ Pedro de Mena’ – we had an interesting video presentation of his life and works with English sub-titles! The building contains the picture’s, oil paintings, sketches and drawings of ‘ Felix Revello de Toro’ He is still alive and still painting in Barcelona at the age of 87 and is know for his portrait and figurative pictures mainly of ladies in his trademark ‘Symphony of Whites’ You are not allowed to take any photographs so I only managed two! The second one shows in the distance his best and favorite work of his latest wife – honest – if you enlarge and look closely !!

It was then time for lunch which it turned out was at the same restaurant as our last visit to Malaga with the same menu! Two Spanish Soups, one with Lentils and Potatoes and the other with a mixture of White  Beans,Blackpudding,Chorizo and Chicken, then Fried fish in batter with salad and to finish fresh fruit or Crème Caramel, Coffee and a cool drink ! All free !!

We then headed back across the city past the port and went to the entrance to the castle which is behind the three buildings in the pictures below; The Town Hall, The Bank of Spain and the old Central Post Office which is now part of the University of Malaga; the “ Alcazaba De Malaga ” is reached by walking along the long tunnel and going up in a lift to the top! The impressive group of buildings dates back to the 11^th century and formed the palace-fortress of the Moslem rulers of the city; the dungeons are below the round grating !! From the Mirador you have spectacular views across the city and down to the port, as you can see. You then wind your way down through the various gates and gardens to come out by the Roman Amphitheater outside the walls of the castle.

PS; The cruise liner is the ‘MSC Poesia’ which was built in France at St. Nazaire  four year ago, has over 3,000 passengers and was just leaving for Lisbon; the picture of our guides show’s Patricia ( Malaga) Maria Jose & Belen( Manilva) – all from the Cultural departments!

We came back along the ‘Infamous’ N340 coast road past the bends at Mijas ( another nasty car crash) as we passed towards Marbella and home with a spectacular Red Sunset going down into the Mediterranean past Gibraltar and Africa!

Egg,Sausages and Chips set us up for the nights TV Channel hopping.

PPS; We came back to no power cuts at the house !

Thought for the Day; See above.

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