The Cafe de Estraperlo is a hidden Malaga gem, wedged between two bicicleta (bike) shops near the harbour. We sat at bar stools while the owner (Mark) entertained us with the story of how a classically trained musician and TV producer from England, ended up co-owning a bar in Malaga with a Spanish guy called … Continue reading Adios Malaga, much love
Spain
Bicicletas & dining at Midnight
The crack of dawn in Malaga on 1 January 2018 arrived at the not-so-cracking time of 8.30am. The morning coffee ritual in the narrow laneways, involved an extra degree of difficulty today, with most of our favorite haunts closed for the public holiday, and the streets busy with last nights' people, still adorned with makeup, … Continue reading Bicicletas & dining at Midnight
How will they get the hearse up here?
There's a majestic old ruin in Malaga, perched high atop the city, called Castillo de Gibralfaro. Many weeks ago we decided that every morning, we would walk to the top and back, thus earning various wine and tapas credits for the rest of the day. The path upwards is long, steep and paved in flagstones. … Continue reading How will they get the hearse up here?
Shopping and the search for Churros
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that the day following Three Kings Day (the traditional day for giving gifts, 6 January), is the equivalent of the Boxing Day sales in Australia. Shopping in Spain, as a tourist, is a beautiful thing for 3 reasons: 1) At Alice’s (where you can get anything … Continue reading Shopping and the search for Churros
Sobremesa and Life in the Streets
Much of Spanish life is lived in the streets and the atmosphere is vibrant - especially on Sundays. Last Sunday, being turistas (tourists), we made a grave error – we went to a restaurant wearing our “walking” clothes, and we were decidedly under-dressed and unprepared. So we’ve been waiting, anticipating, all week to make amends … Continue reading Sobremesa and Life in the Streets
Istan
When you stay at Airbnb places, it’s pretty common to find useful little bits and pieces left behind by others. Salt, spices, tea bags, olive oil, coffee and other tokens of life’s necessities. They’re left because they’re too good to throw out, but can’t be taken, due to customs restrictions, lack of space, or other … Continue reading Istan
Towels, Eucalyptus & Luxembourg
Day 6 (Thursday) Our apartment, despite its 1.2M Euro price tag, is somewhat shabbily furnished. The towels are threadbare and the pillows would be more at home in a quarry than in a bedroom. Given our stay here is for 4 weeks, we decided it would be good to invest in new pillows and towels. … Continue reading Towels, Eucalyptus & Luxembourg
Alice’s and Los Gatos
For those following along at home, you’ve heard me mention the department store El Corte Ingles. It’s the home of thick fingers of bacon (for you JoJo), chandeliers and shoes, among other things. Ross calls it “Alice’s” – so named after the song “Alice’s Restaurant” where, according to the lyrics: “You can get anything you … Continue reading Alice’s and Los Gatos
The Tepid Travellers 