Left beautiful Barcelona in rain for short flight to Malaga landing in brilliant sunshine. Touring the city sights we passed the main street covered over in huge sails to shade the strolling and dining locals and tourists - outdoor dining everywhere at all price points. From a lookout high above the city we viewed the bullring, apartments as far as we could see and the Mediteranean.
Bull fight are held daily during festivals but generally only Friday and Saturday. Depending on the skills of the torreadors a seat costs anything from 36€ to over 300€. The city of Barcelona is the only place in Spain where bullfighting is banned- Barcelonans ban all forms of animal exploitation including the circus. Elsewhere bullfighting is feted and well attended - a bit like our local football matches. Sadly the bull doesn't appreciate the spectacle although we are told his life is happy and respected - until the actual bullfight and his end is viewed with great excitement and cheers for his courage as well as the torreadors. I'm glad I am not the bull!
Our hotel is sumptuous! Azure pools surrounded by lush gardens, cabanas and rows of banana lounges (elegant ones). Women and men of all shapes and sizes are roasting nicely, well basted before turning over. Bikinis are very popular and inhibitions are certainly not evident - if you'e got it (and even if you haven't) flaunt it.
We walked along the boardwalk, people watching , searching menus at the numerous eateries before choosing an almost empty one. By 10 pm it will be full - dinner is late here. Service was great and food fresh and tasty. Tried whitebait and alocal fish with aoli. Yum! Couldn't understand our waiter much but smiling, pointing and laughing gets results. I ordered a sangria and got a jug. Seems fairly innocuous really but creeps up on you a bit. Can't believe I am sitting on a beach, sipping Sangria and looking at the Med!
Back at the hotel we found our beds turned down, jamis elegantly arranged and a good night chocolate. So- goodnight.
PS. Tangiers tomorrow.
You are a great travel writer Lesley !
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