Málaga
Málaga is the southernmost city in Europe located in the Andalusia region of Spain. It lies on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean Sea. Málaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. It’s traceable history goes back 2,800 years. It is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and my friends and I had the wonderful experience of going to the Picasso museum in the city where life began for this legendary artist. But first we visited Alcazaba, a fortress palace that was built in the span of six years beginning in 1057. It was built after the fall of the Roman Empire when the city was under Islamic rule. It was a fascinating walk through the splendors of this ancient place. It was maze-like with meandering pathways that took you through lush gardens and tiled walkways, stone archways and small rooms, where you couldn’t help but wonder what went on so long, long ago in each and ever corner.
Alcazaba
Keyhole Archway
Sarah and I up high in Alcazaba with the sea behind us
We next took a taxi to Museo Picasso. You are prohibited from taking photos of the exhibits, so we enjoyed the experience for exactly what it was; surreal and in the moment. This famous and beautiful Picasso was there. I stared at it for a very long time.
Picasso | The Three Graces | Paris, 1923
This Jackson Pollock took up an entire wall, and I was very pleased to see his work there as well. (Both photos borrowed from the museum’s website).
Pollock | Mural | 1943, New York
After the museum, it was time for food. With no tour planned on this stop and no one to guide us, we walked through the center of town searching for a place to eat. We sampled Marcona almonds from a street vendor along the way. They were the best I’d ever had. With no time to visit the Málaga Cathedral, we still walked toward it to take in it’s splendor from the outside while we looked for a place to eat. There was no shortage of restaurants to choose from, but we found a place slightly off the beaten path and it was perfect. You could tell it was family owned and there was a large group of lively locals. In fact, we were the only foreigners there and somehow that made the experience more enjoyable, as if we had been let in on a secret. At the end of our meal they delighted us with tiny glasses of complimentary liqueur and a piece of candy.
Málaga Cathedral
Marona almonds and other deliciousness
Just a snippet of our tapas experience
Back on the ship that night, we went a little crazy with dessert in the Grand Dining Room. I know I’ve said the food was excellent on the ship. This photo proves it.
As we departed Málaga, our Cruise Director announced that we would be leaving the Mediterranean Sea that night via the Strait of Gibraltar and making our way into the Atlantic Ocean. And then there was this glorious sunset. Later on, I managed a bad photo of The Rock.
The Rock of Gibraltar
Next up, Seville.
