Mooning around the Mediterranean

[drron29]

Sunset as we sail away from Cadiz.

 

Still dark as we arrive at Malaga after sleeping in until 7.30 am.

 

Only a little naval vessel.

 

A good place for plane spotting.

[drron29]

 

And for birds.

 

Our new neighbour.

 

And soon off on our tour - Picasso and old Malaga.

 

[drron29]

This excursion you got a feeling very early was going to be excellent. The guide was a Norwegian fellow who has lived in Malaga for 27 years. Excellent English . He is an Art Historian with a special interest in Architecture. He kept talking most of the time but it was informative and to the point. An excellent knowledge of Spanish history and the context of the various episodes. Also with a bit of wry humour such as the Spanish King has developed a liking for women who want him to give them some money.

It was a short bus ride to the outskirts of the old city. Ramadan adversely effected our visit to Cadiz. In Malaga it was the Christians

 Palm Sunday and large processions that basically blocked off the City centre. So to the pictorial.

 

[Camillus112]

When in Málaga, I would recommend Restaurant Los Mellizos, walking distance from the port, where we enjoyed the most delicious paella.  

[drron29]

The old 11th century Moor's fort. Extensively restored and may or may not be the way it looked in the time of the Moors.

 

Then to the large square and the buiding where Picasso was born.

 

And the man himself.

 

 

[drron29]

One side of the square was lined with restaurants. There were 4 in a row open. One was full the others with mostly empty tables.

 

I went and had a look at the menu outside the full one and realised why.

 

Eggs Benedict of course.

Now we went to the Picasso apartment where he was born and lived until the age of 10.

 

Said to be Picasso as a boy.

 

His father was an painter and taught at the Art school. One of his paintings that were almost always of pigeons.

 

He can be said to be one of those behind the UN Peace symbol as his son also painted a few pigeons in a different form and it was one of his drawings that became the Peace symbol.

I took a few pictures both here and in the Picasso museum of various elements of Picasso's life.

[drron29]

 

With his drawings he would often start with a natural image and gradually change it to his style.

[drron29]

 

Then back outside.

[drron29]

Back to the Square where you cold see the old 11th century fort. But also Roman ruins including a theatre. Alas to get all of this the whole of the old Jewish quarter was destroyed,

 

Now walking towards the Picasso Museum.

 

Now our guide said this restaurant Pimpi was the best in Malaga.

 

Now the original Cathedral built over a mosque.

 

 

[drron29]

This church does incorporate muslim features with the minaret becoming the bell tower.

 

And now into the Picasso museum.

 

 

[drron29]

 

 

Picasso paining done at age 13

 

And at 16.

 

Edited April 3, 2023 by drron29

[drron29]

 

[drron29]

More of the museum.

 

[drron29]

 

[drron29]

 

Edited April 3, 2023 by drron29

[drron29]

And back outside, On Sundays admission is free. It was just about to turn 212 and the line is a loy longer already. So now off to a restaurant for some wine and Tapas. on the way a stop at the Cathedral

 

[drron29]

 

For palm Sunday.

 

The Bishops house.

 

[drron29]

We continue to walk.

 

[drron29]

Now at the restaurant. Lots of wines but no choice apart from white or red. I had the red which was OK.

 

Back to the bus.Quite a bit of graffiti.

 

[drron29]

Back to the Moon.

 

And the US Navy.

 

 

[drron29]

Finally a win at Trivia. With the putting at ;east I received 1 point for a hole in one.

Dinner at the Grill. Turned out to be a great night with service being perfect. Six servers throughout and all from a different country. Particularly impressed with a fellow from Zimbabwe on is first contract but had worked at the Royal Livingstone hotel for several years.

The other was an Indian fellow only 4 weeks into his first contract. Quite reserved at first but opened up as we talked. At the end he thanked us for chatting to him. Made my day.

 

So to the meal and the menu.

 

You get a plate of corn chips and dips to start.

 

And the wines of the night with Rojaan enjoying the white and I the red.

 

I started with the spicy Mexican salad which wasn't spicy but still acceptable and Rojaan the Caesar salad.

 

The rocks were delivered and then the meat. Lamb chops for Rojaan and the rib eye for me.

 

[drron29]

All yummy. I had the sweet potato fries and mushrooms as sides.

 

I cooked mine a fraction too much.

 

We both had the cheesecake for sweets.

 

The windows were filthy so had to move to see the sunset after finishing our meal.

 

[drron29]

Our neighbour left later that night.

 

To be replaced early that morning by an Oceania ship and a ferry.

 

Now the excursion left at 8am so I just had fruit in the room for breakfast. Rojaan's hip was playing up so she decided on a rest day.

It was sunrise as we departed Malaga.

[Kiwi John]

Hi Drron, how are you enjoying the suite size compared to your previous suite selections?

Curious as we are considering a Deluxe Verandah for a 39 day cruise having only travelled in Silver Suites previously but S/S are not very flexible with pricing anymore and we will not do door to door.

[drron29]

For all of Holy Week the cities of Spain have processions of religious items. The Parades start at 5pm and finish at 5am. All schools are on holidays. Certainly affecting our excursions.They have stands along the parade route for the spectators.

 

Fairly quickly out ofthe City.

 

Lots of citrus orchards at first.