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Kamis, 28 Juli 2016
A FEW LOVELY DAYS IN MALAGA, SEPT 2015
I've been remiss in posting blogs since I learned that had to move in January and things got a bit hectic from then til moving day April 1. Now that I'm settled in my new place, things are getting back into my usual routines of writing. I'm finishing up old tasks and have been working on a new e-book for Hunter Publishing, a guide to the Greek Islands. And in just a few more weeks I'll be departing on another trip overseas, this time to mainly visit some of the islands as well as my friends in Athens.
First, though, I decided to post a few photos and memories of MALAGA, SPAIN, a city that I really fell in love with and would like to think I could return some day. I spent three days there last September visiting my friends Carlos and Natalia and had a wonderful time. Here's a few of the highlights.
My first panoramic view of the city convinced me it was going to a place I'd love to explore.
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world, first settled by the Phoenicians in about 770 BC. They called it Malaka because of the fish that was salted at the harbor. Later it fell into the hands of the Greeks, then the Romans until the Moors took over. It was under Islamic rule for 800 years. So there are many ruins in Malaga which interested an archaeology buff like me.
First, though, I decided to post a few photos and memories of MALAGA, SPAIN, a city that I really fell in love with and would like to think I could return some day. I spent three days there last September visiting my friends Carlos and Natalia and had a wonderful time. Here's a few of the highlights.
My first panoramic view of the city convinced me it was going to a place I'd love to explore.
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world, first settled by the Phoenicians in about 770 BC. They called it Malaka because of the fish that was salted at the harbor. Later it fell into the hands of the Greeks, then the Romans until the Moors took over. It was under Islamic rule for 800 years. So there are many ruins in Malaga which interested an archaeology buff like me.
The Roman Theatre dates from the 1st century BC
In te 8th century AD when the Muslim Arabic rule took over, the city became in important trade centre. The Moors left behind some outstanding structures, mainly the Castle of 'Gibralfaro which is connected to the Alcazaba the lower fortress and royal residence.
The Fortress
Walking up to the Alcazaba
The Alcazaba was built on a quadrangular plan, protected by an outer and inner wall supported by towers,between which a covered walkway led up the slope to the Gibralfaro Castle. It's an enjoyable trek up with some good panoramic views as a reward, plus a stroll through some lovely gardens.
Besides the archaeological sites of Malaga there are many other interesting places to explore. We wandered through plazas where people were enjoying an afternoon drink of wine and tapas, we passed by some old Churches and market squares, and down palm-lined pathways. There are various museums including the Pablo Picasso Museum and I even had my photo taken with him! And, we visited the old bodega (wine shop) in Malaga. That was very interesting! Barrels and barrels of wine
Pablo and me
The Oldest Bodega in Malaga
Of course there were the days by the seaside as well and a trip to the nearby resort town of Bandalmadena. It was crowded with tourists as are most of the seaside resorts near Malaga. If you've ever visited there you'll understand why it's a place that attracts so many tourists. I loved it!
Bandalmadena
Jumat, 27 November 2015
adventure
,
cruises
,
history
,
islands
,
pirates
,
sea life
,
seafood
,
Spain
,
tourism
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EXPLORING TABARCA, THE PIRATE'S ISLAND, SPAIN
If anyone mentions �pirates� to me it immediately piques my interest. So when my friend Inkasuggested that I might like to visit the pirate island of Tabarca off the Coasta Blanca in Spain, I was more than interested.
We caught a boat from Torrevieja for the short, pleasant cruise to the island, just a few nautical miles off shore. The island was once known as Illa de Sant Paul (Saint Paul�s Island) because it is believed that St. Paul disembarked here. For many years up to the 18th century it was a refuge for Barbary pirates and part of the Republic of Genoa. Later it was fortified by Charles III of Spain. Around that time, some Genoese sailors were shipwrecked off the coast of Tunisia and rescued by islanders from Tabarca. They settled there and people of Genoese descent can still be found on the island. From 1770 the island was known as Nueva Tabarca (New Tabarca).
My two travel writer friends, Inka and Darlene and I wandered around the old town and explored the shoreline and ruins. The island was once fortified with walls, bulwarks, warehouses, a governor�s house and barracks.
The gateways are still there as are the Governor�s House (now a hotel) and the church of St Peter and St Paul built in 1770. Later the garrison was removed and by the end of the 19th century the island was populated by about 1,000 people, mainly fishermen. Tabarca is the smallest inhabited islet in Spain. Today the population is around 50, although during the tourist season there are up to 4000 people a day who arrive as visitors.
The gateways are still there as are the Governor�s House (now a hotel) and the church of St Peter and St Paul built in 1770. Later the garrison was removed and by the end of the 19th century the island was populated by about 1,000 people, mainly fishermen. Tabarca is the smallest inhabited islet in Spain. Today the population is around 50, although during the tourist season there are up to 4000 people a day who arrive as visitors.
After seeing all the sights around the town, we stopped by a restaurant for lunch, attracted by the �pirate� who welcomed us inside.
We chose a table on the terrace of the Nou Collonet, overlooking the sea and enjoyed a delicious lunch from the menu of langostas y bogavantes, pescados and other traditional Spanish cuisine. The island has several good restaurants as well as hotels for overnight accommodations.
Inka meets the Pirate
Langostas
After lunch we hiked across the desolate grassy expanse to the garrison ruins and the old lighthouse at the tip of the island. Tabarca is a protected marine reserve for seabirds and various marine fauna. The sea around the rocky shoreline is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. It was declared a Marine Reserve in 1986, the first one in Spain. Boats to the island run from Alicante, Torrevieja and Santa Pola. Some of them have glass bottoms so you can view the reefs and sea life.
I didn�t see any pirates on Tabarca other than the one who welcomed us to the restaurant, but it was certainly an excellent way to spend the day with my friends. 
Old Fortress
Lighthouse
Kamis, 30 Juli 2015
EXPLORING NEW TERRITORY: Part 2 - MALAGA, SPAIN
Malaga is the second largest city in the Andalusia region of Spain on the Costa del Sol (population 538,479). It is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded by the Phoenicians around 770 BC. The name derives from the Phoenician "malaka" which meant "salt" because fish were salted near the harbour here. It was under Carthage's rule during the 6th century, later part of the Roman Empire. After Rome fell, it was under the Islamic domination until 1487. During the Arabic rule the city became an important trade centre. The city has Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian era archaeological remains which interest me.
Several famous people were born in Malaga including Pablo Picasso, the Jewish philosopher/poet Solomon Ibn Gabirol and more recently, the actor Antonio Banderas. Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona's famous "Malaguena" is named for the city.
Malaga has been named European Capital of Culture for 2016. There is lots to see and do in Malaga, besides the beautiful beaches (which Natalia has promised to take me to!). There are many interesting museums (at least 30) including the Picasso Museum and the Wine Museum. The baroque Cathedral "La Mangueta" has been newly restored. There is a Roman theatre, A Moorish Alcazaba fortress (with an archaeological museum) and panoramic views from the Gibralfaro Castle.
I'll only be there for a few days but I'll try to see as much as I can while I'm enjoying the company of my friends.
NEXT: Back to my adopted home, GREECE
Rabu, 29 Juli 2015
EXPLORING NEW TERRITORY: Part 1 TORREVIEJA, SPAIN
I'm flying from Cardiff to Alicante, a seaside resort city on the Cosa Brava. My friend Inka, also a travel writer, will meet me there and we will go to her home in Torrevieja. Inka says her apartment opens up right onto the beach! 
Torrevieja is a seaside city on the Costa Brave about 30 miles from Alicante. It was originally a salt-mining and fishing village locate between the sea and two large salt lakes. The name "Torrevieja" means "Old Tower" as until 1802 it existed as only a guard tower and a few laborer's cottages. In 1803 King Charles IV ordered that the Royal Salt Works be moved to Torrevieja and this began the history of the town. It now has a population of about 104,000. Torrevieja is still a salt exporter and you can visit the Museum of Sea and Salt. It's popular with tourists from northern Europe who live there including a lot of Brits.
Torrevieja is a seaside city on the Costa Brave about 30 miles from Alicante. It was originally a salt-mining and fishing village locate between the sea and two large salt lakes. The name "Torrevieja" means "Old Tower" as until 1802 it existed as only a guard tower and a few laborer's cottages. In 1803 King Charles IV ordered that the Royal Salt Works be moved to Torrevieja and this began the history of the town. It now has a population of about 104,000. Torrevieja is still a salt exporter and you can visit the Museum of Sea and Salt. It's popular with tourists from northern Europe who live there including a lot of Brits.
Inka promises to take me on a number of excursions. These will include a visit to a pirate's island. There is lots to see and do in the area and I'll try to squeeze as many adventures as possible into the 4 days I'll be there. Another travel writing friend, Darlene Foster, from Vancouver, lives nearby so I'll get chance to visit with her as well.
www.torrevieja.com
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