Though we’re in Sevilla, here are details of a Malaga outing:

We didn’t need to go far to explore old fortresses – Malaga has it’s own, and though it isn’t as large or as ornate as the Alhambra in Granada, it was a better experience as we could wander around and explore at will.  Even with 2 cruise ships moored in Malaga harbor, not a lot of visitors there.  Maybe they were all queued up at the ice cream shops.

“Alcazaba de Malaga:  This impressive group of building, most dating from the 11th century, formed the palace-fortress of the Moslem rulers of the city.  It is build on a spur and adapted to it’s contours. …the Alcazaba was mostly built of limestone, which crumbles easily, and has required frequent rebuilding..”

A rare (only) foggy day.  Looking at the harbor.  Yes, it was quite a climb to the top.  This view is of the top of the wall, not our walkway to get to the fortress.  – Laura

These huge water scenes are painted on the sidewall of a dry canal.  The next photo gives the size perspective.

See the individuals walking on the sidewalk just above the fishing boat.  There’s also a street between the wall and the white windowed building.

Don’t have 1 too many and wander by this fella!

Another locks bridge.

Cute.

Saving the facade.

Scooter row.  We haven’t found our names on another mail box – yet.  – Laura

I visited the Glass and Crystal Museum of Malaga and got the unexpected.   I didn’t read about the details of the museum in advance, just wandered into it, a 2 story house off a narrow street.  The ticket taker noted that “the English speaking tour has just started”,  so I added myself to a group of 6 Brits.  I didn’t realize that you could ONLY view the museum with a guide – it was a home.  Lucky timing!  Back to the tour: Mmmmm,   I said to myself.  This doesn’t sound like English.  I let my eyes wander around the room, half paying attention.  Mmmmm, to myself again.  There are SOME English words coming from this man.  Edging closer to the guide, I found that if I concentrated and watched him speak, I could make out about 75% of what he was saying.  He didn’t have a heavy accent, and he had total control of the language, he just talked quickly and didn’t enunciate fully.   What I learned in that hour plus tour was that this man, Gonzalo Fernandez-Pietro,  is the owner of the collection and the home.  It sounded like he came from some old money, has family all over Europe, and several homes (London, Paris, etc).  He  called himself a historian, but having to be a businessman to support the hobby he started as a child.  I’d guess he is in his early 60’s, being that he’s a  self-proclaimed hippy,  and his passion for collecting top quality glass obvious.  The stories he told, connecting the glass to times and people, his knowledge of glass making techniques and history, and his sharp sense of humor brought the collection to life.  If allowed to wander the home without a guide, one would have  seen some beautiful glass, but learned nothing.   His talk left me wanting to learn more about glass – he repeatedly told of the mysteries that glass hold.  It also left me examining my own life, and how there is certainly room for more passion in it.

I took many photos, but am only posting this one.  Looking up through  the courtyard ceiling Gonzalo noted that he, the dog, really ran the house.  He didn’t miss a move.

To have a peek into the museum, this link gives a nice overview.  If you have 12 minutes, this YouTube  glides you through the collection and home on some wonderful period music.  I hope it’s enjoyable viewing and you feel Gonzalo’s passion even without having seen the collection. – Laura

Boy, 2:00 rolls around, and you take a break, regardless of where you are.  (This can’t be comfortable.)

Shops close from approximately 1:30 – 2 until 5.  Exceptions are grocery stores and most eateries.  Then retail reopens until 8

Looks like a nice place to stop:-)

Malaga has this wonderful market building.  The following images are from inside of it.

In addition to the olive vendors, there were scores of butchers, seafood, and produce stalls.  Quite the hoppin’ place….

But not after 2, when the market closes up.  Still wanted to include this inside shot to give a view of the beautiful space.  Laura

Lots to see in the big town of Malaga.  Found some interesting graffiti.  Thankfully both cities – Malaga and Fuengirola – have next to zero litter.  Odd that Madrid, not that far north, has so much.

Your guess is as good as mine on this ‘piece of work’, and the next one.

 Mmmm.

As seen inside a take-away store.  Recognize anyone?

Malaga is a beautiful city, with an awesome waterfront (above) and over 30 museums! We’ve only been to 2 so far.  On the to-do list is the Picasso Museum (he was born here) and (of course) the Wine museum.  Others are Automobile, Airports and Air Transport, Bullring, and Contemporary Art museums, just to name just a few.

No real place to lock up your bike outside your apartment.

I snapped this photo in the Carmen Thyssen Art Museum – before I was reminded it was in the special exhibit, and not to be photographed 🙁   She looked familiar..

Dave has caught a cold – rare for him.  Here he is in his new favorite sunny spot. – Laura