Monday, February 18

Málaga-Day 1

Paco lives in Madrid but was born in Málaga, a beach town in the southern province of Andalucia. He planned a weekend trip with some friends, myself included, to celebrate his 25th birthday down in his home turf. I left Friday afternoon on the AV (alta-velocidad, high-speed) train and arrived in 2.5 hours. Some others took the bus which took a grueling 6.5 hours. Since I was the first to arrive at the hostel, I mingled with some other travelers and met a nice Argentine fellow, Nico, and an older Welsh man, Andrew. The hostel was one of the best I've stayed at, with good prices, comfortable beds and hot showers. It had a very Andaluz vibe, comfy ottomans and sofas and colorful walls and rich tapestries. A total of eight of us, including Paco, traveled down from Madrid. Four stayed at Paco's parents house and the rest of us in the city center at this hostel.

Upon exiting the train station, I was welcomed by a warm sun and fresh air. I could smell the ocean, such a joy that was. Lately I've become really sour about the pollution in Madrid. I feel like I'm constantly breathing in exhaust and cigarette smoke. It's so bad the city actually recommends people not exercising outside. So taking in a breath of clean air and feeling the breeze of the ocean was an absolute delight. I walked to the hostel and thoroughly enjoyed the sights on the way. Everything looked so clean and there were so many narrow, winding streets paved in marble, it had such a warm, small town feel. After putting my things down at the hostel, Paco, Sonya, Thomas and Katie picked me up... they chose to drive instead of take the bus from Madrid. We then headed towards Paco's parents place. They had a very nice apartment with a terrace overlooking the ocean. We hung out there for a few hours, drinking some beers, chatting and playing with his little dog Monk, named after the tv series detective whose show is apparently very popular in Spain.

After everyone took a shower and got a chance to rest after the long car ride, we headed back to the center for dinner and drinks. Since we were all on a budget, Paco took us to this cute little corner stand that could only be identified by a sign above the window "PATATAS ASADAS" (baked potatoes). For 4-5 euros, you get a giant baked potato filled with anything you want. I got the Patata Pollo which came with chicken, cheese, bechamel, and corn. Other toppings included olives, ham, curry, carrots, mayo, beets, tuna, etc. Even though the photo looks like cat vomit, it was totally yummy and filling.

After the meal, Kristen and Heather showed up fresh off the bus. One of Paco's old friends Antonio also came, having picked up the girls from the station. Together we headed to a famous old Andaluz bar called El Pimpi. It was packed. We finally found a table though and ordered a typical sweet wine from the region called Moscatel. It tasted what I imagine prune juice mixed with wine would taste like--pretty yummy actually. They serve it in a small glass which you're supposed to sip from, it's about 16% alcohol so you feel the effects pretty fast.

Thomas and Paco, the birthday boy. I actually met Paco through Thomas who went to CU-Boulder with me. We had a Spanish class together in Fall 2006 but didn't really get to know each other. We both applied for the Spain program (without knowing the other had) and six months later coincidently ran into each other at a cafe after orientation in Madrid. We became reaquainted, exchanged numbers and have been close friends ever since.

Me and Katie, one of Thomas and Paco's roommates. She's from Southern London, a very sweet girl.










Antonio, Heather and Sonya. Sonya is the final roommate, living with Katie, Thomas and Paco. Not long after moving in, she and Paco began dating and are now a couple. Sonya is also from San Diego, from Rancho Bernardo.






Drinking in a big outdoor square near El Pimpi. Beer in Madrid costs anywhere between 3-5 euros. In Málaga, it was only 1.20 euro. It was wonderful!

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello! I know this is kind of off topic

but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
this site? I'm getting fed up of

Wordpress because I've had problems with hackers and I'm looking at options for another platform. I

would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Also visit my website www.catral.biz

Anonymous said...

I carry on listening to the newscast

speak about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for

the best site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i get

some?
My weblog :: www.Alicanteproperty.net

Anonymous said...

My husband and i felt

so comfortable Michael could deal with

his web research from the precious recommendations he got
through the blog. It's not at all simplistic to just continually be making a gift of concepts that some other people have been making money from. We really do know we have got the writer

to be grateful to for that. All of the explanations

you've made, the simple web site

navigation, the relationships you will give support to instill - it is
mostly wonderful, and it's letting our son and the family understand the subject is interesting, which is certainly

especially mandatory. Many thanks for everything!
Feel free to surf my website ; www.jobsinspain.org

Anonymous said...

I've been surfing on-line greater than three hours these days, yet I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Feel free to visit my web page ... www.alboxproperty.com

Anonymous said...

Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before.
So good to seek out someone with some original thoughts

on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is something that is wanted on
the net, somebody with somewhat originality. useful job for bringing one

thing new to the web!
my site > www.thespainforum.com

Anonymous said...

I will immediately grab your rss feed as I can
not find your e-mail subscription

link or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know
in order that I

could subscribe. Thanks.
Feel free to surf my web-site - spanyol logo

Anonymous said...

When I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each
time a

comment is added I get several emails with the same comment.

Is there any way you can remove

people from that service? Thank you!
Feel free to visit my blog post :: learn.vistainstitute.com

Anonymous said...

Good - I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site.
I had no trouble

navigating through all the tabs as well as related
info ended up being truly easy to do

to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all.
Quite unusual. Is

likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme .
a tones way for

your client to communicate. Nice task..
Also visit my web blog : Kissjojo99.Pixnet.Net

Anonymous said...

Greetings from Florida! I'm bored to tears at

work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can't wait
to take a look when I get home. I'm

surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI,

just 3G .. Anyhow, excellent blog!
Here is my weblog :: Http://www.Tviv.Info

Anonymous said...

Good - I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site.

I had no trouble

navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly simple
to do

to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it
at all. Quite unusual. Is

likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme .
a tones way for

your client to communicate. Nice task..
my website :: spain lineup world cup 2010 final

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this
blog loading? I'm trying

to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Also see my web page - www.elcheproperty.net

Anonymous said...

Nice blog here! Also your site loads up very fast!
What web host are you

using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my
website loaded up as fast as yours

lol
my website - exercise ball

Anonymous said...

Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It's on a completely

different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!
Also see my website: costablancaspain.us

Anonymous said...

You made some clear points there. I looked on the internet for the subject
matter and found most people will go along with
with

your website.
Here is my web-site - http://www.spaingolf.us

Anonymous said...

When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each time a

comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Many thanks!
Feel free to surf my blog post :: Www.alicanteproperty.net

Anonymous said...

naturally like your web-site but you need to take a look at the spelling on several
of your posts. Several of them are rife with

spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the

truth nevertheless I’ll certainly come

back again.
Have a look at my site yahoo spain email addresses

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I found your site by the use of Google

even as looking for a comparable

subject, your website came up, it looks

great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Also visit my page weather spain may forecast

Anonymous said...

I'm still learning from you, as I'm improving
myself. I absolutely enjoy reading everything

that is posted on your website.Keep the aarticles coming. I

enjoyed it!
Also visit my web page ; asturiasproperty.sosblogs.com

Anonymous said...

I’ve read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting.
I

wonder how much effort you put to make such a magnificent

informative site.
my webpage - http://www.Thespainforum.com/f188/

Anonymous said...

A lot of thanks for your whole efforts on this

web page. Debby

really likes doing

investigation and it's really easy to see why. Many of us notice all concerning the lively medium you

make

powerful items on

your web blog and

encourage

participation from website visitors on that article then my simple princess is without question discovering a lot of things. Have fun with the rest of

the year. You are always conducting a powerful job.
Here is my web page :: http://watchvols.blogspot.ru/

Anonymous said...

I have been checking out many of your articles and i must say pretty clever stuff.
I will surely bookmark your blog.
Here is my weblog ; http://rcwiki.goumin.com/index.php?title=User:MarcellMarshall99

Anonymous said...

Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site by accident, and I'm shocked why this

accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
My blog post ; pranging

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
Review my site http://redmond.orvsd.org/node/25000

Anonymous said...

Hey this is somewhat of off topic but I was

wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I'm starting a blog soon but have

no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with

experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Have a look at my web blog ; thespainforum.com

Anonymous said...

I together with my guys were

checking out the great helpful

hints from your website then suddenly developed a

terrible suspicion I had not expressed respect to the site owner for

those tips. My young boys

are actually so warmed to read through all of them and now have very
much been using those things.

Appreciation for truly being well accommodating and for

settling on varieties of marvelous themes most people are really needing to be
informed on. Our sincere apologies for

not expressing appreciation to you sooner.
Also visit my webpage ; boweries

Anonymous said...

I'm really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any

web browser compatibility problems? A couple of my blog audience have complained about my site not working correctly

in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
Here is my web-site ... http://infidelsunited.com/index.php?do=/blog/196/swimming-pools-canet-berenger/

Anonymous said...

I am curious to find out what blog system you have been using?
I'm having some minor security issues with my latest

blog and I'd like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any solutions?
Also visit my blog post ; houses in Albox

Anonymous said...

I am typically to running a blog and i really respect
your content. The article has really peaks my interest.
I'm going to bookmark your site and keep checking for brand spanking new information.
My website ... rabat

Anonymous said...

Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog
loading? I'm trying

to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
Any

suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Look into my blog post - binocle

Anonymous said...

I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts


on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website.
Reading this

info So i’m happy to convey that I've a very good uncanny feeling I

discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this site and give it a glance regularly.
Also visit my web-site :: http://www.t-match.net/

Anonymous said...

I just couldn't depart your site prior to suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often in

order to check up on new posts
Also visit my web-site ... holiday classifieds Las Palmas

Anonymous said...

Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say

is valuable and everything. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more,

"pop"! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website
could

certainly be one of the best in its niche. Good blog!
my page > art institute charlotte

Anonymous said...

Well I really liked studying it. This post provided by you is very effective for good planning.
Also see my page: business process solutions

Anonymous said...

Almost all of what you say is astonishingly

precise and it makes me wonder the reason why I had not

looked at this with this light before. This
particular article truly did

turn the light on for me as far as this issue goes. Nevertheless at
this time there is 1 factor I am not too comfortable with

and while I attempt to reconcile that with the actual main

idea of the point, let me observe just what all the

rest of the visitors have to say.Very well done.
Also visit my web blog ... www.topscore-qm.com

Anonymous said...

This is the best thing ever!! I live in FLorida where it is hot and humid....I have no air

conditioning in my car so I have to drive with the windows down...I have very curly, thick, and out of control hair...with all these elements it is hard to find something to make my hair stay straight. This

worked...I drove on the highway with my windows down in nice hot humid weather and it is still as perfect as when I straightened it 2 days ago!! Buy this product it is worth the money!!!

Anonymous said...

I’ve recently started a web site, the info you offer on
this site has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Check out my site ; life assurance advice

Anonymous said...

My brother suggested I might like this blog. He
used to be entirely right. This submit truly made my day.

You cann't

imagine just how so much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Here is my weblog - blogspot.fr

Anonymous said...

I am an African American woman with naturally kinky/coarse hair. I decided to stop using relaxers over a year ago, furthermore straightening my hair became a difficult task. I could never seem to get the

results I was looking for out of a flat iron without going to a professional hair salon and spending $65.00 a visit.

Anonymous said...

This is a great product for anyone with curly, wavy, or frizzy hair, it works

wonders!! my hair is like all three and its AMAZING! my hair is soo shiny and there is no frizz at all! My waves look gorgeous :) and it has a great hold but it doesnt weigh your hair down or anything! Its

soo touchable and beautiful!! A MUST-HAVE!! :)

Anonymous said...

It’s really a great and useful piece of information.
I am glad that you shared this

helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this.
Thanks for

sharing.
Feel free to visit my web-site :: www.scarpotter.Com

Anonymous said...

Hi my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome,
nice written and include

almost all important infos. I would like to see more posts like this.
My web page ... http://www.associacaodeinvestidores.org/wikinveste/index.php?title=Usuário:YurikoWebb47

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

Good post. I learn one thing tougher on

totally different blogs everyday. It's going to always be stimulating to learn content material from other

writers and practice somewhat

one thing from their store. I’d want to use some with the

content material on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
my page :: http://ic4cv.org/wiki/index.php?title=Utente:RaymondePeterson85

Anonymous said...

advertising and ***********

with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out

for a lot extra of your respective fascinating content.
Make sure you replace this once more soon..
My page > atozlesson.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I am now not certain the place you are getting your

information, but great topic. I must spend
some time learning

much more or figuring out more. Thanks for

magnificent info I was on the lookout for

this information for my mission.
My site: http://www.aluetaksi.net/keskustelupalsta/profile.php?id=2660

Anonymous said...

Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess

I'll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an

aspiring blog blogger but I'm still new to everything. Do you have any tips for first-time blog

writers? I'd genuinely appreciate it.
Review my web page :: www.siheung.com

Anonymous said...

I liked as much as you'll obtain carried out

proper here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material

stylish. however, you command get bought an impatience

over that you want be turning in the following.

unwell undoubtedly come more until now once more

as precisely the similar nearly a lot often within case you defend this increase.
Check out my webpage : topseobacklinks.com

Anonymous said...

Normally I do not learn post on blogs, but I would like
to

say that this write-up very pressured me to try and do so!
Your

writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice article.
Stop by my web blog ... Oplogdwiki.op.funpic.de

Anonymous said...

I simply couldn't leave your website prior to suggesting that

I actually enjoyed the usual information a person

supply in your visitors? Is going to be again

regularly to check up on new posts
Have a look at my page http://www.gsfcc.org/

Anonymous said...

That is the best

weblog for anybody who needs to seek out out about this topic.
You

understand a lot its almost onerous to

argue with you (not that I truly would need…HaHa). You
undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years.
Great stuff, simply

nice!
Here is my page :: cvut.cz

Anonymous said...

Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What host are you

using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my
web site loaded up as fast as yours

lol
my page - newradicals.com

Anonymous said...

It’s really a nice and useful piece of info. I’m glad that you

shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thanks for

sharing.
My web page : http://www.gloriouslinks.com/Social/anvaendaredoretheagonzales80-hellhack/

Anonymous said...

Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you
amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog

website? The account aided me a applicable deal. I had been a

little bit familiar of this your broadcast provided brilliant

transparent idea
my website: http://bikeshop-luechow.de/cgi/coppermine/displayimage.php?album=67&pos=11

Anonymous said...

I loved as much as you'll obtain performed right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter

stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness

over that you would like be delivering the following. ill for sure come more previously again

as precisely the similar just about a lot incessantly inside of case you shield this hike.
Here is my blog post ... authenticlinks.com

Anonymous said...

I'm really enjoying the design and layout of your site. It's a very easy on the eyes which makes it


much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more
often. Did you hire out a developer to create

your theme? Excellent work!
Feel free to surf my web blog - socialcircle.stock-options-picks.com

Anonymous said...

I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting!
Keep up the

excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
I think it'll improve the value

of my web site :)

Visit my web blog :: Eastnetu.buu.ac.th

Anonymous said...

Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It's on a completely

different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Wonderful choice of colors!

Here is my web page :: the3rdgoal.org

Anonymous said...

Hey There. I discovered your blog using msn.
That is a

very neatly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and

return to read more of your useful info. Thank you for the

post. I’ll definitely comeback.

My webpage; www.seodolphin.com

Anonymous said...

Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this web site needs

much more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read rather more, thanks for that info.



Look into my blog post; http://www.metanasteysi.com/index/index.php?option=com_blog&view=comments&pid=47217&Itemid=16

Anonymous said...

I enjoy you because of

each of your hard work on this

web page. My aunt

really loves going through

research and it is easy to see why. A lot of people know all regarding

the dynamic way you

deliver important things through

the web blog and therefore

increase

response from people on that point while our daughter is without a doubt learning
a whole

lot. Have fun with the remaining portion of the year.
You have been performing a fabulous job.

Check out my weblog; funnycampus.com

Anonymous said...

Is there a service available that geotags blog posts while on the go and is able to post to map with others?
[url=http://www.bonoforbet.com/]bonoforbet.com/[/url]

Anonymous said...

A real yoke of shoes, perhaps not some of the most colourful, not high-priced, neither is the representation pinpoint, but it compel apply oneself to that you undoubtedly outing our society, Christian Louboutin Sale
one you can take recreation in happiness shoes don't occasionally, perchance covetable,but also the injured indeed.Asics Shoes Online
This ailing of state of affairs you procure to be suffering with encountered, walked vertical jump anterior to the display cabinets in countless disparate kinds of shoes you desire find magnificent, possibility to pick entirely. The tariff is wholesome is straight not fair, like costly, self-satisfied look not at home of the fad, guess good-looking men and women that consider old-fashioned ... in neatness to be completely irrepressible surrounding simply difficult. Pick prefer, absolutely opt appropriate for pair, wear two or three to catch sight of foot wear, or prospect to alike their clothes,http://www.mislouboutinaustralia.com
lenient methods to using this time? In order to victual up'd somewhat raw to have to wear?

Anonymous said...

Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I'm

inspired! Extremely useful information specifically the

closing phase :) I maintain such

info much. I used to be looking for this certain info

for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.

My webpage: http://ebaymarketings.com/

Buy Mangalagiri Handloom Sarees Online at Low Prices said...

MGLSarees.com - Shop Best Mangalagiri Handloom Cotton and Pattu Sarees | Dress Materials - Shop for the exclusive stylish and ethnic handloom sarees online at great price. ✯FREE SHIPPING Andhra Pradesh –Telangana (Hyderabad). Select from the best range of womens Dress Materials. Buy handloom silk and pattu sarees online, buy exclusive handloom cotton saris online, purchase handloom cotton sarees online, latest designer handloom saris, attractive prices, worldwide express shipping. MGLSarees - Mangalagiri Cotton and Pattu Sarees | Handloom Sarees | Dress Materials | Buy Mangalagiri Sarees Online at Low Prices.
Mangalagiri Sarees | Handloom Sarees | Mangalagiri Dress Materials
Buy Mangalagiri Sarees Online at Low Prices
Mangalagiri Pattu Sarees
Mangalagiri Dress Materials