Yesterday we caught the 11 am bus from Seville back to Málaga. On time and no trauma. If only the public transport system in the UK was as good everybody would use it. Every single bus we have been on has been full and costs next to nothing. Plus they are air conditioned and intercity buses have in most cases entertainment systems similar to aircraft.
The bus arrived earlier than scheduled and we found our accomodation for the next couple of nights before returning home to the hovel.
Today I had planned a little surprise for the old bird but had left the booking too late. I wanted to walk the Cominito del Rey or path of the kings. A 1.8km suspended walkway above a dramatic gorge. At one time this was considered the most dangerous path in Europe but has since been adapted to accommodate the boards of tourists that walk it every day. Still it's a really good reason to come back to Andalucia in the future.
Instead, to stop dear old Crispy getting board and fractious I booked bicycles in it's stead. It can be difficult coming back to somewhere you have already visited in the same trip as you have already seen most of the sights. The Bicycles were a great idea. Malaga is really geared up for cycling and scooters. Dedicated cycle routes join all the major areas of the city and avoid any jostling with the traffic. It's incredibly well planned and works a treat.
(We have toyed with the idea of the little electric scooters and last night decided to give them a go. I scanned the QR code on one of the scooters. The app took my one euro deposit then signed me up unwittingly to some unknown American streaming site that would automatically renew every month at a cost of £60. I immediately froze the card and contacted the bank fraud team. Within 20 mins it was sorted with no harm done. Just a word to the wise guys, be careful and check what you are signing up to with QR codes. Needless to say we gave the scooters a wide berth after that ).
We picked up the bikes this morning. An electric one for Crispy and a push iron for me. The guy in the shop was very helpful and upgraded Crispy to a brand new cycle. Immaculate and gleaming white saying he was trusting her with his new acquisition. She climbed aboard like the experienced cyclist she is and promptly fell off before she had even turned a pedal. Both crispy and the new bike lay sprawled on the floor. Thankfully she wasn't hurt but she completely destroyed her phone. Bless her. The guy looked in horror and promptly removed the new bicycle and gave her a knackered old one. Well you can't blame him.
We cycled through Málaga onto the coastal cycle path that winds its way along the coast to the town of Rincon de la Victoria. A small tourist place on the beach. There's not much here to be honest but the path was brilliant all the way with virtually no on road cycling. We grabbed a drink and some tapas before heading back. A total distance of 18 miles. It's been overcast and windy. Very windy but it was a great way to spend our final day here. Tomorrow we catch the metro to the airport for our flight home
Andalucia and it's olden charms have won us over. The typical opinion of Spain is the Costas and cheap all inclusive holidays. This tour of its ancient cities could not be further from that general perception. It has certainly changed my point of view. I will certainly look at Spain as more Don Quixote than sticky Vickie from this point forward. We both have loved it and can't wait to walk it's ancient streets in the very near future. For us it has equaled Rome in its charm and vibrancy. Crispy has really enjoyed our time here and doesn't want to leave. Her favourite has been Seville and I understand why. It's ancient and comfortable but at the same time vibrant and exciting. My favourite has been Cordoba because it feels old and weathered yet warm and welcoming. Like an old arm chair. If you ever get the chance to visit any of these places we strongly advise that you seize the chance. It's fantastic.
Viva Espana
Bare and Crispy signing off for the final time, Málaga, Andalucia, Espana
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