On my third day in Malaga, I finally got to enjoy the breakfast spread.  I awoke to sunshine over the sea, then went down by the pool area to a room filled with fruits, breads, cereal, and all the fixings for a wonderful desayuno. Stuffed and happy, I crossed the road straight to the beach, empty and seemingly all for me.  I removed my new leather sandals from Morocco to feel the sand beneath my toes, “the beach gives me a feeling an earthy feeling and I believe in the faith that grows.”

Genoa has a stunning coastline.  Part of the trade off with rocky cliff meets sea, however, is the lack of beach.  I got used to sunbathing on the rocks, although what a delightful treat it was to sprawl on a towel as the soft sand conformed to my curves. Malaga had a bit of a Cali vibe, with rolling hills, tall hotels, sandy beaches, and a pretty coastline. . . not as dramatic as Liguria, but definitely pleasant.

With a permanent grin, I posted the following collage before wading in for a relaxing swim.

After the beach, I showered and changed for a stroll downtown in search of lunch. I passed the leafy promenade my colleague Peter described as a “jungle right there in the city.”  It was his favorite part of Malaga, and I can see why.  Taking a break by a harbor, I saw for sale signs and wondered if maybe my parents would one day purchase a modest apartment here, as it was always their retirement dream to buy something in Europe.  After strolling and admiring the view of the castle perched on the hill, I was back in the city center and saw a Taco Bell; I just had to go in. (In previous posts I mentioned how expats break all kinds of tourist rules).  I hadn’t had Taco Bell since Spring 2012,  and this was just delightful —  they had fajitas!  After a delicious lunch snack, which I refuse to be shamed for, I made my way back to the hotel, buying a bottle of wine at a local shop on the way.  I didn’t have a bottle opener, so friendly and talkative owner gave me one after suggesting a 5 euro local red which i tried immediately.

That evening, I ran east along the coast, enjoying the neighborhoods that popped up along the way as well as the many runners.  I took this photo on my balcony during sunset just before departing.  You can see the bottle of wine!

I paused a few times during the run for yoga and to just enjoy, to just be.  This is happiness.

I walked back to the city for dinner and returned home for more of my delicious wine.  Malaga just makes me feel so good.  Tomorrow — off to Valencia.