Alamos 38

Alamos 38 is my new fav spot in Malaga. It´s a restaurant and bar, but I´ve only been to have drinks. The ambience is so cool- so NOT Malaga. When you walk in there is a bar area to the left and if you just continue straight there are antique couches and chairs set up in a courtyard type square, giving it a "lounge" feel. There are plants and vines covering the walls and columns which gives it a very relaxing feel, like you´re in a garden. It is trendy, but not pretentious. Other apsects that I enjoy are the private rooms and dual function as an art gallery. Behind the "garden" area there is an open room with dinner tables. Behind this room there are other private rooms with more dinner tables and a really exotic feel. The drinks are well priced and they give you great bar nuts and candy with your order. Every time I´ve been they´ve surprised us with free shots at the end of our stay! Last time was a rum shot that looked and tasted like a ice cream sundae.
Above: The "garden" courtyard room near the entrance
Above: Carmen sitting on a couch in the entrance

La nueva terminal

Although I was a zombie at the Malaga airport Thursday morning at 5:30am I was able to notice how AMAZING the new terminal is. WOW. Good job Ayuntamiento. Way to do something right. Finally, the Malaga airport is on par with the other major airports in Spain. The terminal is all glass, giving it a modern clean look like that of the Madrid and Barcelona airports. There are 2 Starbucks (thats 2 more than there are in the city center), tons of shops and restaurants to choose from, unlike the old terminal which hosted ONE horrible and expensive restaurant. The one thing that I thought was weird was that all of the signs were in Spanish, English and German, but the announcements on the microphone were in Spanish, English and French...Whatever, it looks awesome I just wish I had more time left here to take advantage of it!

Biznaga Malaguena

I recently found out that this is a traditional symbol of the city of Málaga! The biznaga is a handmade flower created by placing jasmine blossoms onto the indiviudal stems of the armazon plant. Thanks to the infuence of the arabs and the warm climate here there is an abundance of them. Most gardens/patios in Málaga are decorated with this flower because it is not only beautiful, but also gives off a lovely sweet smell. It is typical in the summer for men to sell these flowers in the street, leaving a trace of their wonderful smell wherever they go.

II Intercultural Festival

Málaga is currently celebrating the 2nd annual Intercultural Festival on Paseo del Parque. The government sponsors and organizes this cultural and social event which definitely has a lot to do with their nomination for European Cultural Capital in 2016. The entrance is free and it's so much fun!

More than 50 countries and 5 continents are represented in this festival. Each country is represented by a stand with jewelry/clothing/accessories or food from the specific country. There are also dance and music performances at the Recinto de Eduardo Ocón.

This weekend we were not able to enjoy it due to weather, but last weekend we walked around admiring all of the different trinkets each country had to offer. The atmosphere is great for during the day or at night. The food stands are by far the best part- hamburgers from Australia, empanadas from Mexico, crepes from France, beer from Germany and SO MUCH MORE!! For more information check out this website.

Festival de Málaga Cine

Calle Larios has been converted into a red carpet event. Literally, the ENTIRE street is covered in a red carpet! This is to celebrate the Málaga film festival that is going on this coming week. This film festival has been celebrated since 1998. There are short films, full length movies and documentaries, some of which are followed by a round table discussion. The films take place in the different theaters around the city. To check out a full list and schedule click here!

Above: Red carpet on calle Larios.

Above: On calle Larios there are posters from all of the movies being showed.

Above: The set up in front of Teatro Cervantes

Carnaval- Málaga

In some parts of Spain, the week leading up to lent is called "Carnaval." It is a time for wild partying and cities such as Cadiz, the Canary Islands and Sitges are home to the biggest festivals and celebrations. Málaga has a celebration agenda of its own. This past weekend there were parades during the day and at night. Many people were dressed up in crazy costumes- children as lady bugs, men as soldiers and women as what seemed like Amish people? They marched along calle Nueva during the day and at night calle Larios and calle Granada were completely packed. To read more about the origins of Carnaval click here.

You know there is something seriously wrong when...

• You are wearing gloves, a sweatshirt, sweatpants, a scarf and socks to sleep

• You find yourself turning on the toaster not to make food, but to keep the feeling in your hands

• You are petrified of getting out of the shower

• You think there is a chance it is warmer outside

• You want to go to bed at 9pm just so you don't have to be awake anymore

• You squat every time you pee because the mere thought of not doing so sends shivers down your spine

• You think about which item of furniture could be sacrificed for a fire and not be noticed during the end of year inventory check

Alternate title for this post: You know it's winter in Málaga when...

Welling Market

Today "C" took me to a mercado in "Welling," an area of Málaga. We walked around for almost two hours trying on different scarves, jewelry, boots and sweaters. Every five seconds you would hear a man or woman shout out, "VENGA GUAPA," trying to catch your attention and lure you into their stand. There were great deals (2euro scarves) and so much to choose from! Aside from apparel there were also fruit and vegetable stands. I can't wait to go back!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It is definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Málaga (aside from the fact that some people are still going to the beach). Every street is decorated with the most elaborate lights that are bright and beautifully lit at night. In the plazas, such as Plaza Constitución there are Christmas trees and other festive additions which give the city such a romantic and joyous feel! ¡Que guay es!

Above: Calle Larios at night

Above: Enlarged Christmas decorations in Plaza de la Constitución

Above: Christmas tree in Plaza de la Constitución

Above: Christmas tree made of Heineken bottles inside a restaurant.

Aminatou Haidar in Spain

Today there was a peace protest on calle Larios concerning the Western Sahara activist, Aminatou Haidar, who campaigns for the independence of the Western Sahara from Morocco.

If you want more information please check out this article.

Here are some highlights:

Spain said Moroccan authorities Saturday again refused to allow Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar to return home, a decision it said it "deeply regrets."

The decision risked worsening the already tense diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco over the award-winning activist, who has been on a hunger strike for almost three weeks.

Spain had offered to give Haidar refugee status or Spanish citizenship so she could be allowed to return home but she rejected both options on the grounds that she did not want to become "a foreigner in her own home."

Haidar responded by saying her only wish is to "go home to my children and my mother, in Laayoune."

And she again hit out at Spanish authorities, whom she has accused of collaborating with Morocco by accepting her after she was expelled from the Western Sahara.

"Spain is unable to resolve the situation," she said in a statement read by her lawyer, Ines Miranda.

"I say once again that Spain is Morocco's accomplice, and both governments want to push me to death. Spain is directly responsible for the consequences of the hunger strike that I have been keeping for 20 days."

Haidar won the Robert Kennedy human rights prize in 2008 as well as several other awards for her activism on behalf of Western Sahara.

La Tetería

One of my favorite places to go to in Málaga for a bite to eat, a cup of tea or just some time to relax outside is La Tetería. It is located just opposite of the iglesia de San Agustín and close to the Picasso museum on a very quaint pedestrian street. The menu is six pages of heaven. They have a wide selection of crepes, sandwiches and pastries. Milkshakes, smoothies and coffee can also be found there and are absolutely delicious. Obviously they offer tea as well: green tea, black tea, red tea, white tea, morning tea etc . My absolute favorite category though are the preventive and curative teas. They have one for diabetes, a cold, a cough, depression, energy, insomnia...you name it they have it. Whenever I diagnosis myself with having a cough or headache I run over to La Tetería and order the corresponding curative tea and I always feel better afterward! I hope it's legal to bring boxes of tea in my luggage because I definitely plan on using them as Christmas stocking stuffers!

Live from Malaga

I didn't realize my great appreciation and love for live music until I went to school in Nashville for four years and then moved to a city where it does not exist. Well at least up until last night it didn't. Last night Emily and I met up with "C," a girl I have intercambios with. She took us to ZZ Pub where her boyfriend plays every Thursday night with his band "El Trío del Saco." They play rock and blues and it was exactly what I have been craving since I've been here. A few Lenny Kravitz and Rolling Stones songs later and I knew I needed to become a regular. The bar has a different band every night of the week, except Saturday and Sunday. It's unfortunate there is only one bar with live music in Málaga, but at least I found it!

"Clandestino"

A few nights ago Emily and I decided to go out to dinner. I didn't really have a choice since the gas tank in my kitchen is empty and the company has yet to show up to replace it. We ended up at this restaurant called "Clandestino" on calle niño de guevara. They brought us a free tapa, which was bread with hummus-very yummy and I love free surprises. I ordered pesto pasta with vegetables, which I have been craving big time since I've been in Spain and even told my mom that it has to be the FIRST thing I eat once I get home (so maybe not anymore). Emily ordered a chicken teriyaki dish and was equally as happy. To top it off they gave us two chupitos after dinner. I am sadly hoping the gas company doesn't show up this week and I have a reason to go back to Clandestino for more.

Palacio Wok

Conveniently situated between the AC Palacio Hotel and The Cathedral lies Palacio Wok, an authentic Asian buffet that Emily and I tried out today. For 15euro you get all you can eat Chinese, sushi and wok ( you serve yourself the raw vegetables and meats you want and pick a sauce and they make a wok for you). We have all been seriously dying for some sushi and Chinese so needless to say this is our new Sunday tradition.

Alcazaba

After we ventured up to the Castillo my mom and I went to the Alcazaba. The Alcazaba is a Moorish fortification dating back to the 8th century. It was built to serve as the palace to the governors of the city. Fountains, flowing water, gardens, and stars are all symbols of the Arabi influence.

Above: My mom standing near one of the gardens
Below: Example of the flowing water throughout the Alcazaba
Above: Star symbol made from stones
Below: Me standing in the Alcazaba with a view of the Castillo de Gibralfaro behind me

Castillo de Gibralfaro

The Castillo de Gibralfaro is located just east of the historic center in Málaga. It was built as a military garrison and coastal vantagepoint in the Phoenician-Punic times. From 1487, the year of Málaga's incorporation in the Crown of Castile, until 1925 when a Royal Decree of Alphonse XIII handed the town over to the population, the castle was used exclusively for military purposes. There is a defensive barbican that surrounds the fortress and opens towards the Coracha, a fortified path leading down to the Alcazaba. Although there is a bus that you can take up to the Castillo my mom and I walked up the rocky path and it was quite the hike! Definitely worth it though for the great views along the way.

Above: Me standing on the rampart
Below: Me in the lookout turret

2016

What does this number mean to you? It might mean a lot and it might not mean anything at all. Maybe 2016 is your building number or your pin# at the bank...Maybe you'e turning 50 in the year 2016... Maybe that is the year your children will be done with college...Maybe you believe 2012 is the end of the world so 2016 will never happen.... Maybe you dont even want to think about where you will be in 2016....

It is impossible to walk down the street in Málaga and not see a reference to the year 2016. Málaga is the candidate for European Capital of Culture for the year 2016. When I first arrived in Málaga I was overwhelmed by the amount of construction and renovation going on in the city. I now realize that this is to ensure that Málaga is looking its finest by 2012 (when the allocated winner will be awarded). Throughout the city streets, and especially on calle larios, there are blue footprints with the printed image below. This image also appears in newspapers, theater playbooks and in restaurants. Although it seems far away, this date marks the turn of a Spanish city to be unveiled before the rest of Europe and the whole world as European Capital of Culture for the year. This is a really big deal and I hope that Málaga gains the support and backing it needs to make this possible. Buena suerte!

Mu in Málaga

Yesterday my mom arrived in Málaga! Aunque ella está un poco enferma, she is pushing through and we are having a great time. Here is a video from the lookout point on the way to Castillo de Gibralfaro.

Hand + Bird

Passed by this today with Emily...it appears to be a hand, but also has a bird head... Remember in middle school when your teacher would give you different colored construction paper and you would outline your hand and then turn the thumb into a turkey head and give it to your parents to decorate the house for Thanksgiving? Maybe that's what this is...

"Los Guardianes del hierro"

Two days ago I was going for a run on Paseo del Parque and I noticed these huge structures set up across the street. It seemed that they were giant metal soldiers sitting down in a line. I went back yesterday to investigate further and saw that it is an exhibition by the artist Xavier Mascaró. It is called "Los Guardianes del hierro" and it is to honor the memory of a dead civilization and the passing of time. It has only appeared in Paris and now in Málaga.