So, last time on my blog I was really excited for my trip to Málaga with Lindsey, and I have to say the whole thing was excellent.
The trip began with a bus ride to the airport in Madrid. Since our flight was at 8 in the morning on Friday we decided it would be best if we got to the airport late Thursday night and just slept in the terminal rather than risk missing our flight. The transit to the Madrid airport involved a very liberating journey on the metro subway system. As ridiculous as it sounds I was actually surprised that we found our way through metro stations and transfers so easily and it only cost 2 euros (compared to the 25 euro cab ride).
When we got to the airport it was a ghost town. Seeing as it was only midnight when we arrived we were in for a long night. As we were going through security the attendant thankfully informed us that no shops or restaurants were open beyond security and the only place to get a coffee was back up the stairs. After a short search Lindsey and I ordered a coffee, and after a short moment of contemplation we asked if we could have Bailey's Irish Cream in said coffee. The server happily obliged.
As we sat in the cafe like two morning drunks we slowly slipped into a deep exhaustion and decided it would be best to go find the terminal and try to get some sleep. It was once we got past security that I realized I've never seen an airport completely empty - it was like being one of the last people on earth. In order to pass the time Lindsey and I decided to go on an adventure that involved raiding vending machines for gummy bears and diet coke and a daring VIP lounge break in attempt ( in which we were unsuccessful). Exhausted, we decided to take a nap on the waiting chairs... I've never felt more destitute in my life.
At this point it was about 3:00 in the morning and all we wanted was a little bacon and eggs
Sadly the airport cafes didn't open until 6:00 am and there was little left to kill the time. When the stores finally opened our mini-shopping spree yielded a bag of potato chips, the mega bag of haribo gummy bears, fresh squeezed orange juice, and the best doughnut I have ever tasted.
At last our boarding time came. Since the flight turned out to be nearly empty, Lindsey and I enjoyed the emergency row all to ourselves ( never underestimate the power of a little leg room) and after about an hour and some turbulence I can only describe as badass we landed. Since we were only traveling with backpacks it was really nice not to have to collect any luggage. Instead we quickly caught a cab to Torremolinos, a small resort town near Málaga.
When we arrived we were greeted by Barb and John Komoroske - the two nicest people I have ever met. For the past 6 years they have rented a room out of the same resort for a month to escape the Wisconsin winter. Since we had essentially been awake for the last 24 hours we really needed a nap, but we were determined not to waste any moment of our short weekend so we went on a tour with John and Barb along the beach. The whole town is filled with kitchy shops and restaurants, and the beach goes on forever. The Komoroske's took us to one of their favorite lunch diners- their treat.
We finally got our bacon and eggs!
The rest of the day we spent walking the beach in 70 degree weather, picking up shells and sea glass along the way. When we returned the Komoroske's were hosting cocktail hour with some friends. John came from the kitchen with two glasses of wine and this quote for us:
"Now I'll pour the first one. After that it's in your hands."
After cocktails we went for great chinese food just up the hill. For 5.50 Euro we got a spring roll, entre, noodles, ice cream, and "blandy" (which is apparently brandy in a chinese accent). Stuffed, we went to the neighboring resort for toothpick bingo and an amazing flamenco show. We continued to meet more and more of the Komoroske's friends and share our story about why we were in Spain. After the show it was finally time for bed.
The next morning Lindsey and I went for a walk in the opposite direction of the day before. We saw a beautiful harbor and dozens of interesting stores and restaurants. The Mediterranean Sea breath taking. To satisfy some pretty intense cravings we got some ice cream. I don't know if what happened next was good or bad.
Lindsey encountered a band of Australians looking for passengers to go sailing for two hours and 30 euro. As we contemplated spending close to 45 US dollars the spokeswoman pulled out her secret weapon:
"You are almost guaranteed to see dolphins!"
After we haggled the price down to 25 euro and discussed what she meant by "open bar" we opened our wallets and climbed aboard. We spread out on the front deck with a glass of sangria and a group of authentic French Canadians as the boat set sail (they turned the motor on). The ride was beautiful and Lindsey and I started to get pretty tired - well I got tired and Lindsey discovered she forgot her sea legs (she was nothing but a good sport about it). We returned to port with only one gripe:
Where were the damn dolphins?! My trust for the Aussie-folk will forever be shaken.
We returned to the resort just in time for cocktail hour, but after the long day in the sun we decided to just eat some cheese. Apparently the moon was as close to the earth as it's gonna get for the next few hundred years and we watched it rise over the sea.
Dinner was served in the dining lounge and to end the night we watched a cabaret show that was both awkwardly sexual and strangely compelling.
The next morning we had to leave pretty early, but the sadness of our departure was completely forgotten as we all saw the sunrise over the Mediterranean.
We said our goodbye's and million thank you's and made our way to the train station. Since we couldn't get tickets on the same train we rode back separated, 3 hours apart. Two things:
1. Frost Nixon is an amazing movie, even in Spanish
2. Why can't planes be as comfortable as trains?
Well that's Málaga. Up next: Carnaval!!!
Till next time!
