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On the train home noting that they ram at least twice as many people in the carriages as the Spanish, and I assure you it is not because we are half the size.   

Feeling conflicted as I am tired of travelling but I do love everything about the cities of Cadiz and Malaga  

Could I really stay away?  

Back to Málaga

Two more journeys to do then home!   Travelling to Malaga today and to Gatwick tomorrow.  A train journey of about four hours today.  Stations here are like ghost towns compared with Paddington, utterly manageable and the trains are more reliable.  However I do have to change at Dos Hermanas which was a pain last time as no one explained what train is what, no staff, no display boards and no way to leave the platform and found out.  No one knew what was happening. Not just me.   But hopefully I will work it out.  So that is the weakest link.  We shall see.  Alternative was to leave a day early and overnight in Sevilla but it was good to have longer in Cadiz and Sevilla freaked me out last time..... too big.  I do need to see the cathedral next time. Maybe in the spring or maybe I am not going anywhere again.  This has been good and J has been great company but I have felt homesick too.  The idea of going to new places and being a tourist leaves me cold these days.  I like coming here though but the long term plan feels very shaky. Getting an address and residency to escape Brexit does not seem to be happening, perhaps it is all less important at my sort of age, the younger are the ones to be really concerned.   

Meawhile T of N has phone and tooth problems.  

I feel unable to support him except with email reassurance. It is sunny and J walks with me to the station, I am getting on the 11.40 to Jaén.  This proves easy and at Dos Hermanas the train has Málaga on the front and the guard jumps out of my coach and confirms same.  More to the point they have an overhead announcement thing on the plaform now.  

Furtherome, the lady guard on the first train was totally with it and knows what is going on.  She tells me to swop platforms via the subterráneo.  

The bad news is I am in a coach with a Scottish family who are listening to Pepa Pig or something loudly. Increíble, thinking of putting Womans Hour on equally loudly.  

Eating soft bread I discover a very hard piece in my mouth.  It is half my back molar.  Wisdom tooth.  A nice clean break and no pain.  Soon feel calm.  But it puts the mockers on the rest of the day! 

There is always something.  The charming young man in India working for Three helps me get a dental  appointment for Thursday.  

After a very warm reception at my usual hotel I rationalise my bag and tune into the Radio 4 news.  

Soon I am in Central Beers Malaga, draining my sorrows listening to Oasis, from Manchester! 

 I leave an Ullage for the friendly hombre who will tour British breweries next year.   Then I find the little gem that is La Madriguera 

https://www.facebook.com/lamadrigueracraftbeer/

I drop in T of N's name and soon I am trying all their beers which are brewed locally and really good.  An IPA and a dark beer taste great but I settle on In Your Face Hoppy Lager.  Brilliant!  Should be able to stagger home with all my remianing teeth and belongings. 

I email T of N to say that Madriguera is a big hit!  

Lovely guy running it with great beer.  It is Now full so I had better leave.  Good and cheap food. So there are three great beer venues in a 10 minute ale trail in Malaga.  We need to visit!  Seriously! Seem to have got over the tooth!  

I email J to say that Málaga has got its act together.  

 

nice and warm walk home. 

Last day at school

I have finished at school and been for a last swim as the sun has come back.  Tired but happy.  Spanish has improved but for some reason I am back in no more travelling mode.  Better pack!    

Made mushroom risotto which worked, had a walk by sea then a postre J produced.  It will be 16 at Gatwick on Wednesday so will cope.  Looking forward to getting home.  J has been really great.  Que hombre!  Funny and chatty!  Pity we cant drag our media naranjas out here!  

Hasta pro!  

The last walk to school. 

T send me a photo of my lovely bunnie chilling. 

J is 75

J is 75 today.  Rain.  Usual nice, fig and yogurt and croissant breakfast.  We take a walk in the old town, getting lost all the time,  then have nice tortilla on the patio 

Looking forward to getting home on Wednesday.  We had a wander today in the old town, it's impossible not to get lost.  Tonight is an hour long performance at Teatro Falla.  Then I will buy J dinner, on the condition he buys me dinner here when I am 75!   

Excited to be inside the old theatre named after check Falla, whose house I visited in Sevilla.   

We see NS / NC by the Varuma Teatro from Sevilla.  Clever set and costumes.   

It is a modern version of flamenco, very clever use of props and lighting.  By these people 

http://www.labienal.com/es/ns-nc/

It was called Ns/nc 

Which I have just found out is used like our n/a

It means no sabe/no contesta 

Afterwards we go to a restaurant J likes and I treat him on the basis explained above.  It is a called La Candela, a bit nouveau cuisine and trip advisory but the old man likes it! Which is what it was about tonight.  

Tired now.   

Rain and Theatre

Grey this morning and rain due so I forgo my swim.   I do take a walk by the sea though. 

I go to the shops and market after breakfast.  Seems we won't hire bikes because of the horrible forecast.  

Here is the herb stall 

I have  a good wander round and only get wet over the  last ten minutes.  Carrefour is a total nightmare. Hot. Crowded

I buy a new purse and birthday card for J, it is Spanish but says 'printed in England ' 

We really enjoy the Mexican theatre.  

http://conunsaborhumano.blogspot.com.es/2016/07/teatro-del-manantial-del-corazon-de.html

It is held at La Lechera which is small and 

fringe like.  The only problem is that we are made to stand outside in the rain till it opens.  Of course,  the Spanish have no idea how to queue and everyone gets cross

It is theatre in the round with audience participation.  A lovely little girl is part of the team.  

Humour and pathos

Frustrating to only get 75% of it.  I cook 

pasta and asparagus afterwards

Iberoamerican Theatre Festival starts

Usual routine.  The class is shortened for reasons beyond my understanding.  I buy my train ticket back to Málaga.   The theatre festival starts.  We miss the parade of people dressed as Frida Kahlo, fortunately they had gone inside once we got going after J's fishy meal (delicious)  but we caught this duo as we had a post dinner stroll.  J had cooked delicious fish, green beans, salad and mash.  Impressed.  We also get tickets for the weekend.    

Torn between UK and Spain

I am back from the sea.  It did not look very inviting due to cloudiness but I joined the other swimmer and it was estupendo!  Having a pastry!  After school J and I enjoy a beer on the roof terrace and go for an Argentinian meal woth J . I endure a kiss on hand at Bar Manteca.  The men here take liberties and can be macho 

Gross

I have decided what is left of my life will be in Newbury 

No school, just play.

I sleep well and then I have the best swim ever, before breakfast!   Peaceful. So no need for shoulder exercise or meditation!   This is a great routine, I should have done it before and will continue for the rest of the week.  I have two old farts for friends. A millpond!  It is going to hit 27 today... Just ate the biggest croissant ever.   Another routine I will get into.  Better check out my homework.  Today starts with a tour of the old town which is good in parts but politically incorrect too.  We dont learn much and would rather be doing Spanish.  

We meet at Puerta de la Tierra. 

Ack Jose Manual Ramirez 

Here is it's history

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerta_de_Tierra

We first of all stop at the old tobacco factory, right by the port, awaiting shipments from the colonies.  

Here is a statue remembering the first women allowed to work in Spain, in the eighteenth century.   Suddenly it was convenient to employ women, whose hands were smaller than mens and thus perfect for rolling cigars.   

We pass by the entrance to the old Moorish city. 

This old mansion house is awaiting a refurb.  

The stones in the pavement below have been reused.  They were initially ballast in the ships arriving from the Américas. 

Plaza de las Flores. 

In the past of course, the flowers  used to come from the colonies 

Later we all meet in the Plaza de Mina and go for tapas. 

  

Henry Moore has arrived in Cadiz

Once again it is warm and the sun shines.  

Henry Moore has come to Plaza de la Catedral.   A big improvement on the HSBC truck that was here when the Art Historian and I were here a couple of years ago.  

Ack tomaraquetuviera

School goes well though the class room is too hot.  I swim at 1800 go to the yoga class.  It is a great space with a great German teacher.   It is hatha and not too strenuous.  Afterwards we head to Bar Cañon and then the market bar.  No better place to eat fish!  

First Day in Cadiz

As J and I have opted for two hours only at school we don't have to be there till 12.  This is much better as we are able to go to the market and have a slow start.  Here I am on the way to school.  

It is lovely to see the team again.  J and I are in a class with two lovely central European girls, thirty somethings with interesting back stories.  Both have been before, the school certainly has a pull.  Next, I have a one to one with verónica who is lovely so I am happy about that.  I do not have homework and spend the whole afternoon on the beach and swimming.  I then cook the standard  Hall/Thomas ratatouile meal with pasta! We eat it in J's place for the view.  

Wonderful on beach, wonderful weather.  Here is our view on the way back from school. 

Arriving in Cadiz

This morning it is cooler, about 15 degrees when I leave the hotel

J and I arrive at Santa Justa Station at the same time, bumping into each other, I don't know how this hombre does it

He is even worse than me for orientation and does not appear to have a male brain

!!! 

The walk from the hotel took me ten minutes, in contrast to that hot hour yesterday  

We have breakfast and I buy J a tarjeta dorada and get our tickets

The weather is gorgeous as we approach Cádiz (for the umpteenth time) with excitement 

We arrive in the heat of the day. Podemos is in charge of the town hall and giving all the right messages

I am ensconsed now having initially been put at the front of the hotel by the noisy road.  I put my foot down, as had requested the back and a higher floor on booking six months ago.  Eventually got changed to the back, but on the ground floor and I have to pay quite a big supplement.  Massive complaint coming on.   I had to wait one hour so I stored my stuff with J and we went to beach.  I got in the sea, how amazing, such release!  The culmination of the journey and one of the  best things about Cadiz. 

Quite a few people were in there.  I chatted with a man who asked me if I was Italian!  ? He reckons the sea is best at this time of year, a nicer temperature than August.  It's 20 degrees.  

J is in the new nicer building because 'he is staying longer', also at the front but it is the third floor and there is good sound proofing.  He has nice view, they have improved the square with parquecito where the kids play to all hours.   All in all I feel settled and happy now.    

We had a tapas just now and will go out for another about 8.   

I am feeling tired but relaxed in Cadiz. So glad I don't have to rush in the morning and we only have two hours school.  

Afternoon in Sevilla

I leave today for Sevilla Santa Justa from Málaga Maria Zambrano, which is significantly calmer than Paddington.  See above. 

Great to be back in Sevilla, though to be truthful it is too big for me. 

 

Above is the wonderful Giralda. 

https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giralda

The Moorish tower has been incorporated into the cathedral.  I have never been in the latter and was planning a visit today, but ..      

Oh well, reason to return. 

Instead I head back to the gorgeous and peaceful hotel pool then have my own little party in my room. 

Soon feeling estupendo after the dissapointment of the early close to the cathedral.  I did get a peek inside, ginormous.  It was hot and heaving in the Casco Viejo.  I had forgotten how beautiful but how touristy Sevilla is.  My friend J finds himself in the Plaza España so I go to meet him.  It is a lovely

warm evening. We have a good tapas session near the cathedral 

Art in Málaga

After a rather unsettled night and slow start I have a sweet croissant in the mall of the station before buying tickets and a tarjeta dorado. 

Then I head off to galleries with my swimming cossie in my bag.  It proves to be a successful 

day with plenty of art, though I should have got in the sea straight away when the beach was sunny.  Did not fancy wandering all day in a post sea state but unfortunately it was wavy and cloudy later and I wimped out; unlike me, but hasta Cadiz!  

Here is a not very good photo of the beach today as I walk to Museo Ruso. 

There is an exhibition 

Chagall y sus contemporáneos rusos

http://coleccionmuseoruso.es/

Very glad that my Spanish class mate recommended this museum. 

 

Next I take the bus to the other end of the city to see the Pompidou Centre at last.  

http://www.centrepompidou-malaga.eu/

Here is the view from the Pompidou, Málaga seems to have it's very own eye.  

My own Art Historian would love both the venues I visit today.  I see some works in Pompidou by artists who I have  encountered with her.  The permanent collection is amazing.  I love El cuerpo en pedazos. 

 There is a great video of children from Liverpool discussing an art work. 

A nice walk back to the hotel via the old railway to the port. 

For both my nights in Málaga I eat at El Calafete,  a veggie restaurant with a 9€ three course menu.  Increíble. Filling and tasty http://www.facebook.com/restaelcalafate 

Travel to Malaga

In the UK, following the Brexit vote there is a shortage of Marmite.  Hard to believe but true.  Or perhaps the experts saw this coming.   Good job I stocked up before heading to school in Cadiz.  My chum there is an addict.  But how silly that I did not get 100g or less.  Yes, some cheeky security worker is now enjoying it on toast.  Oh well, it's the thought that counts.  

The flight leaves a little late.  The lady next to me shares her flying fears.  I agree it's not much fun.  I feel conflicted; it would be good to have the time to travel by train. Or walk.  

On the plane I email back to my friend from medical school.  It is great to have very old friends.  We are in agreement that our training was all wrong!  I remember the mantra:  history, examination, diagnosis, treatment.  The third was essential and the fourth pharmacological.  In reality the third is frequently nebulous and the fourth should usually be lifestyle advice/ exercise therapy / psychological therapy etc.  It's a disaster that pain killers are escalated and patients get into a downward spiral. I seemed to spend my life unpicking all that in later years.  I am glad to be out of it and learning Spanish and being political, but I do dispair. Of course GPs come into their own when they detect serious illness and it is essential that they have the skill to detect this.  Anyway the system seems to be buckling. Lib Dems want a health and social care tax.  This is a great idea.   

Then I write to another old friend.  She is bemoaning her husband's back.  He has to wait two weeks to see the GP and in any case a physio would be better she feels. I agree physio should be the first port of call.   I think the system is all wrong!  Physios are much better than GPs for musculoskeletal problems and will refer to medics if needed.  It takes longer than prescribing a painkiller but it must save money in the long run to get people better rather than asign them to chronicity.  I advise exercises on line at patient.co.uk.  

I arrive in Málaga only slightly late and pass immediately through customs.  Can they really take my EU citizenship away from me?  As soon as I exit the terminal, the smell of sea, smoke and jasmin overwhelms. There is sun and dark clouds and it is a perfect 20 degrees.  I miss a shower while unpacking, ego blooming as the receptionist has complemented me on my Spanish.  Further more I was able to help visiting Spanish nationals at the airport station.  The October chill of England is already a distant memory. 

I have opted for the lovely Barcelo at Maria Zambrano Station as it is so convenient and comfy.  Spoiling myself a little.  On arrival there is a treat which reminds me of my birthday in San Sebastian.  

I soon head out to the Plaza de la Merced to the craft beer bar Arte y Sana.  http://www.arteysana.com/
I enjoy a Dougall's IPA 7% which, apparently is Spanish.  

I have brought an Ullage for Bruno. 

Here is the illuminated alcazar. 

And a chestnut stall.  It's autumn apparently. 

For both my nights in Málaga I eat at El Calafete,  a veggie restaurant with a 9€ three course menu.  Increíble. Filling and tasty http://www.facebook.com/restaelcalafate 

Here is a kind of gazpacho. Filling and amazing! 

I walk back to the hotel feeling happy. I have never seen the Rio Guadalmedina, with 

 water in it before, usually this is a dry bed.  Good stuff! 

Inauspicious but typical start

I am at Reading Station having missed my connection due to a delayed train from Newbury.  It got stuck behind a broken down train.  Common story.  Looking forward to Theresa May's investment in the infrastructure.  Will this ever happen? 

I grab a peppermint tea and have a wander to find a plaque that was brought to my attention by a fellow LibDem. 

I have enlarged it so you can read it. 

It is such a sad story, and so recent in a way.  I found this on wiki

Extreme weather was the cause of an early casualty in the station's history. On 24 March 1840, whilst the station was nearing completion, 24-year-old Henry West was working on the station roof when a freak wind (described at the time as a tornado) lifted that section of the roof, carrying it and West around 200 feet (61 m) away; West was killed.   On the wall of the main station building there is a brass plaque, commemorating the event.

What would Henry make of the modern version of 'Reading General' ? 

I am looking forward to a holiday.  Life has been very busy as a Liberal Democrat activist and parish councillor.  It's good to get away but I will miss my family and friends.  No need to be melodramatic here; I am only going for two weeks. 

The plan is to have a short break in Malaga to visit the Museo Ruso and Pompidou Centre, two things I haven't done before, then meet up with my chum in Sevilla and spend a night there. Then we will head over to Cadiz, our home from home.

Today I had quite a good start with a swim and fitness yoga class.  This was great for my stress level.  As usual I am sad to leave and suggest to myself that perhaps it would be good to be content with what is within easy reach: my family, home, activities and of course the old rabbit who I will miss like crazy.  

On the train to Gatwick I catch up on the news and when other people's music, chat and babies get too much, stick in my own ear phones for Woman's Hour.  Grumpy Old Woman.  

It all gets tricky at Gatwick.  Despite specific instructions from T of N, I end up in the wrong hotel.  I head into the dark and three minutes later I am in a massive queue (free lime juice for people waiting) which is cleared rapidly and politely by young European employees despite stroppy British clientelle making a fuss and holding up the show.  

A pint of Boddies later (in honour of my old man) I am feeling fine and dandy.  A broad bean burger and then to bed!