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!