We arrived at the Real de la Feria site at 8:10pm. That did not leave much time to explore the hundreds of casetas spread along 3 avenues of the site. Not including the fairground attractions held at the bottom of the site. The last bus to Nerja was at 11pm. We needed to leave at 10pm latest.
Universidad de Málaga themed entrance
We headed through the "Universidad de Málaga" entrance to the feria. This is the "Tutti Fruti" end judged by the competing sounds coming from the casetas at the top of the avenues. There were at least 5 casetas packed with revellers dancing their hearts out. Already there were queues forming as each caseta had its own team of bouncers to control entry. We decided it was best to explore all the site before choosing a caseta.
The number of casetas is phenomenal. Certainly makes Nerja’s feria appear small time. There seemed to be a caseta for all tastes, although most of them had yet to open. One such popular caseta already had a large crowd of people dressed in traditional flamenco attire waiting for it to open. A flamenco spectacular was planned for later in the evening.
Monica outside a caseta.
At the end of the avenue is the fairground site. Again, a much bigger scale than seen in Nerja. It looked like each kiddies attraction was copied at least 3 times, although with the names slightly changed. They ranged from the modern fairground attraction rides to the traditional coconut shys. Even a donkey ride where the donkeys were tied to a carousel.
The rides I were interested in where at the far end and on the right. All I had to do was convince Monica to go on one. The Ferris wheel was "too fast". The log flume and other roller coasters which involved water were a no-go. That left the roller coasters down the right-hand side. The least scary looking in Monica’s eyes was the "Tarzan" ride. A roller coaster through the Jungle. Before giving her time to change her mind I got the tickets.
Tarzan Roller Coaster.
Safely strapped into the car and alarm bells started to ring. On the dashboard was a button. It was marked "Si desea efectos refrescante pulse el buton". I’m pretty sure if I pressed it I wouldn’t be served with a nicely chilled cerveza. Looking around a soon saw a huge cardboard cut out of an apes mouth. The roller coaster track gave way to water and you floated into the apes mouth, which for some unknown reason to me concealed a waterfall in free flow. "Maybe it switches off as we approach?" I offered more in hope than expectation. "As long as we don’t push the button" Monica answered. No worries, until two kids climbed into the front seats of the car also armed with the button.
Scared? Us?
Too late to bale out, the car lurched forward and started the trip. The corners of the track were near 90 degree turns and we screamed like babies at each one. The kids in the front thought it was hilarious. The moment of truth as we approached the ape. "Queire?" asked the kid with her finger poised over the button. "NO" we shrieked in unison, and a further 3 more times as the kid mischievously feigned to push the button.
We managed to get out of the car without too much of a soaking. Time for a go on the camel racing game. The practice session were good with me feeling quite confident that I had mastered the art of getting the balls in the highest scoring holes. The race started and immediately my confidence was shattered as I suddenly lost the knack. My camel only managed to reach the half way stage when the winner crossed the line. Monica was a noses length in front of mine. A good time to sack the fair and head for a caseta.
Un Poquito Mas...
We chose a caseta that appeared to be playing the Spanish equivalent of 80’s style music. Anything better than the "Boom Boom" rave music being played up "Tutti Frutti". The Caseta was named "Un Poquito Mas", being number 40 I thought it was quite an apt title. Only time for a quick beer before heading off to find something to eat and catch the bus back to the centre.
Avenue lights switched on
The Alcalde was due to turn the lights on at 9:30pm. That would be our signal to get ready to go. It was only 10 minutes late. Quite good for Spanish standards. Our aim to walk to the main bus stop was slightly flawed as it was the entrance where the Alcalde performs the switching on ceremony and he, along with the rest of Málaga were heading our way.
The Main entrance
We eventually managed to swim against the tide and got out of the site in time to catch a bus back to the centre. Not having a clue which number bus went where it was a relief to see the bus sign indicate it was going to the station. Our good fortune ended 10 minutes into the trip when the bus broke down. Stranded at 10:10pm, not knowing when the next bus would turn up or how far the station was. Two lads who had an earlier bus to catch made a run for it. We hung on for a replacement bus. The good old "24" bus showed up 5 minutes later. In good time to catch the last bus home. A quick tip for catching the last bus. Don’t wait for it at the port. The bus was full leaving the station and the driver didn’t even bother going to the port!
