Málaga Feria - Calle Larios

Málaga hosts its annual Feria in August each year. This years feria opened with a large MTV party on the beach during the early hours of Saturday morning. We decided to skip the delights of David Bisbal and The Pussy Cat Dolls and see what was happening later on in the opening day of the Feria.

We decided to go by bus so that I could enjoy a drink or two. The 5:10pm bus from Nerja turned out to be "the fast bus", only stopping at Torre del Mar. The "Crisis Economica" has seen the fare rise to 6 Euros 80 return, still value for money. An hour later and we were at the port of Málaga.

The first part of the trip was to se the feria within the town centre. This is held in a square at the top of Calle Larios. The street was decked out in typical feria decorations including the gateway at the start of Larios. Being the start of the feria it seemed a lot busier than the last time I visited. Large numbers of groups in fancy dress or matching printed T-shirts especially made for the feria, gave the feeling of one massive stag/hen night had hit the city.


Calle Larios dressed up for the Feria

The square was packed. The heat was not stopping anyone from partying. Most of the square was in the shade and special "air con" units, cool water sprays were attached to the tops of the supporting poles. It was too hot and busy for us so we decided to find a bar in one of the many side streets in the centre. The question running through my mind, Where do they all go for a pee? Steady streams of the stuff washing down the calles was the quick answer. The Calles certainly lost there normal appeal. Treading extremely carefully up the street we dived into a bar for a bite to eat.


Party in the Square


Monica not too impressed with the river running down the Calle

The special of the day was a plate of Paella with a beer for 6 Euros. Not bad I thought, until I tasted the Paella. One piece of chicken and not a sign of seafood to be found. Certainly no where near Ayo’s standard. After a quick visit to the loos it seemed that everyone peeing in the streets had the right idea. A toilet at 7pm in the evening during the feria is definitely a "no go" zone.

It was time to head out to the main feria site, outside the city centre. The Ayuntamiento had publicised the buses as the best way of getting to the site. The masses of people waiting for the buses near Larios looked like the public agreed. Bus route 24 went from the nearby port, perhaps that would be quieter? It proved to be right, although it was a 15 minute wait for the bus. The 24 bus must be the slow bus, as it took 40 minutes to bet to the Feria ground.


Paella and beer for 6 Euro, Bargain?

Piraguismo - La Cena

Each week the Piraguismo club get together for a meal after the day's rowing. Today's meal was well earned after a rough day at sea.


All looks calm.

The day started off uneventful. Managed to launch without getting wet, still being assisted however. We waited for the rest of the club to rendezvous, relaxing in the tranquil water, basking in the evening sun.


View of Mount Cielo

We soon headed out towards Maro. The wind beginning to pick up but still no sign as what was in store in less than 30 minutes time.


Military aircraft patrolling the coastline

At times you see the odd police helicopter patrolling the area. More frequent are the planes towing advertising slogans behind them as they fly up and down the beaches of the area. A new aircraft as been spotted this summer. Some kind of Military craft, probably on the look out for illegal immigrants arriving. Apparently, the coast of Maro is a popular landing zone.


Conference at sea.

We reached the cove, Cala Barranco, and the sea turned a bit ugly. This prompted a debate as to whether we should continue or head back to Burriana. I was glad I was in the stable boat and not the small red ones. I would definitely have overturned in one of those.

The consensus was to go ahead. The wind picked up. The waves grew bigger. It turned our usually tranquil paddle into a roller coaster ride. Water crashing over the front of the boat. I was glad I put the covers on now. It was great fun although I was a little concerned about the imminent beaching. That would be tricky.


Pobre me with bust lip (honest!)

The trip was cut short and we headed for Playa de la Caleta. Monica went ashore first as I waited for the seasoned pros to land and guide me in. My turn to paddle ashore. The trick is to paddle as hard as you can using the waves. Problem is your natural instinct is to hit the beach head on. If the waves are breaking at an angle, you should follow them. I stubbornly refused and mother nature showed me the error of my ways. One of the guys scrambled to my rescue as Monica came across to help. As I was climbing out, Monica went for my paddle and managed to smack me in the mouth with it. Blood everywhere. OK, it wasn't that bad but you have to make it seem more dramatic.


Organising "la comida".

After a little swim we braved the elements and headed back to Burriana without further incident. After cleaning the boats and shutting up it was time to organise the food for the night. Takeaway Paella from Ayo's. Lovely!


Burriana at night.

Piraguismo - Beyond Maro Beach

One of the favoured routes during the Piraguismo course is beyond the beaches of Maro, to a secluded cove only accessible by boat.

Set off point at Burriana Beach

The first order of the day is to get my hands on my favoured boat. This is more of a canoe than a kayak but is very stable. Then its time to launch without falling in. This requires the assistance of someone as I cannot get into the canoe without tipping it yet!

Monica paddling past the caves

Nice Boat

Along the way a number of pitfalls await. Careful not to run over a few of the swimmers who venture way out to sea. Also keep a wary eye out for the speed boats that do the banana ride trips and the numerous jet ski's that go whizzing by. Not so much for being run over, but the wake of these vessels can be a bit rough. Occasionally you pass by the odd yacht at anchor just off the coastline. If only I had the money....

Cala barranco de Maro

The first beach you pass is the Cala barranco de Maro. This beach is accessible by foot following the walking guide by Charles Davis. It is usually frequented by the odd naturalist or three. However, its not a beach that we stop off at.

On Playa Caleta de Maro.

The next beach is around the corner and is the larger Playa Caleta de Maro, also accessible by following the same walk. Again, this beach is favoured by the naturalists and is more popular than the smaller cove. This is a usual stopping point, mainly used when we are waiting for someone to catch up or the sea is a bit rough.

Rock in the sea just off Caleta de Maro

Another favoured past time in Piraguismo is "Rocking". This is exploring the rocks that have fallen into the sea off the Maro coast. Its been too rough of late to do any rocking. The closest I have got is passing by the rocks just off Playa Caleta.

Arrival at a secluded cove

The furthest east we have ventured so far is a small secluded cove past the main Maro beach. It is south east orientated and usually provides a lovely shaded area in the evening. It is practically deserted due to the fact you need a boat to get to it. On this occasion, a boat was anchored just off the shore.

Me at the secluded cove

Hopefully we will venture further east in the near future. Maybe as far as our secret cove close to Playa Cantarriján.

Marinas de Nerja

A 10 minute walk to the centre of Nerja. That's what the brochure says apparently. Friends in the UK have booked a mini break at this nice hotel in late September. However, 10 minutes walk from the centre? Vamos a ver!


Monica on Calle Antonio Millon (7 Minutes)

We started our walk from the Balcon de Europe. Most people consider this the centre of town. From here we decided to cut across Antonio Millon and head towards El Playazo beach. The hotel is on this beach. Unfortunately, the other side and the "azo" on the end of "Playa" denotes "big" in Spanish.


El Playazo (20 minutes)

The walk along Playazo is a pleasant one. This beach is regarded as the "local" beach. Spanish families love setting up camp and enjoy nothing better than to relax, drink a cerveza or two and light up the bbq. There are also a few chiringuitos along the way. The best being "El Briene", reputed to have the best paella in Nerja.


The view back to Nerja near the hotel (30 minutes)

It appeared to be a popular route for holiday makers staying at Marinas de Nerja. We passed a few brave souls who had opted to walk into town. Maybe not the best thing to do in the evening with your Sunday best on. The beach is open to cars and that means Spanish drivers in their big 4x4's. They don't know the meaning of "slow" and speed past kicking up a sand storm in their wake.


Finally made it! (40 minutes)

The hotel is a good 40 minute walk from the centre along the beach. This is at a steady pace, by no means a gentle stroll. Maybe the walk back along the N340 would be quicker?


20 minutes from the Hotel.

It seems only a couple of minutes away by car. But then that's racing down the coast road touching 90 Kms per hour with someone still trying to overtake you. Its a long straight boring road that seems to go on forever walking towards Nerja. Its at least 20 minutes before you reach the "Nerja" sculpture near the donkey sanctuary. That's just over half way to the centre. Plenty of taxis went speeding by. I wonder where they were heading?

Windsor and Eton

Sunday Morning and the weather was looking typically British. Oscar had his day planned out thanks to Sky + and the Grand Prix. Angela and I decided to brave the elements and do a little sightseeing in Windsor.


There it is Dean.

Approaching Windsor it was clear that the weather hadn't put off many tourists. Parking was going to be difficult. However, we found a spot on a pay and display car park near the train station. Only trouble was, you had to walk around to the train station to get a ticket. Angela wasn't taking any chances with a clamper man sat in his van nearby. So off I went to find the ticket machine.

In the space of 5 minutes I must have been mistaken for a local. "Can you tell me where Eton is please?". "Where do you buy a ticket for this car park?". I soon had a following on my trip to the train station.


Windsor Castle

A brief walk around Windsor to see the sights. It started to rain so we dived into a Starbucks for a quick coffee and pastry. Then it was a walk to Eton over the river. Angela spotted a bargain in a local store. A pot towel with the slogan "I'd rather be drinking Champagne". Perfect for Oscar apparently.


To tight to buy a ticket.


Angela at Eton.


Angela's posh car.

Trip to Reading

A trip to Reading to see Angela in her new flat. She has moved down south to live with Oscar, who works in London.


Oscar and Sister Cat in the penthouse suite.

After a nice lunch started by Oscar and then finished by Cat (not sure how much work Oscar put in but still have to give him some credit) it was off to the "local". Apparently, by Reading standards this means a 20 minute drive with the top down to the pub on the Thames. Still, it was a pleasant drive. However, the girls in the back disagreed as it was a bit cold.


View from the flat.

A few beers and then dinner at the pub. Fish and Chips with mushy peas, or as Angela would say "Manchester Caviar". Lovely washed down with a few pints of Sagres. Oscar and Angela preferring to wash it down with Champagne. Celebration in the air? Can I hear wedding bells in the distance over the roar of a Porsche?


Angela enjoying a few cocktails.

After dinner it was a trip into Reading to "Mix", a cocktail bar in the centre. Not being much of a cocktail drinker I opted to go for a Mojito. It must be the most popular cocktail in Nerja. However, they had no mint so I had to settle for a Caipirinha. Not too bad!


Oscar.


Angela and Me.

Visit to Marsh's

A quick trip down to Stafford to see the Marsh Family. A few changes since the last time I went. Seems like he has started up his own little farm.


The Race Track.

First order of business was to have a race. Ben was marshaling things and we lined up for a grueling 100 lap race. Needless to say, Stevo won with what can only be described as underhand tactics. Great fun though!


The lambs.

Then we went to see the latest additions to the Marsh family. As well as his own vegetable patch he has his own hens and lambs. The lambs won't be permanent fixtures. However, the boys have named two of them so they may earn a reprieve.


The Pitch.

A quick game of football on the impressive Marsh Fields was a must in the pleasant sunshine. You have to make the most of these opportunities. The years may have advanced but the Dino magic is still there. The highlight being a spinning volley that left keeper Marsh rooted to the spot.


Joe Marsh, Footballer of the Year.

The real football talent of the Marsh family is Player of the Year, Joe. I watched him training with his new team. Soft Lad was attempting to coach one of the teams. Unfortunately, it was Joe's team. They went down 6-4. Disastrous formation of 0-0-8 seemed to be the main downfall. Still, Joe excelled and scored a goal and set one up.


Me and Ben.


Me, Ben and Joe.

Vegas Night Out

Weeks of careful planning had been put into this night out. Plans were rocked earlier doors by the "Lennygate" incident. A few were fearing a bust up if both Bush and Lenny turned up. A few were hoping Lenny would turn up to provide the entertainment.

Hours before the start and plans were turned upside down again. This time Bush told me that we were meeting Mick Rawdo in Uppermill first. Bang goes the Facebook event planning then. As it turns out, everyone managed to get to Uppermill for a few, bar Lenny. Even Andy and Paul turned up, late as usual.


Bush, Paul and Rawdo.

It didn't seem that Uppermill was geared up for a gang of lads out on the town. Walking into the second pub and we were asked what we were celebrating. "Just having a few beers" answered Mick slightly perplexed. "We don't normally allow groups of lads in at once...2. Maybe the sight of Mick and Arron together caused widespread panic across Uppermill. Their past must proceed them.

After a few in Uppermill it was time to go to see what was happening down Vegas. Not much as it happens. However, plans of staying soberish were wrecked by the "Two for 1" offer running in every bar.


Baz, Andy & Paul.


A severe lack of practice meant I was soon in trouble. Still, managed to stay out past 1am. Can't remember a thing about what happened mind.

Cipo's first round

Andrea's first round of golf ever. He had put a lot of practice in on the range. Now it was time to show if he could put all his training into practice on the course.

It didn't start off to well, the nerves getting to him a bit. However, things changed on the difficult par 3 9th hole. Andrea gave a master class on how it should be done!


Teeing off on the 9th.

"Ignore the water" was my advice. It turns out he should think about the water on every shot. He hit his best drive and ended up driving through the green.



Andrea's drive through the green on the 9th.


Andrea's chip shot.

This left a tricky chip on to the green. The 9th green is treacherous and anything slightly over hit ends off running through the green and down the slope. Andrea hit the perfect shot.

After the chip on 9th.

He deserved his first par in golf after two great shots. Could he hold is nerve and hole the putt? He sure could and walked off the 9th with a well deserved par.


Cipo proves again that water is a motivator.


And again on 14.

The Dino Golf Academy outside the new clubhouse.

Approach to the 18th Green.

The end of the round. A job well done.