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First day in Málaga,
but really evening by the time we get settled.
After we cleaned up and rested for a bit, we ventured out in search of food.
While originally hunting for our hostel, we soldiered through the entire neighborhood.
A decent crash course in getting to know a new city.
We knew the locations of the grocery store, convenience store, and tavern!
Unfortunately at the late time of day, we find the convenience store is closed.
This is our first run-in with Spanish business hours.
Spanish timekeeping may be considered strange by U.S. standards
due to the often stereotyped siesta (short afternoon nap)
that takes place after the midday meal typically from 13:00 – 16:00 (1pm-4pm).
Because of siesta, many Spanish bars and restaurants close around 17:00 (5pm)
and re-open after 21:00pm (9pm) for dinner.
Around the corner, a promising prospect – “El Rincón Ibérico” (“The Iberian Corner”).
**“Ibérico” refers to the Iberian Peninsula on which Spain is situated.**
A perfect opportunity to dive into local gastronomy!
As we enjoyed an Alhambra Lager and the complimentary cold tapas:
a tasty briny crab and onion dish, we took in the ambiance…
Rustic unfinished wooden floor, walk up deli-style bar and cafeteria,
a Spanish family with a rambunctious child, pork memorabilia…?…and pig legs with hooves??
*With research, we find that these “pig legs” are actually a delicacy specific to Spain.
Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham) is a type of cured ham
made from the cerdo negro (black pig), or Black Iberian Pig.
One rear leg can cost as much as €350– over $480 USD!
The animal is allowed to roam on open ranges
feasting on acorns, roots, and herbs until slaughter.*
The observations of our intriguing environment
and empty glasses prompt us to sample the Alhambra Negra (dark)
accompanied with a creamy potato tapa.
Our pit stop complete, and with a borrowed camera, we take to the streets.
We ramble on into the darkened walled sidewalks.
The city is currently (2007) building a massive underground metro system,
and because of this, the sidewalks are walled off from the danger of torn up streets.
*Safety tips are not posted for pedestrians passing through the work site*
Junta de Andalucía (Regional Government).
The box that the walls and tile floor make is layered with colors.
A petrol station and an example of a pedestrian “walkway”:
the path crosses directly under a large construction crane.
Workers straggled around the site as we photographed the bizarre hazards.
The metal shutters of shops are rolled in front of doors and windows,
enameled with either commissioned street art spray or the markings of taggers.
Two nights in Málaga. Two!
Two!
Two! Unbelievable.
A popular mode of transportation, scooters,
some delivering pizzas,
share the closed sidewalks with pedestrians.
Two!
Demonstrating decisive action to avoid moped scooter motorists.
Two!
One of many styles of the ubiquitous green crosses of the farmacía.
An aesthetic surprise – cool green neon…all over, everywhere in varying designs!
Not a lot of activity, so back to our bunk-beds we go
still somewhat uneasy from our first few hours in a strange land
and yet not so different from home.
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