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Published: November 20th 2007
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Sun, Sun, Sun
Wendy and mom at the beach in Spain for some much needed rays So after our epic journey of over 3,200km we arrived at our destination of Malaga in Spain. It was great to catch up with Rob’s family again and also have a bed outside of the van for a change. Gee, 9 nights in one place, that’s the most time in one destination since the end of March (almost 6 months). Fred and Dora Brown - The couple with no fixed abode!
Our timeshare was in the resort of Mijas Golf Club, although we were not actually on the course. We spent the first few days exploring the area, catching up on some much needed sun, frolicking on the beaches and relaxing by the pool. Oh of course the food and wine! Good red grape, at an even better price, tapas and fresh paella what else can we say? There goes that damn diet again.
Steve(Robs brother)brought his golf clubs and that encouraged Rob to have a go so he hired some clubs, spent a few days on the driving range and headed for the course. What a magnificent course and it was mandatory to have a buggy complete with computer tracking so you could see where you were, we
Bar Fly!
Rob assisting the barman after SA/Eng match, note the new Springbok shirt and the white bib. were not complaining of course. Not sure why Rob paid green fees as he did not spend much time on them, be that as it may we had a great time chasing the somewhat elusive small white ball. On Friday, the day after we arrived, was another important World Cup rugby match as South Africa was playing England. Steve had bought 2 South African Jerseys for him and Rob to wear for the occasion. The last time the two of them bought jerseys it was in Cape Town and South Africa won the World Cup, way back in 1995. SA beat NZ in the final, injury time drop goal - sound familiar?
We headed down to the local pub and of course being in this part of Spain it was full of Englishmen. We all know the result of that game and England were lucky to get nought, now now! We do actually support England however not when they play SA. The English supporters were rather silent but Rob did manage to befriend them again and especially the barman (see pic of Rob taking over). When we arrived the barman saw Steve and Rob in their jerseys so he
Rodeo style
Rob hanging on for dear life. bought out some toilet paper, supposedly for the tears! When he handed it over Rob proceeded to bend down so he could wipe his bum. However he did wear it as a bib for the duration of the evening, must have been in sympathy. Well in the end a jolly time was had by all.
Also that weekend was a small birthday for Rob, you see the older you get the smaller they become. So Rob turned 24? Sorry it was worth a try. Ok he turned 30 something. We’ll leave it at that then. The morning started with young Joshua assisting Rob in opening his presents. That evening we all went out to celebrate with a grand meal at a superb restaurant. It was half way up the mountain towards Mijas with great views of the city and ocean below. Hey guys thanks again for a great evening.
While still in Malaga we decided to do more things English so we headed to the big English rock of Gibraltar. As you will know it is actually owned by the English and you have to cross English and Spanish borders. Then walk across a runway, bizarre really, and you
Happy Birthday Rob!
The whole family enjoying a grand meal out. arrive at this English town in Spain. Oh of course perched under/on a big rock. It is an interesting place and we enjoyed the English shops, exploring the caves and reaching the top, although the visibility was poor, but the monkeys were entertaining.
So all things English it was time to say goodbye to the famdamly, however we were to gain another passenger for a few weeks. No, not more polar bears! Rob’s mom stayed with us to experience life as a full time traveller. Actually we saw a t-shirt the other day and it read, “Backpacking is a profession”! Brilliant!
So with mom in tow we headed up the west coast and our first stop was to visit Rob’s aunt and uncle in Chiclana. It was more rural and allot less English with their house in the middle of the farmlands, peace and tranquillity. We slept in the van and let mom sleep inside as it would be her last proper bed for a while.
Next stop was Tarifa and as we were so close to the continent of Africa we could not resist a short hop on the ferry for a day trip to Morocco.
Desert anyone?
Now that’s what has been lacking in our diet. As it was only for a day we decided to do an organised tour. It was an exciting place to visit and some of the highlights included camel rides, a dodgy snake charmer, the Kasbah, Souk and all the traditional markets. We also had a fabulous Moroccan lunch compete with live music. It was a good tour but it felt like it was a little manufactured at times for the tourist. However it did give us a good flavour, mmmm maybe Africa to conquer next?
Back to Spain and onto Medina Sidonia. If you have not been its well worth a visit as it is a small town located in the heart of the Cadiz Provence on the Bull route, between the mountain and the sea. This 3000 year old town is well known for its beautiful white streets, railed balconies and windows and it’s much appreciated, genuine and delicious traditionally made cakes, chocolates, and its vast gastronomy. So after gauging ourselves with hand made chocolates we visited the impressive Santa Maria La Mayor La Coronda Church. It was pushing 40deg and we took a wee bit if strain hurly ourselves around, oh how we know when we hit
Raging Bull
Wendy trying to tame the bull in the Bull Ring in Mijas the snow later in the year we will never complain of the heat again.
With all that heat we camped the night in Puerto Santa Maria, south of Cadiz. The campsite was opposite the beach so a much needed cool off was needed in the ocean, mmm must have been all those chocolates.
From here it’s into southern Portugal and we will of course be seeing more of Spain later on.
Keep on Rockin!
Adios.
Fred, Dora and Mom
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