Ola from Benalmadena, Spain.  We have been here for  a few days now.  Here is the view from our suite.  Not Bad eh?

 
Getting here was an interesting adventure.  After sitting in the Priority Lounge for a few hours it was time to head for our gate.  In order to ensure that Johanne was fully awake for the next flight, I felt it necessary to test the ejector seat on the newly borrowed wheel chair.  The test was a smashing success.  I hit the button, in this case an unmarked step in the lounge and bingo Johanne rocketed out of the chair.  Who knew she could fly!  Why do we need a plane to get to Malaga.  The good news she landed beautifully, no damage to the broken foot or any other appendage .  The bad news she didn't like flying at all and made it clear to me that no further testing was to take place.  I helped her back into the rocket launcher and off we went to Gate 18.

By the way it was explained to us at the check in counter that the golf bag might not make the flight.  The plane was small, the luggage compartment as well as the flight, was full.  All 15 of us.  Just give me the 35 euros for the baggage charge she says, and we will let you know when you arrive it Malaga if the bag will arrive.  Customer service with a smile.  I wonder if this type of training is provided to all the Star Alliance airline partners.  I thought for a minute I was talking to Air Canada.  LOL

We get to the gate.  The same smiling customer service agent!  You need to come with us, she says.  So off we go.  into an awaiting van with two gentleman waiting to deposit Johanne and me in the plane.  It was a 10 minute drive through the bowels of the Lisbon airport to a small hanger at the far reaches of the airport.  Here is our aircraft, a Beechcraft we are told. Looks just like the float planes in the inner-habour in Vancouver.  Minus the floats of course.

We arrive, they are still fueling the plane, we wait.  The captain gives the all clear signal and Johanne is asked to hop to the steps of the plane, from there she is assisted by the Captain and the attendant up the 5 steps.  In the meantime I snap a few pictures.  Picture taking on the tarmac is not well received, I smile and quickly pocket the camera.  Clearly more happiness training required.  The good news, this boarding procedure allowed me to see my golf clubs being loaded!

Nice flight.

After a few days of RnR at the beach.  We ventured out to a Pueblo Blanco up the mountain from our hotel.  A steep 15 minute drive, but light years different architecturally.   Around our hotel it is a touristy beach resort. The Benalmandena Pueblo is old school Spain. Friday morning is market day.  You can buy everything from fruit to Berber carpets.  We parked and went for a cruise through the tented village.  We left with some farm fresh fruits and veg.

Off to the village square for a tapas lunch.

We eat at the restaurant you can see above.  It was packed with locals.  The noise was deafening.  We sat outside, enjoying the midday sun.  So here is how it works.  The tapas are displayed inside a glass case at the bar.   I followed the server, owner, bartender into the throngs of lunching locals.  Along the way I glance at what the locals are eating.  I figured, what they like would be the freshest.  Once at the bar, hand signals and head nodding exchanges confirm our order.  Three or four items chosen, dos cervezas requested and back to the table to see if it worked out.  It did! The tapas were fresh, lightly spiced and delicious.  The beer a perfect compliment to the dishes.  A mixed plate of Fish and Octopus, Chicken Wings, and a Tuna and Tomato salad.

There was a concert in the square.  Based on the players it seemed to be a mix of high school and adult musicians and dancers.  The lady above was one of the dancers.  She was glad to have her picture taken, her skirt matched the flower in her hair.  Very Spanish! The town's people looked very joyful and familiar to each other. They talked, laughed and ate.  Not many tourists here.  The village was high above the sea. You can see the Mediterranean in the background of the picture above.  There is a funicular that takes passengers from the beach area up to the mountain top. The town is about half way up.

There are many Pueblo Blanco's to visit in this region of Andalusia.  We hope to see many of them over the next 5-6 weeks.  Stay tuned.

Cheers and be well