Saturday April 27, 2019

Malaga Bus Station

Our train doesn’t leave until 1015 so we can sleep in a little bit. We have a little breakfast before leaving and make the trek through all the small streets with no problem. I am very good at remembering a route, once I have walked it. We wait for security to show up which is usually 10 to 15 minutes before the train arrives. We get through and wait at the platform, board the train and are on our way. Today’s trip includes our first bus excursion in Spain. The train gets us to Malaga and then we take a bus to Marbella. The way to the bus from the train is well marked and we buy our tickets for the noon direct bus without any hitch. Now a half hour wait being entertained by bus station migrants. We have the running girls, next up, the husband goes to the bathroom and then the wife moves, husband comes back, can’t find wife, not sure if he’s happy or mad, then the Asians who have to put their luggage at the front of a line for a bus 25 minutes from now (but not on the side where the door will be), and a multitude of other interesting folks. Our bus shows, we stow our packs underneath and take our seats. A smooth transition, next stop Marbella.

Hostal Tak

We arrive at a nice station, 1.2 miles from our hotel. We navigate four traffic circles and then it’s a mostly straight shot to the place. Hostal Tak is home for the night and our room is ready. It is a small room with two twin beds but laid out in a very functionally efficient way. 99 Euros for two nights, one block away from the beach, and a rooftop terrace is a complete happiness package.

Marbella Beach

We are a bit hungry so we walk around a find a small quiet place called El Salon. We just have a couple of beers and a few tapas to take the edge off. Then, since it is a beautiful day, we stroll along the beach for a while.

Pulpo Salad

We then walk to the small, old town area and find El Estrecho, another tapas bar. This one is also a little quiet but definitely more of a locals place. I get an octopus salad and Carol gets some croquets. Then, we share some chorizo and calamare. It is all very good.

Chillin’

On our way back to the hotel, we pick up some cheese and snacks for a planned evening rooftop wine and cheese party. I have been carrying a very heavy bottle of red wine since Madrid and I will not be carrying it any further. When we go upstairs, we find that we have a nice view of the mountains, an old church, and a peek a boo view of the Mediterranean. Very nice. We settle in relax and read with a cup of coffee since they have a coffee maker for guests located up here. Then we break out the wine, some cheese and crackers, and some chocolate. A great way to spend the evening. Tomorrow, another country.

Expenses
Train from Córdoba to Malaga 58.80E
Bus from Malaga to Marbella 13.10E
Hostal Tak 49.50E
Lunch Tapas El Salon 16.10E
Tapas at El Estrecho 22.90E
Cheese, Crackers,chocolate, pastries from Supercor 7.84E
Walked 5 Miles