Short-term connections in Málaga

by Johanna Kuesener (Germany)

Making a local connection Spain

For me travelling is all about getting to know a new country, its culture and its people. But how do you get to know the local people, learn about their traditions, their cuisine and their customs if you are visiting a city for only one week or a few days? At least if you´re travelling alone, you are bound to interact with locals at some point. However, how do you connect with locals aside from the server in a restaurant and the receptionist at the hotel? Last year I asked myself exactly these questions and decided to figure out some answers on my own. So I ventured to Spain to discover the beautiful city of Málaga. Situated on the Costa del Sol surrounded by mountains Málaga greeted me with warm sunshine, streets plastered with marble and lined with palm trees and of course the ocean waves crashing onto the shore. For the first time, I checked into a privately owned room hosted by lovely María. She was happy to welcome me into her home and tell me about the best beaches, the public transportation and the nearest supermarket. I felt right at home and was excited to start my discovery of the city. Inside the city walls towers the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro. The Maurice fortress and palace from the 11th century is obviously the most impressive sightseeing stop of the city and awards anybody diligent enough to wander the steep walkways with impressive views of the city, the harbor and the surrounding mountains. There is also a bus going up the hills, but what´s the fun in that? Walking up is a lot more satisfying! I enjoyed the timeless beauty of the city walking along the beach of Málaga – la Malagueta – and continued walking along the shoreline from beach to beach admiring the view and the waves. I stopped randomly at one of the many seaside restaurants and was promptly persuaded to order a whole fish. And then it set before me, the fish – freshly grilled on the beach, the proud heritage of Andalusia cuisine. Unfortunately, I had no idea how to eat that fish. Suddenly, the owner of the restaurant emerged from behind the counter, greeted me and offered to cut my fish. And there I sat eating the pieces of delicious fish while he was expertly cutting it and telling me stories about his former life as a fisherman. I thanked him for his help and his time and left the restaurant with another piece of local history and culture. Later that week, after stopping for a coffee at the café that felt like my usual stop already as I had café con leche – the Spanish way of making cappuccino – there almost every morning in the last few days, I met with Alejo who organizes Street Art Tours in Málaga. He proudly showed me the hidden gem of Málaga – the BulevArt. A long wall full of beautifully crafted murals installed to unite two sides of the city. Alejo told me mesmerizing stories about the artists, their murals and their support for the city and its people. I was thrilled. On my last day in Málaga I was walking the streets with joyful steps content with my visit. I noticed not only the tourists but also the many locals going to and coming from work, having coffee or a drink at their favorite café. I had the feeling that I gained some new short-term friends in this city: María, the friendly hostess that felt more like a roommate, Anna, the enthusiastic café owner that greeted me by name after my third coffee stop, the helpful fisherman turned restaurant owner and Alejo the street art expert who proudly showed me the hidden wonders of his city. On my way to the airport I stopped at my favorite café for one last time and said goodbye to Anna. I contently breathed in the salty air. I did manage to taste authentic cuisine, experience a fragment of the local culture, and connect with people calling this beautiful city their home in this short time. I left Málaga with new memories that I added joyfully to my travelling heart.