Viva Mexico !

by Anna Krzyzanowska (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

I didn't expect to find Spain

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It was a very spontaneous idea to go Malaga for New Year's Eve :) The plan was to spend Christmas time in Poland and then come back Belfast but because the price for return flight from Warsaw to Belfast was same like price for 2 flights (from Warsaw to Malaga and Malaga to Belfast), the decision was made super quickly. So stopped in at Malaga for three days on the way back home. It couldn't be better resolution for how to step into New Year :) Just after arrival at midnight I went out for 2 hours walk. What a city! What an architecture! Oh and these orange trees everywhere - never seen them in real before. City centre at nighttime is very alive and vibrant. Next Day I explored much more then only centre. Weather was perfect for long walks, hiking and basically for getting outdoor. City reminds me very much Havana - buildings, squares, alloys, and "floors" are very similar to Cuban capital. That is why straight away I fell in love with the city. If you ever plan to go Havana please visit at first Malaga!  Mostly because Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the world with close to three thousand years of history where Cuba island was only founded in 16th century. I don't want to write about history as it would take too long but will mention only that Malaga is influenced by Arabic, Roman, Greek and German culture what makes city worth to must see. After a whole day of walking I was extremely tired. Last time I felt like that after skiing lessons in Poland - ages ago it was and I have learnt nothing. New Year's Eve started same vigorously like a day before. Went to Malaga Atarazanas Market which is a typical Spanish bustling food market selling a range of fresh local produce. Later some hanging around Malaga Centro Historico, Tropical Park Exploration and cocktail at the port just beside Museum Pompidou. I joined New Year's Eve celebrations at Plaza Constitucion at 11pm - there was live latino music which I absolutely love. Was so cool seeing local people eating grapes just before midnight. It is a tradition which brings luck. Unfortunately I forgot to buy fruits so had only sparkly wine which is my tradition :) I was a little bit disappointed when at midnight no fireworks show happened :( But just a little bit as Spanish music continued. It was a good night. I couldn’t have asked for a better New Years Day spent in the warm city (19-20 degrees). Its southerly location, the strong maritime influence from the Mediterranean and the protection offered by the Montes de Malaga, which act as a barrier against weather systems from the north, all combine to give Malaga a fantastic year round climate. I was exhausted to walk too much but still wanted to see the Arena (La Malagueta) so just went for horse carriage ride - this was fun and chill time. Later stayed at the beach - was so nice! I didn't want to come back. Unfortunately everything what is nice finishes quickly. Definitely I will go back Malaga someday soon as it is only 3 hours flight from Belfast. I look forward seeing more and more. I have never seen so much in just 3 days ! Will do it more often!