A Sampling of Andalusia

The second Christmas I spent in Europe. Using my improved understanding of European climate distribution in Winter, I convinced my parents to choose Southern Spain (having scouted out Malaga myself in March) as our Christmas destination. Fuengiralo turned out to be a good choice to stay, not big enough to sprawl, but also big enough to have every shop we needed in walking distance. The only downside is that its main attraction is the beach, with mainly modern condos and not much historical heritage left. (as befitting of an area Rick Steves once suggested to skip over) And so we broke up the 2 week holiday with rest days intersected by day trips to neighbouring cities.

Granada (1hr40mins drive)

The Alhambra was the planned highlight of the trip, the hook. Although to be honest I only remembered to book tickets for it 1 week in advance. I also panicked when I saw that no tickets were left during our stay, but thankfully when I (wisely) checked again the next day some more tickets popped up! Thank you Winter, I can't imagine fighting for this ticket in summer. There were some convenient director's chair (or Savonarola chair) facing the fountain so I took a seat while sketching (also kept me away from pedestrian foot traffic) 

 

There were lots of people taking photos around the water, so I hid myself behind a hedge.

Fuengirola (home base)

Nothing of the sort I usually sketch, but the beach was indeed fantastic. Although I did almost leave my sketchbook behind when trying to get sand out of my shoes. Thankfully there weren't much foot traffic at that specific bench, so my sketchbook was still at the same place when we went back 20 mins later.

Mijas (15 mins drive)

A nice village up hill from Fuengirola, with a brand new multi-level parking lot that only charges 1 Euro max per day (and a lot of donkey pimps)

Ronda (1hr30mins drive)

Absolutely the best sketching experience. There was a lookout platform that was popular with tourists posing for photos, but, under the platform there was enough space to sit with open view to the canyon, yet unseen by the tourists on top. As I was doing the finishing touches, 3 little children decided to sit down to my right on the steps that lead down to the canyon and watch me work. Which was interesting because I myself usually choose places that don't block traffic flow, but they were definitely blocking normal traffic. But again, I'm not their parents so...whatever. They were watching so intently and silently I felt kind of awkward packing up and leave. But there came a point I really can't pretend to put more stuff onto the page, so I had to pack and leave. The kids, again, said nothing when I left. Nor did their guardians show up (strange)

Gibraltar/La Linea (2hr drive)

New Year's Eve in La Linea, with the Rock of Gibraltar half visible from the hotel balcony

Tarifa

Only by divine intervention did we manage to find a parking spot here. It was pretty crazy to see the African continent so close.