The bionic man returns

It was a real pleasure to meet up last night with our good friend Gerry who, due to deteriorating health problems, had to sell up and leave Olvera over a year ago and return to the UK.
Since then, he's undergone a heart operation, replacement of a hip and clearly received regular doses of the elixir of youth as he looks about ten years younger than when he left.

We chatted over a delicious steak at the Bar Avenida, catching up on news and it was great to see such a fantastic change in his well being, mobility and general health.
Well done mate, keep the physio going and hopefully it won't be too long before you return.

Sunday sun

A pleasant 20°C at about 9.30 this morning, so I thought I'd get a little overdue exercise with a walk to the far end of town.
Here, a sunny but deserted Calle Llana.

Calle Calvario.

On the Avenida Julián Besteiro looking back to the castle.

I took a slight diversion into a street that I don't think I've ever mentioned before on the blog nor previously visited, Calle Gongora.

Calle Greco off Gongora.

I sat for a while in the Parque Entracaminos with the bar El Parque on the right. Superb value tapas can be had here.

It may be autumn but this flower was in beautiful bloom.

The pleasant park area near to the "Residencia de ancianos" (old peoples residence) on Calle Vereda de Pino.

The view to the south from the park.








On the way home, a car decorated for a wedding. We'll no doubt hear the car horns later, as is the tradition here, when the bride, groom and guests parade in convoy through the streets to celebrate the occasion.

Malaga and Monet

We headed south to Malaga this morning with the intention of visiting an exhibition of art at the Carmen Thyssen Museum.

In particular, Anne was interested in seeing paintings by her favourite artist Claude Monet amongst the art being displayed.

Arriving at just after ten, we parked the car in a nearby car park and walked through the pedestrianised area of Marques de Larios, heading for the Plaza de la Constitución, just beyond which was the museum.

Malaga is a very modern and cosmopolitan city, as reflected in the statues and shops along the street.

We stopped off at one of the many bars and restaurants for a couple of very expensive coffee's......no Olvera prices here!.

The pretty Plaza de la Constitución is at the end of the pedestrianised area.

Here, a classical picture of beauty to match any old master.
























The museum was just around the corner from the Plaza

We paid our entrance fee of €4 each and were directed to the lift taking us to the third floor.
The young desk clerk did look at me however and asked if I was entitled to a concession for pensioners....I should have said yes.
Now, where's that Nivea skin lotion and cement!!.

Photos were not permitted except in the patio area near to the entrance.

Arriving on the third floor, we admired the paintings, trying to spot a Monet or three. In the end, after wandering around for a while, Anne asked one of the many assistants, who directed us to the only Monet in the exhibition, "The House among the Roses" pictured right.

Yes, there were other old masters exhibiting, including Picasso, Mattise and Miró but only ONE Monet.

Disappointed, more so for Anne, we left the building and with no plan B headed to the nearby Cathedral.

Heading back to the car we stopped for some burger comfort in Burger King, which was ideally situated near to the car park.
To cap it all, on exiting Malaga I took a wrong turn that eventually led, after visits to several trading estates and lots of right, left and u turns, to the airport complex and even then I went around it twice.

So after being asked if I qualified as a pensioner, disappointment for Anne at not seeing more Monet's and an unwanted drive around Malaga, a very frustrating end to a quite disappointing day.

Coffee and commendations

Having not been for a while, we walked up to the top of town this morning to Bar Valentinos.

On a lovely warm morning, we sat on what must be one of the most pleasant patio area's in Olvera, as always enjoying the fabulous views.

It was also pleasing to see that the bar has been awarded a certificate of excellence from the travel site Tripadvisor, recognising the friendly and superb service provided by Ian and Laurie, also reflected in the reviews received from their visitors.

After sitting for an hour or so we headed home, walking down through the narrow streets of the "Barrio de la Villa" , the area that in ancient and historic times lay within the walls of the castle.

There's always something for Calcetines to sniff at.

Plaza de la Concordia

A beautiful day, about 30°C and a pleasant breeze. Just nice to sit, talking to our friend Sergio and watching the world go by, as we did this morning in the Plaza de la Concordia.

The patio area outside Bar La Jarrita.