Change of Scenery
After what was said to be the darkest winter on record in Germany, I was craving sunshine and needed out of Berlin. Fortunately I had a trip planned to the south of Spain for the BodaF wedding photography conference, and I was lucky to have Andreas join me for a weekend in Malaga before the conference started. While it wasn’t exactly warm and we found ourselves shivering from not wearing enough layers, we soaked up all the sun we could get.
I had visited Malaga for about an hour almost ten years ago, when a friend and I were catching the bus to Granada. This trip we explored the streets walking aimlessly (my favorite way to get to know a city) and were charmed by the small city’s architecture and lovely people. At one bar the older men sitting next to us bought us a glass of sparkling wine for no apparent reason even though they didn’t speak a lick of English, and another night out, a nice guy struck up a conversation with us and then proceeded to offer us some of his cheese plate. After 4 1/2 years in Germany, that sort of thing is slightly shocking to me now- and to Andreas as well. No offense to my German friends, but I have grown pretty used to not striking up conversations with strangers (which is much more common in the US) and cannot remember a time a random stranger bought me a drink. Our first night in town we got caught in a rain storm without umbrellas and got completed soaked and of course it stopped raining the minute after I bought an umbrella :) but I now have a 3€ rainbow kid’s umbrella in case I ever need one.
As someone who comes from one of the most perfect climates in the world, winter loses its appeal for me after the snow melts, or after the forth month of darkness, I am not sure which. I think next year we need to find a way to escape for at least a couple weeks in February so I don’t risk turning into a grumpy old lady like I did this year. Thankfully it seems after a few days of sunshine and now with a hotel balcony with a view of the Mediterranean (where I am finishing this blog post) I am back to my old self.
If you make it to Malaga, make sure to stop at La Tranca for some beer, tapas and people watching. We got there early and snagged a seat at the bar and watched the place fill up with locals, who were singing louder and louder as the night went on. Order the empanadas and toasts, you will thank me.
12 Comments
Danielle
February 27, 2013Gorgeous shots! I haven’t been to Malaga for nearly 10 years either, and I didn’t nearly appreciate it as much as I could’ve then. Would love to go back for a change of scenery, too :) glad you enjoyed it.
Lindsey
February 27, 2013I think Berlin may actually be in a worse state than Paris! I applaud you for escaping when you could. These shots look full of Vitamin D and good spirits. Also, LOVING your hair like this! The longer it gets, the more mermaid-like it looks and in my book, that’s a very good thing. Soak up the good vibes (literally) while you can!
Jay
February 27, 2013It looks lovely!
The sun has been out here for several days and I feel like a whole new person! I find myself stopping and just soaking it in. I suppose that is what winter does – helps us to appreciate warmer & sunnier weather!
Jess {JessinBelgium}
February 27, 2013So many Brussels expats go to Malaga during the winter months that it has never been at the top of list of places to visit… but these photos have certainly just changed that! Lindsey is right as well – your hair is gorgeous! Love those shots by the purple flowers. Enjoy! Spring is (hopefully) just around the corner!
Emily Schmader
February 27, 2013What a great little get-away! The sunny views and blue skies look so cheerful. Spring cannot come soon enough!
Giulia
February 27, 2013Yes to escaping the grey. While I don’t enjoy the cold Canadian winter, the one thing I have to say is that with the cold we get sunny days and blue skies and that makes all the difference. I remember all the grey winter days while living in Zurich and Paris and I don’t miss that at all.
We escaped the cold to visit Florida and it makes all the difference. I love the shade of blue you captured in your photos. Lovely photos as per usual.
Lena
February 27, 2013What gorgeous photos! Our CEO grew up in Malaga and he’s always trying to convince me to make the trip–between the two of you, I’m sold!
And that boat named “Princeton” just tugged at my homey heartstrings!
Prêt à Voyager / Anne
February 27, 2013Looks dreamy! I’m trying to soak in the sun from your pics :)
krystal/village
March 4, 2013beautiful photos! i have been recommended to visit malaga…might need to put it on my list!
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Monica
March 5, 2013Oh, what a great escapade! I spent 2 weeks in Malaga last summer, and this had brought back so many memories. It is such a great city, and as you described, also very friendly! Thank you for such a sunny glimpse. I am also in dire need of sunshine, the weather in Montreal has been horrible (then again it always is in the winter).
Rebecca
March 8, 2013Love these! Just looking at photos of sunshine does me good. :)