Day 1- Acapulco Playa

We arrived in Málaga at 10 am after an overnight flight. Alex's Dad kindly arranged a taxi for us so after hunting for our luggage, in the newly expanded baggage claim (Non EU section), we scanned all the taxi drivers holding signs until we saw one with "MacDonald" on it. This was the first time we had ever had this luxury! We always laugh at this anytime we arrive somewhere, and even made friends with a taxi driver holding a sign when we met Kevin at the Bali airport a few years back. We got a kick out of having our own private, prearranged car and driver- this was a first. When arriving to Nerja in the past, Alex would need to from the airport to the bus station and catch a bus  (hoping for the "Express" bus, Line 75) from Málaga 50 km to the coast, but this time we went in style! 


The landscape is breathtaking! I have never seen so many rolling mountains and green hills- they extend indefinitely in every direction. The air is cool and crisp, and the sun is shining. We take the "new" (10 years old) highway direct to Nerja for about an hour. The old road wound up and down- over the mountains and took twice as long. Although the new highway is more effecient and modern, the old road takes you down the shore and was the path to historic landmarks such as turrets. I'd have to keep my eyes open for one of those. 

There are greenhouses (main crop is tomatoes) and olive fields pressed on the side of steep cliffs. 

Pam & Grant are anxiously awaiting us. We slip on our bathing suites and head straight for the beach! 

Huge cliffs fall sharply to the sand below. Tropical plants and flowers blanket the edge and beach umbrellas are scattered down below. 

We are greeted by Paco, the fellow who runs the beach chairs in front of the Monte Mar Restaurant. He spots Alex from a mile away, and gives us a big hug as soon as we get within arm's reach. Paco shows us to our reserved chairs on the second row, and Grant & Pam take their place in front of us. Niccccce!! Time to kick back and relax!


We are introduced to Richard & Elsie Good (later to be referred to a Ricardo Y Chelsea Bueno) who are long time friends of the MacDonalds. Their daughters Liana & Vanessa are childhood friends of Jamie, Alex, Katie, Kristi & Andrew, and because of this the parents have become best friends. Being Scottish, there was an instant connection and the couples often plan their holidays at the same time as each other. 


We mosey over to Monte Mar for a fabulous Sunday lunch of paella especial! With sand under our feet, we enjoy fresh clams, mussels, lobster, peel & eat shrimp and chicken. It was delicious! 

I quickly learned that this trip was going to be an exploration in wonderful Spanish foods so now I intend to share my new found knowledge with you (hope you find the food as interesting as I do). For dinner that night, we dine on the patio of the small square under street lamps. Casa Luque also serves Carlos Imperial, a fine Spanish brandy. Salud! 

Next Adventure- España and Morocco!

I've really been looking forward to making the journey to Spain. Alex's family spent almost every summer holiday here as kids, and I've heard countless stories about their time there. Alex considers it his "first home," as it's been a constant throughout his entire life. No matter where else he's lived, their apartment in Spain was just a hop, skip and a jump away.

We were very thankful that Alex's Mum was able to stay at the house and look after Loki and Aries. It gave me great peace of mind, and I hope that she enjoyed her time here as well.


We would be based in Nerja, España which is located in a beautiful spot on this great Earth, along the Coasta del Sol. It's along Spain's Mediterranean Coast, about 50 km from Málaga. 

Alex's Dad first visited 37 years ago, after seeing an advertisement for it in a British travel magazine. Alex was 2 weeks old when they purchased a small apartment hanging over the edge of a massive cliff, which overlooks a stunning coastline and a full moon. It was love at first sight. 

As kids, Alex and his brothers and sisters spent their summers here- they have memories about eating fruit on the beach, playing mini golf, sneaking into the pool late a night, jumping off the highest cliffs, getting into mischief at the Tutti Fruit, making life long friends and much more. 


I was really excited to get there and experience it for myself! And so, the adventures continue.. 

AHH! More on Roatan ASAP- gotta write about Spain while it's fresh on my mind.