Malaga dispatch

Just home from a 4 day stay in the 3000 year-old Mediterranean city of Malaga. Founded by the Phoenicians (the walls and foundations of some of their buildings are still extant), occupied by the Romans, who built a large amphitheatre, then the Moors, whose influence is seen everywhere, especially in the Alcazaba, a tremendous fortress that stretches half way up a coastal mountain, to the Spanish themselves, who let the side down a little with a distinctly lack-lustre cathedral.

The weather was pleasantly warm and fine; certainly in comparison with the 0-5 degree temperature range we have seen at home throughout February. And our hotel, one of the state owned "Parador" group which is situated right next to the highest part of the aforementioned medieval fortress, offering stunning views across the city, views which changed dramatically over the course of the day. Yesterday, the warmest day, was marked by the appearance of a thick smog-line stretching for some distance inland. Good, then, to be situated well above it, looking down. My God though, this place must be roasting as the summer proper kicks in (the locals, to judge by their multiple layers of clothing rounded off by puffy jackets, still consider this to be the heart of winter).

The Picasso museum is notable, with examples of the Great One's work from the 1890s right up to 1974, though the museum of contemporary art was a big disappointment- all on one floor, most of it occupied by an exhibition of a Brit artist called Richard Deacon. Interesting, I grant, but what else have they got? Nothing appears to be the answer.

All in all, a rewarding little trip: I recommend it, but for no more than 3 nights- you'll run out of things to do, unless you like lazing by the pool. In which case you'll be like a pig in shit!