We docked at about 7.30 this morning in Malaga. We had to rise a little earlier than usual today because our trip to Mijas started at 8.30! My cheek was getting ever more sore and tender so I had to have a soft breakfast. I excluded pineapple from the fruit salad so it was mostly melon, bananas and peaches. Scrambled egg and bread, with the crusts removed, followed. J also had fruit but he had egg, bacon and sausage and toast. We were on to the coach and off 5 minutes before start time. Once out of Malaga we travelled through farming country. The area produces all kinds of fruit - oranges, lemons, grapes, bananas, plums, pears, apples, figs, peaches, avacados, mangos and melons as well as sugar cane, sugar beet, sweet potatos and olives. The land supports little livestock apart from goats, and goat cheese is produced.
We passed through several new towns, including Alhourín which provide more affordable housing than Malaga itself. The mountain range, Sierra Nevada, was barely visible because of the morning mist. We continued on a winding mountain road to Mijas. This is a village which has become very popular as a tourist attraction. Approaching it from above we stopped for a touristic view down towards the village.
Once the coach was parked in the what appeared to be the only car/coach park we had the option to go with the Guide or to spend the time allotted doing our own exploring. We ended doing the second by default as we went into a souvenir shop and when we came out the others had departed! It really is a charming village, all whitewashed houses, mostly decorated with hanging potted plants. Its very hilly, some streets literally being flights of steps. Being hilly it is difficult to walk far.
However, for the brave there are donkeys waiting ready to take riders on their backs and for the feint hearted there is horse and carriage transport in abundance.
We did not avail ourselves of either. We escaped to a cafe and had chocolate caliente (hot chocolate) al fresco (out of doors). We bought some souvenirs, wandered around, visited a church dedicated to San Sebastian, and sat on a wall just enjoying the sunshine.
At 11.30 we were almost all assembled in the coach awaiting departure. Two people were late! I was now concerned that I would not be back in time for my dental appointment! However we were soon on the road again going to the coast at Fuengirola and travelling on the coast road back to Malaga. There is a tremendous amount of redevelopment going on, blocks of flats as well as individual houses. We eventually arrived back after negotiating road works, at 12.45. I just had time to down a bowl of soup before going to reception to meet the Agent who would direct me to the Dentist. He arrived promptly at 1.10 and escorted me to a waiting taxi. The driver took me to the dentist, took me in, up in the lift and handed me over to the receptionist. After a short wait I was shown in and the Dentist repaired my tooth. She bent the peg back into place and remodelled the tooth. It was OK for biting on right away - no waiting for two hours before eating. At 2pm the taxi driver returned and took me back to the Black Prince. The taxi cost me 20Euros and the filling 60Euros. Was I glad to get it done!
Back on board I spent an hour out on deck enjoying the sunshine. I tried to read but kept dropping off to sleep! At 3.15 I returned to J who had had a sleep too! We went for a cuppa and cake in the Lido lounge before going out, intending to visit the cathedral, but by the gates to the docks we saw an open decker tourist bus so we decided to go on this. We had an hour and a half tour round the city seeing all the sights which we would otherwise have missed. It was an added bonus and all for 23Euros for the two of us including earphones through which we listened to a commentary about the tour in English. I tried to take some photos but the camera was playing tricks and did not do what I told it to!
After our return I just had time to upload the photos from the camera and begin the diary before getting ready for dinner. Our meal tonight was delightful as ever. I had smoked salmon with asparagus, leg of lamb with veg and a black cherry ice cream with lemon sauce. We had coffee/tea in the Neptune lounge but did not stay for the entertainment. Otherwise I would never get this diary written up. Its quite a time consuming exercise. It's a good way of reminding myself of what we did and might possibly be of interest to others!