Tuesday - Thursday: Benidorm

The destination of part two of my trip to Spain caused quite some weird looks on most people's faces when telling them about it, including my own. Over here Benidorm is known as the place where retired people or fat English tourists go to and I have to say that this prejudice was true for most part. Of course other kind of people come there as well, but it's not really my most beloved holiday destination ever.

But, I wasn't there of course for the place itself, I was there to visit Charlotte and see her life. ;) The nine hour bus ride from Malaga had been rather uneventful and mainly deadly tiring due to no sleep at all. Therefore I was extra happy to hear that Charlotte had to work for a couple more hours after I arrived and I had the possibility to borrow her bed for a while. It had only been about two weeks since I last saw her, but still it was great to be with her again for a while and gossip all day long. :P

The first day was still a working day for her, but as there were almost no hotel customers for her that week, we could still spend it all together and sit in the hotel lobby with a drink waiting for possible guests with questions. Furthermore we made a walk though Benidorm, of which the old city centre is actually quite nice. The huge hotel buildings ruin the view of the rest of the city, but it's perfect for the tourists that go there.

The second day we met up with Karolien, a colleague of Charlotte, and went to the pool of one of the hotels in the neighbourhood. I don't think this was entirely allowed, but nobody said anything anyway... My first real tan of the year was gotten there and it felt nice to just relax for an entire day, read magazines, talk and go for a swim (in the really cold water) once in a while.

Karolien on top, below Charlotte and the swimming pool

Slightly red but very rested we went to a Chinese restaurant for my last night, where as always too much food for too few people was served. Very yummy though and with full stomachs we walked around a bit more and eventually went to bed at a decent time. Contrary to Charlotte and Karolien, no early rise for me. There was enough time to quietly wake up and pack my things, before heading to Charlotte's hotel and the bus ticket office. For lunch I refound my Belgian feeling by buying a sandwich in a real Belgian butchery and at twelve I hugged Charlotte goodbye again and left to the airport. Now it will take until November at least to see her back but luckily there is internet and a phone. :)

After a way too long wait and three gate changes, I finally boarded the airplane where a literally big surprise was awaiting me. I suppose the same won't be available on tomorrow's flight...

Hasta luego! ;)

Friday - Monday: Rincón de la Victoria

First I'd like to start with some good advise, do NOT go to work for part of the day on the same day when catching a flight to start your holidays. You hardly get any work done anyway and the level of stress rises in a way that is not suitable for an already stressful day. :P

So, after half a day of work, a drive home, short tram ride, hour on train, two hours at airport and three hours on the flight, I arrived in one piece together with my luggage at Malaga where Pablo awaited me. ^^ After about half a year it was really great to see him back and be able to spend some time with him again. His house is located on a great spot and also inside its really cosy. His family was incredibly nice to me so I felt very comfortable and very happy that I could stay there. :)

On the first night we went for dinner, ice cream and a walk in the centre of Rincón. I like the place, even though it seems to be quite crowded in July. :P The following day was mainly spent in Malaga for the graduation of his sister and some shopping and in the evening Singstar, Catan and Chinese food was on the menu at the place of some friends. I have to admit I was not such a star at singing their Spanish hits (neither the English songs, but anyway ;) ), but I honestly would like to see their scores when having to sing some to them utterly unknown Belgian songs. :P It was a very funny night anyway. :)

The next day was mainly spent at Nerja, a place not that far from Malaga where it is more quiet and beautiful to go to the beach. I loved it due to it's location and even more so when the sun started to set. In the afternoon we played one of the more crazy games I ever saw, Munchkin, and later by having a photo shoot of the scenery.

Monday was my last day in southern Spain and we mainly hung out in the town, had lunch and drinks and played some more games. Then around midnight Pablo drove me to the city centre where my bus to the next stop of my trip was awaiting me. I hate saying goodbye and also this time it made me somewhat emotional, but I am happy that I could have such a great time with great people who I hope to meet again in the near future :)

Last minute

The rush at work will continue for just a few more hours tomorrow morning,before driving home, grabbing my semi packed bags and getting to the train which will bring me to the airport. I am a very last minute person, something I don't always appreciate, especially not when it keeps me much longer at work (like today) or if I totally stress out when I have only 3 minutes to catch some kind of transport and still miss out on 5 vital items. I am very much looking forward to my upcoming trip to Spain. It will be short but I hope great. :) On thing I sure won't miss can be seen here... True summer over here.