The best days are those that start off looking as if they might be exactly the opposite.
That’s what happened on the penultimate day of our Spanish adventure when both Ellie and I woke up (thanks to a drunken lad imitating an alarm clock) slightly grumpy and not in the mood to do anything much at all until our planned activity of Parasailing in the late afternoon.
By mid-morning we were both a little restless and a lot cheerier so decided that actually we’d jump on a train and re-visit Fuengirola; a mere 16 minute journey from where we were staying and see if we could find what all the fuss was about (turns out we were un-impressed last year because we went completely the wrong way out of the train station and got somewhat lost for hours).
From the moment we headed the correct way out of the station the day improved vastly. First up was lunch. We both wanted something plain and simple and whilst wandering around in search of a sandwich were directed to a newly taken over cafe/bar. We previously had ignored all invitations to check various places out but something about this one made us visit and we left with happy stomachs AND happy wallets.
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| casually swinging whilst waiting for lunch |
After lunch we took a wander through the tourist shops (can’t get enough of them!) and along the front by the port. Our parasailing was booked for 5pm so having found a shaded spot for me and a sunny spot for Ellie we settled ourselves down for a blissful few hours on one of the nicest beaches ever. Even the sea was on my side. I was somewhat fearful after the vicious wave in Torremolinos but a paddle in the tepid water soon got me back in the swing of things.
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| taking it easy |
I’ll leave our parasailing adventures to speak for themselves via the photos but if you are ever in the area I highly recommend booking with Pirate Parasailing. For 40 euros each we had an hour and a half boat trip and a good ten minutes up in the air. I can’t explain what it felt like to be up there…so peaceful and surreal. You could see for miles and miles and everything slowed down.
The instructors were fantastic too, such a hilarious duo but at the same time excellent at what they do- those guys know their stuff.
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| about to get properly dunked |
We were on such a high after that experience and headed straight off to get a cooling fro-yo just too add some sugar to that high.
(White chocolate on fro-yo is divine, just for information!)
(White chocolate on fro-yo is divine, just for information!)
We headed back to the hotel to find a wonderful invitation waiting for us.
Our friend from last year, Rami (the hotel owner’s brother) had managed to get the restaurant he was planning last year open in time for our final night!
It was invite only and we soon dressed up and headed on down to Blankko
The photos we took just can’t do it justice. There are some incredible ones on the facebook page too but still, you just have to go there.
The food was hands down the best I’ve ever eaten. So beautifully prepared, presented and served. We both had fish dishes but there was meat and surprisingly vegetarian options too (rare in Spain). We got to sample a couple of the starters which were out of this world, as were the desserts we ordered.
The best part?
2 mains, 2 desserts and 4 drinks came to 40 euros.
Fine dining experience at bog standard prices.
Amazing.
Our friend did us proud and I wish him and his team nothing but success for their new venture. I’d pay to go for the views alone, and it is also the perfect place to go during the day for a coffee and reading session.
We went to bed that night so happy and full of life.
It was the perfect ending to THE most perfect holiday. Ellie makes for the best travel buddy ever; languages teachers tend to have that talent.
(and we spent our last day roasting on the beach before a final drink at Blankko and dragging ourselves to Malaga airport)
The End.
What is your most perfect holiday memory?
xxx
I’m so happy for you! Everything here looks absolutely wonderful. The restaurant is incredibly gorgeous, I can only imagine how amazing it must have been. Your parasailing adventure is extremely impressive! Even better that you got such wonderful photos to take away from it too. I love your positivity, you are so fabulous.
Fuengirola is lovely! Glad you enjoyed your holiday, gorgeous piccys x
What an amazing finale to your holiday! Parasailing looks so much fun, I’d never thought about it before but having seen your photos I’d love to do it!! I’ve always wanted to do a skydive but now with my dodgy ears I’m not sure it’s possible – this looks like the next best thing. I think it’s so sweet that your friend invited you both to the restaurant, it looks and sounds perfect. The views – ahhh! xx
Awww wow it looks like an amazing holiday, this summer has just been the best hasn’t it? xoxo
That sounds like an amazing day, I’ve always wanted to try parasailing! Xx
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a big wonderful smile from you!you look so happy in these holiday snaps. So glad you had a great time! Xx
Sounds like you had an amazing time! 🙂
My favourite holiday memory is getting lost in Japan with my friends – we were not scared at all even though we had no idea where we are. We went to buy some coffee and stood by a bridge watching the lovers walk by the water beneath us. After a while we chose a direction and ended up back with our tour group just in time.
This looks like so much fun!
Maria xxx
The best day ever! xxx
Just read all three of your holiday posts, and this is such a snapshot of what holidays mean to me. Coming home feeling ready to the world on, and spending time doing things purely for the pleasure of them.
So pleased you had a wonderful time.