Amandas Adventures in Spain

Well I have loved Estepona, there is something about it l can't put my finger on, I suppose it is the atmosphere, a mixture of bouyant and laid back. I have been here nearly 4 weeks, the time has flown!  I have got used to the strange chiming from the bell tower, ie at 6 in the morning it chimes 12 times, and it plays a Trumpton-like collection of notes that make a wierd tune at midday. Then it strikes 1 at quarter-past-whatever, 2 at half-past and 3 at quarter-to. All very confusing but it adds to the charm.  And l have got used to my little room in the hostel and pulling up the shutters in the morning to see the orange trees in the square and the mountains in the distance . (That's when l try NOT to think about the house l had in Valencia, with its' wonderfull views of the citrus groves and the mountains and the huge blue expanse of sky....it is a kind of torture that l have to refrain from, though it is bloody hard at times, wishing l hadn't sold it is, of course pointless) . I have got used to strolling to the beach and watching the boats and ships far away out on the sea, and to the square at night with the young and old all chatting away, a constant hum. I hadn't realised what a great art collection lies behind the doors of the Tourist Office, religious old oils, then upstairs a lovely collection of impressionist work by various Spanish artists and then a further floor with a great modern collection including Picasso, Miro.and many new young artists l had never heard of. Totally free to enter, aparently it is all owned by a Spanish actor. I also went to watch Flamenco, different again from the previous, the woman in a white flounced dress and holding a fan, twirling and stomping and a guy in a black suit whose feet moved so fast it reminded me of 'The Red Shoes', he looked almost posessed. I am catching the bus tomorrow for Malaga, 'Malaga Express', it takes 1 hour 15 minutes and costs 10 euros.  I have arranged to stay with a guy called David (!) via a site called airbandb, which l have not used before. I thought it would be good to stay with someone who knows the city.There were several options, but in the end l went for him due to an inner hunch, and the fact that  he has many great reviews for his hospitality and location of his apartment, and he is meeting me at the bus station.  I am expecting Malaga to be manic after the chilled vibe here, but I am sure it will be interesting. I am booked to stay there till Friday, when l meet up with another woman going up to do the Diverbo week in Corzolla. Oh, and going to look at a reposessed  apartment on the beach tomorrow before l leave, purely out of interest of course! Lots of love to everyone x