It’s the first sea day of this journey – hello from 150nm off the Morocco coast on the way to the island of Madeira 🇵🇹

Had a great day touring Málaga, Spain yesterday. I had booked a tour to Granada to see the Alhambra, but due to a transport strike I had to stay local to where we docked. 

Málaga is a Mediterranean resort city in Andalusia, and it’s easy to see the allure for Northern Europeans seeking sun. Beaches, history and a walkable old town make it a great holiday.  It’s where Picasso was born and where Rafael Nadal played his last match about a week ago. 

I visited Castle Gibralfaro, an old fortress with amazing hilltop views of the city. Thankful for a hop-on hop-off bus to haul me up there 😁. 

My favorite stop was the next one – the Alcazaba. With a Roman theater and a Moorish palace to explore, I easily spent 90 minutes climbing its various levels. I’m always fascinated by the Islamic influence throughout Europe: the geometric designs and horseshoe arches, the great care in moving water and designing irrigation, the very livable palaces.   The Alcazaba had it all. 

Museo de Picasso was a must – and while not as good as the one in Barcelona, it’s always nice to spend some time reviewing the master’s work. 

Even though we were 3500 miles from the United States, the ship made sure to celebrate American Thanksgiving appropriately 🦃

A few hours after we left Málaga, we had one of the highlights of the trip – passing through the Strait of Gibraltar. Although it was night, I could still make out the Rock. it was fun to view Europe from one side the ship, walk across the deck and view Africa from the other. 

Looking forward to Madeira tomorrow!