18th November, 2017 - Malaga Spain - Our Segway Odyssey

Prior to our departure from Melbourne we had discussed the possibility of riding Segways in one of the Ports.  Not sure that Jeanette ever took this too serious but today is the day.The weather continues to improve and we wake to the most perfect morning.  Malaga is the lively exuberant Capital of the Costa del Sol, famed for its beaches and mild climate.    It is also the gateway to Andalusia, with its Moorish Architectural influence.  The City's Alcazaba is a fine example with an 11th Century Citadel overlooking the African Coast.  It contains 3 magnificent palaces and graceful gardens with ornate fountains.  Picasso is the most famous citizen , he was born here in Malaga.  

The ship berths at the pier just 200 metres from the foreshore of Malaga.   We remember Malaga as a beautiful seaside resort town, we stayed just up the freeway from beautiful Malaga at a MacDonalds timeshare resort and had a most enjoyable time.

So there was both a degree of excitement and apprehension as we exited the ship, walked from the boardwalk into the central crossing into the city.  We immediately found the Segway operator following initial queries at the Information Centre.

We found the shop and there was another young couple also waiting for the 10.00am Tour.  But before the tour we had to sign in and be given instructions as to the riding and then what was planned for the 2-3 hours.

We signed the multiple disclaimers and were given safety vests and helmets.  Then we were taken out into ther alleyway , where the fun of getting on and then off occurred for the first time.  One of the other party had previously ridden Segways and was quickly into riding and turning.

Ken and the other younger woman was next to be shown.  It is a simple matter of leaning forward and then sideways and backwards, once you gain your balance and trust the Segway  .  Ken started slowly and was open in having little confidence, but by two "slow" trips up the alleyway and then a very slow turn to come back , he had grasped the fundamentals.  

Jeanette was last in being shown how, and after some initial difficulty in taking out a sign, she also quite quickly mastered the way to manage and move the Segway.  Now the most difficult thing to do is to stop and get off the thing.  Yet we all had to do such before being permitted to commence our tour.  you are told that you need to get both feet off at the same time, by stepping backwards.  now that sounds easy , but the Segway wants to move forward if you still have one foot on it.  We took some time.  We are now ready to depart..  We had to leave the office in Trinidad Grund,8. which is an alley way, work our way back into the main tourist areas as a starting point and negotiate through the general area.  We had to then cross the main boulevard de Alemada Principal, via traffic lights for pedestrians.  This was initially stressful as we had to gain confidence in what we were doing on the Segway individually and as a group then cross the lights mixed in with hundreds of tourists.

But we got there with our guide leading , the experienced person next then the 2 ladies and Jeanette in front of Ken who brought up the rear.

We travelled relatively quickly into several squares including one with Picasso's statue at the square outside the Museo Casa Natal, where there is the Picasso collection on display.  We are quickly gaining confidence and thoroughly enjoying the trip through the various city areas then make our way through a range of walkways to Marquis de Larios, an upmarket international stores area,  then along San Agustin to Granada  and the beautiful Plaza de La Merced.   We now have to ride on roads into the hilly area where the Archeological Exhibition Hall of the Alcazaba is located then we climb the hill and gardens area to take in stunning views overlooking the city and the Bull ring ( no longer used).   We are beside a 5 star hotel with stunning views back over this beautiful city from the Castle of Gibralfaro .  At the heart of the City is the beautiful Cathedral of Malaga which features 17th Century carved choir stalls, fine pictures and 103 carved saints.    It was constructed in 16th Century and is certainly one of the finest examples of Spanish Renaissance Architecture.   It took over 200 years to complete.  But it is magnificent.  We stopped and stood out front on our Segways in the beautiful square.  

Now we are quite confident then have to make the exciting trip down the twisting roads from the gardens at the top town 2km of twisting and winding roads.  but we quickly realise that the Segway once balanced is a wonderful apparatus.  We come down quickly, then we visit several areas where there are significant Spanish history , before we cross over to the parklands  called Passeo de Park  and we traverse these beautiful cooling gardens.  From here we then cross Passeo Los Curas and enter Muelle 1 which is a promenade of up market shops and restaurants fronting the marina and Bay are where the Cruise Terminal is located.  this called Palmeral de Las Sorpresas.  We go wizzing up and down ramps and this is really enjoyable.  We now have a great view of the foreshore and the cruise terminal Terminal de Cruceros. 

We now have to make our way back along this promenade and then cross lights with pedestrians.  We are all excited, we have done well, and we have seen at close hand the spectacular walkways and malls of the rejuvenated city centre.

We get back have photos taken and can say we have had a great experience and will do it again.

We decide to walk back into the city shopping area and again to the square where the Cathedral or Basilica is situated.  There are now hundreds of people about.  But we have enjoyed the whole experience.   There has been a fortune spent to update and enhance the walking and comfort of visitors.  Yes the seaside location makes it beautiful, but the whole environment is just superb.

Tapas are a way of life here, we stop for a selection for pre lunch.    We sample Mosto, the sweet white wine made from muscat grapes.

We then decided to return to the ship following a wonderful morning.  we arrive back at 3.00pm have a light meal in waves, then a swim and the hot afternoon sun is indeed wearing.  

We then decide to join the formal afternoon high- tea served in the lounge on 15th floor with music from a string quartet.   

It is also Chris's birthday so we make the call to widh him a Happy birthday and talk to the family.

Dinner is in the Italian Restaurant with friends.   It has been a special day in many ways Great fun on the Segway, perfect weather, excellent company and beautiful meal in a superb city.