Days 99-114, 19 September - 4 October 2014, Downtown Fuengirola.

Never fear, still alive and still here - in Spain that is. Though off to France in just a few days on 9 October. It's been a while since I wrote but realistically mostly "same old" - markets (figs for €2.50/kg!!! just had to be done), learning more Spanish (and torturing more locals with it) and, of course, keeping my five furry little pals company. You may remember there being only four originally, but such is the nature of pets in Spain - very few owners start out with more than one, but cats adopt new humans every day. A little grey stray who was hanging around since before I arrived has been officially welcomed to the family proving that persistence (and being a gorgeous and good natured little fella) will eventually pay off. One of my owners returned from the UK last week for a fleeting visit and that was fun - threw caution to the winds and joined him on the scooter into town for a couple of good old-fashioned Spanish dinners out (first was Chinese and second was at La Casa Rustica - solid French style cookery there - lots of lovely mushroom and pepper sauces!) Scooters of all sizes and shapes are phenomenally popular here since petrol works out to around A$2.30 a litre and scooters drink a lot less than "los coches". First owner went back to the UK and second owner arrived home, so once the little guys were returned to the tender, loving care of their original humans it was time for me to have a holiday. That's right. Having been slogging it out for the past 10 weeks with this housesitting caper, swimming, getting up late, taking day trips around Andalucia and haunting the local markets (and with no weekends, public holidays or time off), I definitely deserve a break and a chance to soak up some bright lights, music, and long walks on the beach before heading to a potentially very rural and solitary stay in south west France for 8 weeks. Yesterday was "travel day" and I managed (just) to shove all my old stuff, plus my new stuff into my backpack and a cabin bag. Unfortunately still had a supermarket bag of "extras". Really going to have to do some focussed repacking before Thursday methinks. Didn't so much jump on the bus down the hill as heave bags and self onto bus, but easy enough and the savings made over taking a taxi paid for last night's 3 course Chinese meal down Fish Alley/Calle Moncayo. Where am I now? In a nifty little Hostal (which is more "budget hotel" than "hostel" as Australians understand it). In a cute and very quiet pedestrianised street, no more than two minutes walk to the beach, the main square, a supermarket, and, well, pretty much everywhere. I took the opportunity to walk as the sun went down last night and walked and walked and walked - along the beach front in the direction of Marbella, checking out the restaurants, bars and tourist "shoppes". A snail could well have overtaken me, but the stroll was phenomenally enjoyable. I saw that it was superdraw night in the Euromillions and I paid my "bad at maths" gamblers tax and exchanged €2 for a ticket in the big draw. Bad news is I didn't win a cracker. Good news is that no-one won the €100 million - so it's up to €111 million for the Tuesday night draw. Will just have to buy another darn ticket. Had an excellent nights sleep on very squishy and comfy bed - will really enjoy my 6 nights here. Woke up this morning and it was just getting light at 8 am - so jumped up (well... lurched is probably more accurate), hauled some gears on and nipped down to the beach for sunrise. First thing in the morning would be the absolute quietest time of day in Fuengirola. Revellers probably been home since 6 or 7 am so it's only the walkers, joggers and fishermen out and about. Was just in time for sunrise (see the album) and had a great walk. The Paseo Maritimo, (Promenade/Boulevard/La Corniche) is around 11 km - so seemingly neverending - not sure I'll make it from end to end on this trip. Hunted some brekkie and made a visit to the tourist office to investigate the Feria (Fair/Festival) that starts on Monday. Last but not least, a final visit to CUDECA's thrift shop. This is the Skin Cancer Charity here on the Costa del Sol/Coast of the Sun. They have a great book section, all 50 cents and I picked up a bargain miniature French/English dictionary. Could well come in handy this time next week. What are my plans for my "town time" vacation? Lots more walking, visiting the Feria, dinner on the beach, taking myself out for a drink and tapas at some stage and, most definitely, Churros y Chocolate - that's Spanish doughnut sticks dipped in melted chocolate. Adios Amigos!