Three years ago we were last in Andalusia at the invitation of our old neighbors from Huizen in Holland, so it was about time for a new visit!

This year we decided to go on a round trip to see more of beautiful Andalusia. The kids looked after each other and our 2 dogs at home in the Netherlands, so we could leave together safely. We flew to Málaga and were again able to enjoy the hospitality of Jan and Marita in their beautiful casa near Canillas de Aceituno. Two wonderful, pleasant and relaxing days we talked, walked in the campo, swam, lazed and enjoyed the Spanish cuisine, including Chivo (goat), the local specialty in restaurant La Sociedad, in Canillas de Aceituno and green curry with shrimps on the beach in Torre del Mar, my favorite resort.

On Saturday morning we said goodbye and left for Seville, where we arrived in the afternoon after a beautiful journey through vast fields of olive trees, sunflowers and here and there of course the Osborne bull. On the way we drove into a village for a nice cup of coffee in a real Spanish bar with super friendly people who didn't speak a word of English (and we spoke little Spanish). However, that is never a problem here, the people are so nice and helpful, you can also get along well with sign language !

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Every so often we love to spend some time in Málaga which is around 1 hours drive from where we live in the mountain village of Sedella. Málaga can often be overlooked by it's more celebrated neighbors Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada but in our opinion it has an equal amount to offer and is our favorite city to immerse ourselves in the history, culture and thriving bar and restaurant scene. There are a great selection of hotels in the city including The Petit Palace, The Larios and a new hotel called Casa Miraflores where we stayed recently. Situated in the Casco Antiguo (historic centre) it is an old town house which has been totally renovated to a very high standard. The rooms are located around a central Andalusian Patio and there is a comfortable lounge area on the top floor. Breakfast is included in the price.

This was a great base for us food lovers. As soon as we stepped out of the hotel onto the street we were surrounded by tapas bars, restaurants and bars where you can eat Málaga's famous pescaito frito (fried fish)! 

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After fourteen years living in this beautiful part of Spain I should be used to the views. The mountain that shields us from the harsh Granada winters, the chance to see the Atlas mountains in the distance and the the rugged hills filled with olive and almond trees. I don't think I will ever grow tired of the scenery. As the day turns to night and the seasons change so does the countryside. The colours and the cloud formations, the shadows and the light. Mount Maroma sits behind the village and it's look changes by the hour. It was these absolutely amazing views that inspired me to write the books.

We moved house and with the house came a dog. Florentinos' owner works long hours and it was decided I would walk him. I became his doggy nanny.

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Although the weather is still wonderful, with 24 degrees on the thermometer, Andalusia is also heading towards winter. Winter means Christmas and therefore the famous Calle Marquéz Larios, the luxurious shopping street in Málaga, is buzzing with vans and electricians who started to work on the installation of the Christmas lights.

Last year many people visited the Calle Larios to gaze at the magical illumination. The fairy-like star spangled sky that covered Málaga’s mainstreet consisted of no fewer than 1.646.049 points of lights! The immense light arches cover the street from the entrance up to the Plaza de la Constitución where you can marvel at the huge Christmas tree.

The 'alumbrado’, the spectacular ignition of this impressive Christmas decoration is a festive event attended by thousands of visitors waiting with their mobile phones to capture the magic moment when the 'luces of the Larios’ will be switched on.

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