Today we finally ventured outside. I practiced all day yesterday with one crutch inside the apartment so I could get around outside. The only problem is the floors are flat and even inside the apartment. Walking around outside is a whole different story.
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| The uneven sidewalks along with the steep incline are difficult to walk on. Most streets are one way. |
The sidewalks are made of small square concrete tiles and many are broken. I would really have to be careful and walk slowly. We called Mario, the only English speaking taxi driver we know and he wasn’t available but sent someone that spoke fairly good English.
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| Entrance to the center of town. Such a beautiful area to shop. |
She took us to the center of the city. She said this is where the locals shop and hang out. Its not geared towards tourists. The weather was absolutely perfect!
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| Many of the buildings and apartments are very tall. Not many are one story. |
Not too hot and the wind wasn’t very high today. However, we were in the middle of town, away from the ocean so the wind is less.
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| Cute statue of a waiter with a table and chair. Of course there is wine on the waiters tray. |
The walk started out on very slick polished tiles similar to the sidewalks in Alicante Spain and I wasn’t too sure about my footing. All I needed was to fall again! Chuck would lock me in the apartment for sure.
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| Fruit and vegetable stand. |
But, found a sidewalk a little more stable and relaxed a little.
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| Fresh fruit stands on every corner. |
The polished tiles are so pretty but not great for walking on.
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| Many of the farmacias are small but are just about on every corner |
We walked by many clothing shops, mini shops that had gadgets for sale, food stores and fruit stands.
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| Small cafe’s or eateries are all along the side streets. |
The landscaping was very nicely done and very pretty. The town is covered in Blue Jacaranda trees. Although, they aren’t blue in color as the name indicates but they are a beautiful lavender purple.
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| Blue Jacaranda tree |
It is one of the most popular trees in Spain because of the delicate fern-like leaves and the purple flowers make them so beautiful to look at.
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| Pretty landscaping all along the roads |
The tree is native to Mexico and the Caribbean but will grow in most warm climates.
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| The US Flag pillow was on all chairs in this little cafe. |
They start blooming in May so we are here at the right time. Such beauty.
After many breaks, there are benches everywhere so we decided to
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| The pizza was just the right size for both of us. |
stop at one of the small outside eateries for some lunch. We had a delicious bruschetta toast with goat cheese and a pepperoni pizza.
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| Bruschetta with goat cheese and balsamic. |
It was a perfect lunch sitting outdoors watching people mingle and go about their daily lives in a language we couldn’t understand.
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| Olives aka chips and salsa! |
We really enjoyed the lunch.
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| Our lunch was at the Bar Pizzeria Mediterraneo. Great service, wonderful food |
After lunch we decided we should pick up some groceries since we would have to call a taxi to pick us up anyway. We might as well kill two birds with one stone.
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| Not only do the crosswalk signs count down when crossing, they also countdown as you are waiting. I almost walked out. The difference is the colors are red for stop and green for go. Common sense Lea Ann! |
| We weren’t so lucky however, on an English speaking driver this time. He was able to get us home and thats what mattered. Surprisingly, we were able to communicate. When he drove by the Mercadano next to our home he pointed and then he gestured indicating he understood why we bought groceries so far away. |
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| Casa de la Cultura Arroyo de la Miel. A small cultural center of arts. thought the decorations were cute. |
Somehow, Chuck was able to show him how we would walk through a shortcut to get to it and he understood and had that aha moment!
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| Locals buying fresh fish. |
Its brings a smile to your face when you know that someone gets what you are trying to tell them and they don’t speak your language at all. I’m sure they have the same frustrations with us.
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| Fresh catch of the day. |
I’m so happy we were able to get out and enjoy Benalmadena today. I did just fine, albeit slow, walking around the city.
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| I’ll let you google this one and figure out what its selling. |
As the taxi drove by the beautiful beaches, I smile knowing now that I will soon get out and walk in the ocean and put my toes in sand!
Have a great day!
May God bless you always!
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 
I wish we could grow that tree here
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I wish we could grow that tree here
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