Wednesday, 12 February 2014

Al Hambra... To the blue skies of Marbella

Some paths in life are accounted for, and others come totally by surprise! It's only when you get fear out of the way that you begin to appreciate and understand the reasons behind every situation and its cause. There really is no coincidence.

I may go with the flow, but some planning has gone into this. The older I get, the more I see and the more questioning my mind becomes, but it is not to judge. More than anyone, we judge ourselves and our ways. 
Basically, 'We do not see things as they are; we see them as we are, ' says Anais Nin. 

I want to go back on my trip to Spain...
After lunch in Sierra Nevada, we returned in the car and headed to sunny Granada. Lori parked the car on a tiny street by a grand hotel, and we walked under the rays of sunshine glowing on the green leaves and onto my Vitamin D-lacking body. The constant rain in London dampened my body more than my mind. It was a glorious day, and we walked along Al Hambra, taking in all its grandeur.

At the Entrance to Al Hambra

The Summer Palace


Al Hambra Palace


The Grounds and Fountain

At every corner was a discovery of beauty in architecture and nature.

After a great stroll around the palace grounds, we returned to the car, and this time, it was my turn to drive. Our next destination was booked at an apartment hotel in Marbella near the beach. Not that anyone dared enter the chilly waters, but the promenade stretching from Marbella old town to Puerto Banus was filled with people enjoying the sunshine along the sea, hearing the splash of the waves and people watching all at the same time. We even discovered a fab Wok self-service on our first night of arrival.

It brought extra joy to know Aisha was staying at The Buchinger, the clinic where the wealthy could spend their money on starvation, but with many other benefits, needless to say. The place we visited last night was in two parts; one was very modern, and the other was an old-style building with every medical need necessary. It is similar to the Viva Mayer Clinic I visited a few years ago in Klagenfurt, Austria, with Shiba (after my modelling session). At least they were served proper meals at the Buchinger; our daily food intake was a stale piece of bread and one or two boiled potatoes at meals! Oh! And plenty of herbal teas.

On our first sunny day in Marbella, we headed to the beach for a fab cup of cappuccino at a place other than the Cappuccino Bar. Feeling the heat on my bare arms was bliss! Aisha looked fab, and we sat chatting, drinking our delicious coffee with muesli and fresh juice for breakfast. The whole experience was yummy.



The promenade by the beach in Marbella.

When you live in a city like London, world-famous for its crapy weather (not counting last summer, of course), every bit of a blue sky is appreciated.

No wonder I worship the SUN. 
 

 


Breakfast at Cappuccino Bar was buzzing at 11 a.m., not only because it was Saturday but because many seemed to enjoy the 20-degree January heat during the long days.

After our catch-up with Aisha, we joined the promenaders and connected with Lori going back and forth, finally by Marbella Club hotel, where I bought two bikinis at their semi-closed boutique! There was a 50% sale, and the heat excited me. Not that one could swim!





Next came the walk around the market, where we joined Kathryn and her family at a restaurant. Our friend was going through some tough times, and seeing her away from the London scene was good. I have avoided mentioning most dilemmas, but with what has happened around me in the past months, let's say more ups than downs, I have realised what an important role those difficult times play in our daily lives. It has been a struggle at times to get myself together again and face daily chores, which is never easy with building works, and yet, every day, a miracle or two has shown its face and brought hope back into my being. 

What if I jump from one subject to the next? That's me! haha
Like today... My builder called this morning to say he is not happy with the leak I have been experiencing since my conservatory side of the living room went up, a mistake made by the company who provided them. He said:
"Haldita, I'll be over to sort this matter once and for all. It's been going on too long!"
God Bless. Yes, it sure has been months, and the issue is still not sorted out, and the flat is now finished. So, Rick appeared with his latest working partner and poor things. Again, as they went up the roof, the rain blasted away on their faces as I watched below, and they were so busy discussing the matter that the wind did not seem to bother them either. Then they came down, stood close to the curtain fitter putting up the blinds, and talked more in their native Russian language. I was busy checking out the email from my criminal solicitor. Why criminal, you may ask? Well, I have had twelve points on my driving license now, mainly for speeding and three lately for jumping the lights. These cameras have been installed everywhere! Honestly, soon we will have one up our arses. So, to add to my challenging days, I have a court case beginning next week to see if my license will be suspended after 36 years of driving around the world with hardly any offence. Grrrrreat!!!
Anyway, where was I even? Rick was standing in the living room talking to me, sitting at my laptop, when I heard a swish of water rushing into the kitchen. I stopped him and, looking towards the kitchen, asked:
"What's that noise?"
Rick rushed to the kitchen and shouted while his colleague and I ran in and saw the water gushing from under the sink unit. He then went downstairs to close off the mains and put the filtered water tube back where it was meant to go. My goodness, he was my angel today, and as a token of thanks, I gave him my stereo set, which was much better than going through the hassle of eBaying. What better gift than the sound of music.

Marbella flea market by the bullring

We were at the flea market... How did I end up in my kitchen today?! Typical.

Anyway, we walked around the market in Marbella, bid Kathryn farewell, accompanied by Aisha and Lori, and returned to the beach to lunch at the Trocadero restaurant with a trendy bunch of brunchers. In tank tops at the end of January, taking in every bit of heat the sun had to offer and enjoying a delicious mix of salads and fresh fish, rosé chilled wine, the view of the blue sea and sky, and the fab company.

Trocadero restaurant by the sea

 
With a full belly and slightly tipsy heads, Lori and I were lightweights when it came to drinking, so we ended an absolutely heavenly day by watching the red-hot sunset and heading to our rooms.


We needed our beauty sleep for the following day spent in the magic of La Ronda. To come...

For now, I wish you peace. Let go of all negative thoughts, breathe in the goodness around and let go of anything that could bring you down. Listen to uplifting music and dream of a beautiful life coming your way. Just remember to think BIG.




 

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