HiveComb

The city is so big, or at least that's how it seems to me, that going around the Christmas lights means several walks enjoying every corner, every space and the city itself invites you not to miss anything, because it's all worth it.

Every year at this time of the year Malaga dresses up in different parts of the city, not to say all of them, as the lights are everywhere you look. But there are so many things and places to see that one day is not enough. From the lights, shows, stages with singers, nativity scenes everywhere and lots of street markets. All this makes for a magical atmosphere.

On the other hand, the number of tourists in the city is impressive, sometimes I think there are more, much more than in the middle of summer. As I walked around I could hear English, Italian, German and many other northern countries. Of course there are languages that I can't even distinguish which country they belong to, but the reality is that they all come to see the lights, the lights of Malaga.

Even though I have lived here for seven and a half years I still marvel at it so I can't blame the tourists for liking it here.

Arriving at the Plaza Marina, the lights were radiant everywhere I looked, both the decorations and the trees. As I arrived the big tree was waiting for me by the fountain and I looked around trying to take in all the dazzling beauty.

The columns that start the harbour looked imposing surrounded by small lights and further back the iconic harbour building had a yellow to pink hue that made it very attractive.

I headed towards the promenade which always offers me spectacular views of the different locals, beautiful walks and the view of the sea with its ships and boats, which by the way at this time of the year I could see several cruise ships and a lot of visitors.

But on one side of the road, heading east, there was a flea market that I thought was great. Inside the palm grove of surprises, which is the name of this space and promenade, there were several stalls of this market, selling very special items, many of them related to this time of the year, but the market continues throughout the year.

There were a lot of people during the tour, it is an area that is always very busy and is visited by all tourists. The market with its lights looked enchanting, like a fantasy world of fairies and elves, where magic is possible and where I could see beautiful things. At some stands I could get closer, at others I could take pictures, but many of the owners don't like it, so I respect that.

The night was beautiful to walk around and see how this touristy part of the city is waiting for the new year. There was a lot of people watching, browsing, shopping and the atmosphere was warm and very festive. The temperature was fine, after a few days of drizzle, it was 13 degrees at the time and there was no wind. It was perfect for exploring and admiring the views.

I arrived at the intersection of the promenade where pier one begins and all the shops were glowing with their lights, accompanied by the palm trees along the way that formed a sort of light signpost. Everything was perfectly decorated, with a particular style, especially in the old harbour chapel. There is always a distinctive decoration where people can have their pictures taken.

Further on there was something new, every year there is. It was a workshop house, where, above all the children, but also families could enter and see a small workshop of Father Christmas, how the toys are made, but above all I think the idea is to create a space for children to be dazzled and I think they have succeeded.

Elves were guiding the visit and they are available to people. It was fabulous to see that. The children coming out of the workshop house looked so happy and that was priceless.

I couldn't miss, on my tour, to climb the stairs of the place that lead me to the highest area and admire the beautiful views of the city that I fell in love with. I always say that this time and this place brings back beautiful memories of my uncles when they knew the city. So I took a moment to remember and relive those moments, while sending a message to my uncle who is in Argentina, knowing that he will see this post later. And to my aunt who is no longer here, I remembered her being in this place.

In this high area there are some restaurants, but there are much less people and you can appreciate everything in a different way. From this height you can see the cathedral, the emblematic buildings, the illuminated castles and the whole promenade. The large cruise ships mixed with the palm trees form a spectacular whole that I never get tired of looking at.

And this is how the city lives the wait for the new year, how many tourists come to this place full of magic that captivates me every day, no matter how much time passes.

Thank you very much for joining me today, I wish you a very happy new year 2016, full of good times, progress and success. See you soon.
Amonet.