Intro for the first timers - I've now been traveling for a good three decades and have been all around the world. Lately, thinking back a decade or two, the trips that I took on my own, I seem to have forgotten a lot about them. I never kept a journal, nor ever recorded anything. Photographs, with the digital age have been packed and are lying in a pile in the basement.So, my new series would include looking back at some of the travels from the last decade and a half and simply jotting down what I do remember. It's going to be a mixture of personal thoughts and a bit about the destinations too.-----------------------------------------------------------------
After the first in the series featured Istanbul, Turkey, it’s now time to head to sunny Spain and the beach town of Fuengirola. A trip with a couple of friends, taken in 2003,we toured around the Costa del Sol soaking in the sights and sun and here is what I remember;
I remember our little apartment that we rented, cozy, with a pool, and views of the sea in the distant.
I remember the anxiety as this was the first time I was driving in a foreign country and that too on the "other" side.I remember my friends on the trip, who made it special and perfect.
I remember driving to Gibraltar (we parked in Spain and crossed on foot) and thankfully having a visa for UK.
I remember crossing the tarmac in order to enter Gibraltar right after a plane had landed... How cool is that?In Gibraltar, I remember actually witnessing one of those sales where they sell lesser known products for real cheap and most of the time they turn out to be fakes and broken. Thankfully, we didn't get anything.
I remember going up the Rock of Gibraltar. I think, on the way up we took the tram/car and walked back down?
I remember monkeys and lots of them at the Rock of Gibraltar. I remember my friend being a little scared of them.
I remember the lazy days spent at the beach just relaxing, talking, taking it easy.
I remember the pirated CD sellers coming over to sell music CDs everyday at the beach.I remember it was the first time I had a heat rash in my life. It was pretty unusual and moderate and later in my life developed into something severe.
I remember driving to the beautiful town of Mijas and visiting my very first bull fight arena. No fight, just the arena.
I remember burning rubber as I tried to go up hill on the first day of driving. Over the next few days I eased up and was quite confident as long as my friend kept reminding me that I have to drive on the right side.I remember doing the touristy thing and taking the little train ride through the city of Marbella. It really was and is the playground of the rich and famous.
I remember the late night, or rather early morning, club visits. It had been a while since that happened, so it was great fun.
I remember the clothing optional beaches, well okay most we're topless... Oh la la ;-)
I remember the British girl with the Spanish boyfriend being shy about going topless on the beach.
I remember visiting the Sea Life Center in Benalmadena, which was just like any other Sea Life Center.
Also in Benalmadena, I remember the boat trip (I think it was one of those Chinese Junk Boats) that we took (okay I cheated, I didn’t exactly remember, but once I saw the photographs it all came back to me) in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, I also remembered that one of the other three co-passengers spent the time throwing up (It wasn’t me or my friend).
I remember the Spanish omelet that my resident friend made for us. YUM!
I remember this one shot that should have knocked me out after a couple of glasses, but I ended up having 5-6 and feeling fine. I didn't remember the name and had to ask my friend for the same. It was Salmiakki.
I remember meeting a female bartender in one of the clubs who happened to be half Goan (Indian connection).
I remember getting a lap dance in front of everyone in the club from one of the performing dancers. They go from club to club doing a “performance” every night.
I don't remember seeing much because she removed my glasses (making me pretty much blind) and my friend had to fetch them for me after the performance.
I remember telling tales to a guy who was trying to hit on my friend that the reason she could not leave with him was because she was my "real" half sister (she's white). He was too drunk and too confused, but still bought us a few drinks.
I remember the weekday local market in Fuengirola and parking a good 10 minutes away from it, in a no parking zone. As it turns out the Police is lenient about the parking during the market hours.
I remember having one of the best times of my life...If anyone would like to take part in this series, please get in touch via Twitter (@raghavmodi) or email ([email protected]) with your travel story in a format similar to above.
