Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Hot Air

I "cooked" my breakfast this morning (yogurt, peaches, and muesli) and brought the bowl to my desk, as usual, so I could do an online crossword puzzle while I dined. As the puzzle was loading, I looked up from my desk and was surprised by what I saw on the beach. The Nissan tents (click here for that post) had disappeared. In their place was something much more colorful and dramatic. I grabbed my camera, snapped some shots while I sat at my desk, and then went out on the terrace for another look. Moose was watching from the comfort of one of the chaise lounges. Dudo was up on a wall perch, fascinated. (Click on the photos to inflate.)

THE VIEW FROM MY WINDOW.
THE VIEW FROM DUDO'S PERCH.

On our way to Cafe Manila for coffee, I took a closer look. There was a line of people waiting for rides. The tightly tethered balloon would be taken up vertically 40 feet and then brought back down. Next! The entire trip took about a minute and a half. But you then received an "Hay Otro Sevilla" (There's Another Seville) tote bag and parting gifts. You could receive the tote bag and parting gifts without going up in the balloon. All you had to do was wait in line and register. But, it was hot out there. Photos were enough for me.

ROMAN RUINS.  SEVILLANO BALLOON.
STARTING THEIR DAY AT THE BEACH WITH AN UNUSUAL SIGHT.
IT DIDN'T GO MUCH HIGHER THAN THIS.
IS THAT SAN GERALDO WAVING FROM THE TERRACE?
NOPE. HE WAS BACK INSIDE IN AIR-CONDITIONED COMFORT.
NO NEED TO EVEN ASK IF THAT'S SAN GERALDO IN THE BASKET.

Four hours later and the balloon had been deflated and loaded into the back of an SUV. Nothing big has taken its place on the beach. But, the summer fair (Feria) is happening in Málaga this week. I'm hoping to go tomorrow, although it's kind of hot for walking around the city. Tomorrow night, the 10th annual Medieval Market opens right here in Fuengirola at 10th-century Sohail Castle (click here to see the castle). If I don't make it to Feria this week, I at least plan to see our own medieval market.


20 comments:

  1. Where exactly IS this other Seville, Mitch?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raybeard:
      Sorry about that. It must be a new ad campaign to attract visitors who think they already know the city — perhaps as historic, old-worldy, old-fashioned. I think they're trying to show it's also a modern, exciting city.

      Delete
  2. Dudo and you both have great views of the beach and its activities. And I'm impressed that you cooked again! With 3 ingredients! You are becoming quite the chef.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jo:
      Oh, I cook every morning now! AND for the cats every afternoon. It's hell.

      Delete
  3. So much to do and see! Now that 'market' sounds very interesting. Do you dare try anything from that era, Mitch?

    LOVED the Fifth Dimension!!! Saw them 'live' singing this song!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jim:
      I can't wait to check out that market. The city's tourism councillor says it will be like "entering a time tunnel that takes us back to the past."

      I think he might be exaggerating.

      Delete
  4. Going up just 40 feet would be such a tease! An aunt and uncle of mine used to own a hot air balloon and would race it at the state fair. My siblings and I always wanted to go up in it, but it never worked out. Maybe someday!

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    Replies
    1. Michelle:
      I think I would love to go up in a hot air balloon. But then I always read about another accident and get scared off. Maybe better on the ground for me. Anyway, 40 feet up and tied to the ground the whole time didn't seem worth the effort.

      Delete
  5. Forty feet wouldn't do it for me, even though the balloon probably wouldn't go much higher with me in it.

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    Replies
    1. Stephen:
      An extremely large woman climbed aboard while I watched and the balloon did just fine. Just a little more hot air, I suppose.

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. Judeet:
      Hard to believe, but I've never been to one. I read in the newspaper that there'll be "all manner of handicrafts from the Middle Ages to the present day." Do you suppose they'll have the originals?!?

      Delete
  7. Funny to read about this this morning... One of our local balloonists sailed over our house this morning (in his balloon, of course). Callie, as usual, went berserk, barking and whining and wailing, all at 7:30 in the morning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walt the Fourth:
      That would be an amazing sight. I thought the cats might be nervous but I think it was far enough away. They simply watched ... contentedly. Poor Callie. You'd think she'd catch on.

      Delete
  8. The balloon is so fasscinating. Imagine going up in it and viewing the countryside and sea.....oh yes please!!

    The market will really be exciting too. Jim loves this and I would go with him as his body guard! LOL

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    Replies
    1. Ron:
      In the case of that specific balloon... our terrace is higher off the ground. But I think I would like to try a real balloon ride... as long as I don't read about another tragic accident in the meantime.

      I'm hoping to go to the market this evening. Was too tired lat night after walking all over Málaga for Feria!

      Delete
  9. UP, up and away in my beautiful balloon!! What a spectacular place you live in. Hey, I'm off to NYC this weekend. I'll wave to the Dowager Duchess. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Knatolee:
      I'm beginning to really feel at home here and I do love waking up to the Mediterranean Sea every morning (and going to sleep to it every night).

      Have a great time in NYC. Can't wait to read all about your weekend and to see the pics! I'll tell the Dowager Duchess to wave back. You'll be able to see her building from many different vantage points.

      Delete
  10. Mitch, re 'La Otra Sevilla': Yes, I'd come to that conclusion myself. My question had really been semi-rhetorical. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raybeard:
      Yeah, I was a bit slow on that. I should have realized you "got it." So many years of explaining things to San Geraldo!

      Delete

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