Oh, The Sea, The Sea! 14.12.16

Even though it's the winter, we still find the beaches dressed for the tourists,

or as I like to call them,

US!

 I have to admit that one or two of these urns at my place would make me more than happy.

 

Non-the-less, the area leaves me with the sensation that it's biding it's time until the sun bakes through. 

As that's no time soon we head out of town.

Mijas beckons us and Ed, who we've hooked up with,

 and we all sit down for a meal at LATITUDE 36 degrees. Highly recommend.

With Ed dropped back at his hotel, 

we head back to MIJAS for the night.

 

We take a gorgeous wee house in the old part of 

MIJAS. 

 

It has a lovely little courtyard, 3 en suite bedrooms and sold to us as a Hotel.

We had it entirely to ourselves!

 Not even staff around overnight - The architect owner was there just to welcome us and then to serve us brekky.

San Miguel crates Xmas tree from our balcony.

We left the Church House Hotel (La Casa De La Iglesia) for a walk up to the chapel set high in the mountain.

 Such an astonishing view when approached from above.

What a world class place this is.

 The views to the med are stupendous,

 and yet we've barely begun to climb the hill in the dawn light.

 An easy walk along foothill trails that link into much longer  'Grandes Randonnees'

 And here it is, a tiny chapel, shining brilliantly arc light white above the town every night and and yet discretely nestling by day, waiting to be found by anyone with a set of legs, or friends.

 A true case of hiding in full view.

 Is it really December?

 Yep.

 By the time we return the sun's lower 

 and we take the paths down into the alleyways of the old town once more.

 Angels trumpets (Brugmansia) lead us back down

 through the 'streets'

wending our way past Date Palms that drip with succulent Christmas dates

 and busy backwaters,

 and still there's more and more to see; 
like these public streets.

A peep around an open entrance reveals the owners' private terrace/front garden. 
REMARKABLE!! 
GOLD MEDAL!!

 ASTONISHING!

What a town

BEAUTIFUL

If you come to Mijas and find yourself low down in the town, don't despair. I tell you this place looks pretty repulsive from here. Have a coffee in the plaza near the tourist info office to get your breath back and then head uphill, ideally on foot. 

You wont be disappointed.

Or, turn right at he petrol station as you think you're about to enter the town. Wend your way up and follow your nose. You can't really go wrong. Park where you can and take the lanes/narrow alleys down through the town, or up the foot paths to the little chapel ... or further. 

Fantastic.