First Night in Málaga: 6.01.07

After we cleaned up and rested for a bit,

we ventured out in search of food.

While hunting for our hostel,

we soldiered through the entire neighborhood.

A decent crash course in getting to know a new city.

We knew the locations of the grocery,

convenience store, and tavern!

Around the corner, a promising prospect -

“El Rincón Ibérico” (“The Iberian Corner”).

**“Ibérico” refers to the Iberian Peninsula

on which Spain is situated.**

A perfect opportunity to dive into local gastronomy! We took in the ambiance as we enjoyed an Alhambra Lager and the complimentary cold tapa: tasty briny crab and onion dish.

Rustic unfinished wooden floor, walk up deli-style bar and cafeteria, a Spanish family with a rambunctious child, pork memorabilia...?...and

pig legs with hooves...??

*With research, we find that these “pig legs” are actually a delicacy specific to Spain.

Jamón Ibérico (Iberian ham) is a type of cured ham made from the cerdo negro (black pig),

or Black Iberian Pig.

One rear leg can cost as much as €350--

over $480 USD!

The animal is allowed to roam on open ranges feasting on acorns, roots, and herbs until slaughter.*

The observations of our intriguing environment and empty glasses prompt us to sample the Alhambra Negra (dark) accompanied with a creamy potato tapa.

Our pit stop complete, we ramble on into the darkening walled sidewalks.

The city was currently building a massive underground metro system, and because of this,

the sidewalks wall off the torn up streets.

An example of a pedestrian “walkway”:

the path crosses directly under

a large construction crane.

Workers straggled around the site

as we photographed the bizarre hazards.

*Safety tips are not posted

for pedestrians passing through the work site*

Upon arrival, we find the convenience store

we had pegged earlier was closed.

This is our first run-in with

Spanish business hours.

*This timekeeping strange to those from the US

is due to the often stereotyped siesta

(short afternoon nap) that takes place

after the midday meal typically from 13:00 – 16:00.

Because of this, many Spanish bars and restaurants

close around 17:00 and re-open after 21:00pm

for dinner.*

So with the borrowed camera, we take to the streets.