Now back in the hotel, absolutely shattered after a marvellous evening. Japes really unearthed a gem here. Fernando calls us all chico, like we are all his schoolchildren on an outing, and he was amazing at getting the group to bond.

I was so carried away I forgot to take proper photos of the food. We stopped at four traditional Málaga places, and each moment gave a chance to get to know the others. I have a terrible memory for names, which I'm upfront about, so it gives me a chance to ask the name again and start a conversation.

We went to four places and really it's all blur now. We tasted two sweet wines and two local wines, choice of red or white. There were anchovies with olives, charcuterie plates, beef stew with patatas, bread to dip in garlic oil, clam soup, paella, croquettes and more. One girl was coeliac, and she was given alternative dishes, so I'm confident I could bring the wife next time.


This was the second place we visited.


Here the third, the hoarse cockerel.


The unfinished cathedral.

A really fabulous evening!

​​​​​Note to self, promised German lady to take a photo of Freiburg tomorrow as I pass it.