Costa del Sol is Spain's premier resort region

During one of the port stops on a Mediterranean cruise we took a few years ago we spent a  delightful day visiting Malaga and Mijas, Spain. These two cities take advantage of the beautiful Mediterranean coastal region of Andalusia where they are located.

Malaga: Southernmost large city in Europe and one of the oldest in the world, Malaga lies on Costadel Sol (Coast of the Sun).

Beautifully Spanish city of Malaga

Thanks to surrounding mountains, temperatures are moderate. With a summer season that lasts eight months—from April to November, and a history that spans 2,800 years, there is plenty to draw visitors here. Archaeological remains and monuments from Phoenician, Roman, and Arabic civilizations, make Malaga an open museum. If you enjoy Pablo Picasso’s style of cubist art (he was born in Malaga) you should visit a small museum that contains 200 of his works.

Resort view in Malaga, Spain

As the capital of Andalusia, Malaga is the economic and financial center of southern Spain. To aid the tourist industry, the government built Avenue Andulasia and lined it with ficus trees brought from American more than 110 years ago. Together with a waterfront park, this has become a popular resort area.

As more people discovered the charms of Costa del Sol, little fishing villages were transformed into fancy resorts. Not all developers were honest which led to prolific corruption in 1950s to 1970s.  But the city and its beaches (all of which are free and topless) are booming now, with expensive high rise apartments lining the coast.

Blue flower pots contrast with
white houses.

Mijas: I’ll always remember Mijas as the place where I bought a gorgeous red leather jacket. How could I resist with vendors selling a variety of handmade goods scattered all through the shopping section of this lovely town. The capital of Costa del Sol, Mijas attracts upper class visitors, many of whom come here to shop for high quality leather, porcelain, and jewelry.

Overview of Migas, which is built on a hill.

A typical Mediterranean town, it is built on a mountainside with winding roads that lead to beautiful homes and resorts. Seven churches, two museums, and only one hotel grace this small, clean town, so it feels more relaxed and casual than a city like Malaga. Many small restaurants attract visitors to the beach area for delicious seafood cuisine.



Purple jaranda blooms profusely
in Migas, Spain.

Most buildings are painted white because of the heat, which gives the town a pristine appearance. Olive trees grow everywhere (50 percent of the world’s olive oil production is from Spain), with citrus fruits like oranges and lemons grown a little more inland. Many of these are use to produce sweet dessert wines like sherry.

We thoroughly enjoyed this refreshing slice of Spanish Mediterranean landscape.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Away from the beach--Hawaii's other amazing sights

Sun and surf.

That’s what many people go to Hawaii for. Not a bad idea, as the islands have some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. But there is so much more to discover about the beauty of this state. Here is a quick sample:

Kauai

Waimea Canyon is a sightseer’s paradise—a mile wide, 10 miles long, and more than 3,500 feet deep. Rust-colored rock formations punctuated by patches of deep green make this one of Kauai’s most impressive landscapes. In fact, it is often called the Grand Canyon of Hawaii since it is the largest canyon in the Pacific.

Canyon walls sculpted centuries ago by rivers and floods and layered in different shades of red often hide waterfalls spouting from the jagged cliffs. Hike into the crater or take a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top in Koke’e State Park. There, Kalalau Lookout and other points provide stunning views of the crimson walls and once-cultivated valley of this canyon that extends to the Pacific Ocean.

Maui

It’s easy to spend the day discovering the riches of Maui, a shimmering green island with scenic emerald peaks and flowing waterfalls. Being adventurous—and not intimidated by deep curves and hilly terrain—we decided to drive the Road to Hanna. Our plan was to stop at Wai’anapanapa State Park to see the sparkling black pebble beach set against contrasting blue ocean waters. Although we missed it at mile 32 we eventually back-tracked and enjoyed a pleasant picnic lunch amid the park’s rugged coastline, lush greenery, and piles of black lava rocks.

Following lunch, we tramped over the shoreline rocks that have been polished to a shine and are more than finely ground than sand. You can take a dip in the turquoise water or spend time exploring caves and a lava tube--marvels of this park.

Big Island

Easy blowing trade winds often bring clouds and rain to the east side where Hilo is the main city. That makes it lush and green--in contrast with the leeward western side (Kona is the main city) which is much dryer and tends to be sunnier and warm. Both are worth exploring.
Leave the splendor of Maui behind and hop over to the Big Island, a land of contrasts.

One of the most spectacular adventures you can have is a helicopter ride over one of Hawaii’s live volcanoes hissing with steam and spitting fiery lava. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget. After visiting Volcanoes National Park, find different views of the island at stunning Akaka Falls State Park and rugged Laupahoehoe Point Park. Remote Waipi’o Vallley is brimming with history and untouched natural beauty including cascading waterfalls, verdant valleys, and dramatic black sand beaches, much of which can be seen from Waipi’o Lookout.

Oahu

When you've had enough beach time, walk through paradise as you take a guided nature hike into a thick rainforest. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about Oahu’s botanical delights, as well as geology, history, and mythology. 

For three hours we trekked through a tropical rainforest while listening to our guide’s knowledgeable commentary about every plant, large and small, and exotic fruits like mountain apples and strawberry guavas.  We learned that Ti plants, whose leaves, when wrapped around money, are said to bring good fortune.  Thick bamboo stands shielded us only slightly from frequent showers—this was the rainforest, after all--as we squished along now-muddy trails. 

After about an hour, the sound of rushing water led us to a clearing, where 300-foot waterfalls crashed and splashed into a rocky freshwater pool.  Ignoring the bone-chilling temperature of the water, I slid gingerly off a small boulder--and gasped as the icy water swirled around me.  The exhilaration lasted a few breath-taking moments, enough for my husband to snap photos proving my bravery.  

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

 

Historic Bath in England is delightful

When visiting London, you’ll probably want to escape the big city vibe at least once, so check out destinations for a day trip into the countryside. One of the most delightful places to visit is beautiful, historic Bath, just a two-hour drive from the city.

Site of the Roman baths

 Bath is a popular tourist spot and can be crowded, but it’s still more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of London. You can take a train, bus, or book a tour to this city named for the ancient Roman baths built over its supposedly healing mineral springs. Today there is a square with a fine museum surrounding the ancient underground bathing site.

There you can see displays, Roman artifacts, and excavated foundations of the mouth of the health-giving spring. Today you can bathe in the modern Thermae Bath, the only natural hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in. A good view from the inside, if you don't care to participate in a steaming bath, can be enjoyed over coffee and sweets at the Pump House Restaurant.

Inside Bath Abbey

Eventually the wool industry helped Bath to grow and prosper even more. During this time, about 500 years ago, the town built its grand abbey, the last great medieval church built in England. A visit to the ornate Bath Abbey with beautiful fan-shaped vaulted ceiling and elaborate stained glass windows at both east and west ends is a must.

Bath’s popularity diminished by the middle of the 1600s—until King James II’s wife, Queen Mary, went there to bathe in hopes of getting pregnant. Since she gave birth 10 months later, there was renewed interest in Bath’s healing properties, and a resort was built.

Our visit happened following a cruise that ended in London.  We hired a driver to meet us at the port as we disembarked from the ship and spent the day touring a different part of England. The rural scenery was stunning--gently rolling hills with farms and pasture land made the drive especially pleasant.

Royal Crescent

Free town walks are offered in Bath every day, led by volunteers who enjoy describing highlights of the city’s honey-colored Georgian heritage. Highlights are the Circus (like a coliseum) and the Royal Crescent building where the wealthy lived in 18^th century Bath. Today anyone can live in this huge crescent-shaped complex that is an excellent representative of medieval architecture.

Park in Bath

We decided on a self-guided walk about in Bath, so we could cover not only the square but go a few streets over to the Putteney Bridge at River Avon and take a walk through the pretty park.

Bridge on the River Avon

After window shopping a bit, I bought a beautiful glass pendant (glass shops and artisans are abundant in Bath). Before leaving we tucked into a candy shop to purchase some of the city’s renowned chocolate. As we drove out of the city we stopped for a late lunch just outside Bath at a family restaurant and pub where we enjoyed delicious plates of traditional (and superbly fresh) fish and chips and some local ale.

Agriculture is prominent in rural areas.

While we didn’t indulge in “baths” we did enjoy our visit to a place drenched in history and elegant architecture. Our drive continued through the pastoral Cotswolds region before returning to our hotel and a next-day flight to Switzerland.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Free live music in Memphis, Tennessee

Music has played a key role in the development of Memphis, Tennessee. The legacy of previous artists like Elvis, Otis Redding, and B.B. King inspires modern musicians today.

While there is an abundance of venues to hear and enjoy live music, it’s even sweeter when you can listen for free. This year is an especially great time to check out the music scene as Memphis celebrates its bicentennial and shares 200 years of music, soul, food, and culture.

When planning your visit to Memphis, check out these lively—and free--music venues.

Beale Street Entertainment District
Corner of 2nd Street and Beale Street
One of America's most famous streets, Beale Street is where W.C. Handy penned the first blues song and where you’ll find three blocks of restaurants, nightclubs, live music, museums and neon. Peruse the A. Schwab Dry Goods Store, follow the music Walk of Fame, see hundreds of motorcycles for Bike Night (every Wednesday night in the summer) or catch the Beale Street Flippers hand-springing down the street. 

Levitt Shell Concerts
Located in Overton Park
​Built in the 1930s and recognized as the site of Elvis' first professional rock 'n' roll show, the Levitt Shell is an outdoor performing arts pavilion located in beautiful Overton Park. Every summer and fall, the Levitt Shell hosts more than 50 free concerts – blues, gospel, country and rock represented. 

Playhouse on the Square
66 S. Cooper
Playhouse on the Square is a regional theater company located in the Overton Square dining, shopping and entertainment district. It offers pay-what-you-can nights; just look for the show schedule on the company’s website.

Handy Park
Beale Street
​Concerts that take place in Handy Park are always free and open to the public. On afternoons, performers take to the small stage for free blues shows and other events. 

Southland Park Gaming & Racing
1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, Ark.
Free general admission to live and simulcast greyhound and thoroughbred racing, seven days a week year-round.  

Information and photos courtesy of Caroline Parkes, PR Manager, Memphis Tourism

 

Finding wildlife at Etosha National Park in Africa

Majestic elephants are common sights in Etosha National Park in Namibia.

Namibia’s premier wildlife viewing destination is a huge expanse of savannah in the northwest part of the country. Etosha NationalPark is one of the oldest and largest parks in Africa and hosts a plethora of large mammals and spectacular birds. This is true despite the fact a huge salt pan, remnant of a huge lake that existed two million years ago, covers a fifth of its surface area, and this shimmering white expanse is extremely inhospitable to living things.

Actually, it’s the Etosha Pan for which the region is most famous and the park is named. Almost entirely devoid of vegetation, most game gathers along the rim (especially to the south) of the pan which makes viewing wildlife a bit easier. About 50 natural and manmade waterholes attract a variety of species and allow for excellent viewing when staking your spot nearby. When the rainy season begins in November, the animals seldom need to visit the waterholes along the tourist routes, congregating instead in large herds on the grassy plains.

The arid Etosha salt pan is easily visible from the air.

Four of the “Big Five” of African wildlife (lion, leopard, elephant, and black rhino) can be spotted among 114 species of mammals here. Because there is little water, species like buffaloes, hippos, or crocodiles do not live in the park. The best time to visit is during the winter months of May-October (our trip is in July) because vegetation is sparse and temperatures are lower.

Small planes take us from one camp to another.

A stop at Desert Rhino Camp, more basic than the last but a center where professional trackers record information about the rare desert-adapted black rhino, gives us the opportunity to follow trackers on an expedition and mark our first sighting of a “Big Five” animal before heading to Etosha.

Fantastic view from our cabin in Ongava Lodge and Reserve in Namibia

Following our fifth and sixth flights on puddle-jumper planes in Namibia, we eventually arrive at Ongava Lodge and Reserve, a luxurious hilltop lodge set high on a ridge inside a private game reserve with resident white and black rhino and a busy water hole. This private game reserve adjoining Etosha is a conservation success story that developed when local families turned unproductive cattle ranches into a prolific 74,000-acre haven to rehabilitate and reintroduce wildlife.

Female lions drink while they wait for the male to
eat his fill of their recent giraffe kill.

Following a late lunch, we embark on a game drive through the Reserve and soon spot zebras grazing on the sparse grass. Our first really exciting sighting was a group of lions with their fresh kill of a giraffe. Three lionesses and one male lion had hunted and killed the giraffe when it came to drink at the water hole. The male feasts on the fresh meat and growls if the females come too close. So they wander over to drink—and provide us with excellent photos of their reflections in the waterhole.

Different species co-exist peacefully in the wild.

Soon another truck comes by. Since the guide is an employee of the Reserve (our guide is employed by the tour company Natural Habitat) he is allowed to have a rifle which is required if anyone leaves the safari vehicle. They had spotted white rhinos—the color refers to the mouth—so we join their group as they exit the vehicles and walk towards a group of a dozen rhinos coming across the plain in our direction.

White rhinos approach our group of travelers before meandering
another way.

We hold our collective breath and creep along as the rhinos meander through the tall tan grass, so close they can look us in the eye. Fortunately--because rhinos can be extremely dangerous if they decide to charge--these deem us harmless and wander off in another direction. Another amazing experience!

Back in the vehicle, we spot more plains animals like zebras, Oryx, springbok, impala, and many vibrantly-colored birds.

Cabins in wildlife camps are often basic
but comfortable, although some are fairly
luxurious.

We spend another full day at Etosha National Park, where springs around the salt pan draw a plethora of game including red hart wildebeests (the fastest antelope species), black-faced impala, elephants, black wildebeests, ostrich, zebras, spring bok, Oryx, and kudu. We keep clicking our cameras even as we remind ourselves to stop and just watch the action in nature.

Multiple species of wildlife will drink at water holes at the same time, but they are always on guard checking for predators. Not surprisingly, impala, antelopes, and ostriches move out of the way as we watch a large bull elephant approach a waterhole. While he isn’t a life threat, his sheer size is intimidating to other animals. Watching the elephant splash, blow bubbles, and suck water into his trunk, curl it upward, and lift the trunk to squirt water into his cavernous mouth is fascinating. His movements are slow and deliberate—necessary for such a large body.

A bull elephant splashes water on himself.

At another water hole we spend about an hour observing a family of 13 elephants, including moms and babies, as they march over the savannah toward the water. Young elephants play “tussle trunks,” a game where they appear to be trying to decide what the trunk is good for. As they begin to leave, the matriarch elephant keeps everyone in line while walking with the group, even the newborns. And before long another group of elephants comes across the savannah to the water hole—more than 30 in an hour’s time. What a thrill to see such a spectacle!

A family of elephants leaves a water hole.

Another highlight of our day in Etosha National Park is watching two giraffes walk in smooth, graceful movements toward a water hole. Giraffes are very cautious as they cross the plain and approach the water hole, stopping often to sense if danger lurks. They drink one at a time because when they bend down on their knees to drink giraffes can’t get up fast to run if prey should strike. Because they are more vulnerable, they do not scare other animals away from the water as the elephant did.

Giraffes are vulnerable to prey when bending down to drink.

The interaction of these animals in nature is fascinating to watch, so we take our time at different spots, soaking in the tremendous opportunity that we are privileged to have.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier