when short haul feels a bit like a long haul

(Carys) The sound of the alarm woke us at the exceedingly early time of 2am. We did all manage to get out of bed, however it was with reluctance and regret, as we didn't want to leave the warmth of our beds.

We pulled our luggage (and ourselves) downstairs to the front desk of the hotel, where we had to wait for a few minutes to get the shuttlebus. We got on with another group of people,n and reached the South Terminal. Luggage check in, customs and all the other airport shennanigans went like a breeze, and we hardly had to wait for anything. I applaud Gatwick airport, as we were through to duty free in no time.

In the remaining few hours we had until boarding time, we nosed around duty free and enjoyed a delicious 'Wetherspoons' breakfast - I had pancakes, syrup and strawberries, not the healthiest of meals but a tasty one, definitely. I was surprised actually, to see how quickly the 'wetherspoons' filled up after around 4am, but it is in an airport after all.

WE got on the plane at around 6.30. We had two seats next to each other, one in front of that, and then one many rows in front nearer the front of the plane. I originally wanted to be brave and test myself by sitting away from the others, but after sitting in the seat for a few minutes, I realised I wasn't quite ready for that and I'd likely start panicking during take off. Maybe next time, eh? So I swapped with my dad and I went to sit in front of mum and Bryn. That's still me sitting on my own!

The flight went smoothly, and I got some good photos as I had a window seat. We got off the plane and picked up the hire car. We still haven't decided on a a name yet. I want to name him - yes it's a male - something Spanish and traditional like Jorge or Alessandro. My dad has other ideas. I'm sure we'll 'agree' on a name sooner or later.

The villa airbnb is very nice. We decided that instead of exploring Malaga, we'd settle in and relax instead. We popped down into Fuengirola and went to a nearby Aldi - which looked very nice and modern. We bought an array of snacks and other things for the week, and todays lunch. Shopping in foreign supermarkets is always fun, and it was good for me to see how much of the Spanish packaging I could translate into English. The crisps were a struggle - all of the cognates turned out to not be cognates. Onulado for example, I thought meant onion but turned out to mean wavy, as in the shape of the crisps.

I unpacked most of the my clothes for the week, and also had a swim in the freezing cold top pool to cool off. The weather was amazing, so it was nice to have our lunch outside in the sunshine of Spain.

We went for a walk to find dinner  down in Fuengirolo around 7pm. We came across a pretty pizzeria which we'd seen when visiting Aldi earlier in the day. It turned out to be very classy and enjoyable. The food was great, we got to sit outside and there was even a live singer which provided a nice atmosphere.

(Lloyd)

There is early and there is stupid o 'clock.  Something must have been drilled into us from the 80's to get to the airport unnecessarily early before a trip abroad.  But it's all part of the experience right, and we love airports!

Bloody Mary and a bacon roll means Xmas or holidays, so smiles all round.

Got out of Gatwick around 6.40 and into Malaga 10.10 ish (local time)  Our rather haphazard preparation had meant not bothering to confirm seats, only short haul, so no-one really saw that as a priority.

We were somewhat scattered around the plane but I got an Exit seat and got stuck into a book I hadn't read since last on a plane, Munich by Robert Harries (coming back from Munich ironically)  Also enjoyed reading a bit of the BA High Life Magazine, with stories about Route 66 reminding me of a trip a couple of years ago through some of the deserted towns out that way, and another article about Ljublijana whetting the appetite for Summer trips.

Collected our Hire Car, after visiting every floor in Malaga airport terminal, and batting away every type of upgrade and insurance Avis tried to sell. Not long since last in a right hand drive automatic, so fairly straight forward getting out on the roads and along the cost towards Marbella/Fuengirola.  Bit of a dispute on car name, Carys wants to call it Jorge, I want to call it Barry Taylor.  If anyone has a strong opinion, let us know.

wrong belt always twists and turns with us

We headed onto an unmarked road off the main drag to Mijas and spent some time trying to find our Air B'n B which proved a little trickier than expected. Back and forth a few times. We did find something that looked a bit like it, and came close to having the Auf Pet experience of using someone else's pool, which would have been a fitting tribute to the theme of this holiday.  As it turned out it was the right place, we had just come through a different entrance. 

Settled in to our lovely new home, finding an established routine by popping out to Aldi to stock up on essentials, wine, and beer in the main.  Pool looked a bit cold, but Bryn showed us the way by braving it, and also using the poolside multi gym, otherwise known as a bench press.

Drifted in and out of sleep for much of the afternoon, being shattered and a couple of San Miguel tends to have that effect. Woke myself back up with a bracing swim.

As night fell we took a stroll down the main road toward Fuengirola, and found a pizzeria on the outskirts. They manage to do pizzas in quadrangles outside shopping centres so much better than we manage back home.  Suitably stuffed and San Griad we braved the return journey in dark and on foot.

And here I am to tell the tale of a ridiculously tiring day considering we have been mainly sitting, eating and drinking.