A Walk In The Park

Instead of my usual afternoon walk, I took a walk to the bus interchange to top up my fare card instead. It is only a fifteen minutes’ walk from my home to the interchange.

There is a park near the interchange. I thought it would be a good opportunity to go and have a look, and at the same time, see if I cover the recommended 10,000 steps. It would also give me the opportunity to take some pictures for a post on my blog.

Here are some pics from the walk in the park.

It was a cloudy and grey day. It has been this way for the past couple of days.

A jackfruit tree. Someone took the trouble to wrap up the jackfruit, probably with the intention of harvesting it when it is ripe. They are not supposed to do that. The fruits are for the wildlife in the area that might need them.

This is one of three community garden plots. Residents in the vicinity can rent these plots from the National Park Agency. They can then plant vegetables, herbs and spices, or flowers if they like. These plots are very popular, and there is always a long queue to rent one.

Here are some of the results – brinjal, or eggplant or aubergine depending on which part of the world you are from.

A jasmine bush.

Some Impatiens Balsamina – also known as garden balsam or rose balsam.

Sculptures

Artist: Victor Tan
Title: Reverie – Musical Journey
Medium: Stainless Steel Rod & Wire

“The beauty of music is its ability to cross boundaries of culture, race and religion, and exist as a universal language that touches and connects the human spirit. Like a bridge that provides passage over a barrier, music has the power to transcend one to yet another plane.”

“This series depicts three figures playing wind instruments.. Lost in reverie, this compelling trio draw you into their dreams and fantasies.”

That’s what the artist is trying to depict with these sculptures.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” - Billy Joel

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A Structure

I came back from Benalmadena with enough shadows to last me a while. What a good place for shadow hunters it was. Clear blue sky, and hot Summer days with low humidity. The shadows were as sharp as they came. However, I will still continue to shadow hunt in Singapore.

This week, I submit shadows of a structure on the beach promenade. If I am not mistaken, this is a kind of a reception area. I vaguely remember that years ago, there was a wedding held there. They constructed a tent for the ceremony, and set up a bar at the structure.

I rather think it is not a very good choice of location to be having a wedding on a hot Summer day. Imagine yourself in your fineries under the hot sweltering heat. I think you will be in a constant state of inelegance. Maybe there are more such ceremonies during the cooler months. That would be a better time, instead of during a hot Summer day.

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Clouds

I can’t explain my fascination with the clouds. It is something that started in my tender years, and it hasn’t gone away like it happens with my other interests. Sometimes, with the passage of time, we lose interest in something which we once liked. But, after all these years, I am still very interested to see the formation of clouds, and their coming and going. I still look for forms in the clouds to see what they resemble.

In Roger’s apartment in Benalmadena, I had a good view of the sky outside. Most summer days, it is clear blue sky, but as they say, “The sky has unforeseeable clouds.” So, every now and then, there will be clouds coming along, and I will be watching, and monitoring their movements.

Some days, it is nothing special, but once in a while the clouds surprised me with their showing. And I will snap pictures of their progress. Of course, some are more fascinating than others. Today’s post is not one of the more impressive ones. Still, it was interesting enough for me to look out of the apartment every few minutes, and take a shot of the clouds, hoping that they might evolve to something more impressive.

At first it was just a few small clouds which I thought were ‘cute’. The next time I looked, there were a lot more clouds on the way. That’s when I decided to keep track of what passed by the balcony window.

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Reminiscing of Benalmadena

I am back in Singapore after a relaxing ten weeks of holidays in Benalmadena, Malaga, Spain. I don’t remember suffering from jet lag in my younger days, but as I grow older, it seems that with each year, the jet lag takes longer to get over with. I am still feeling fatigued after three days.

It was a homestay holiday. Luckily for me, my friend Roger has got a very good view out of his balcony. Many evenings, we sat out on the balcony with our drinks, enjoying the peace and the view of the lights in the pueblo, as well as see moon-watching, stargazing and observing what flew over in the sky. We saw an UFO one evening. But that turned out to be the debris from a Chinese space station.

Arroyo de la Miel, where we were at, is a quiet town of mainly seniors, and retirees from UK. It is easy to see why retirees from the UK are attracted to the place. The pace of living is slow. The locals are friendly and the place is multi-national. It is easy to fit in. It helps if you are able to speak some Spanish.

Well, until the next time then, Benalmadena. I will be thinking of you. A direct fly from here would make it that much easier. Unfortunately, I don’t think the day will come. There just is not enough traffic between the two countries to make the flight worth while.

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Benalmadena

All too soon, my time in Benalmadena has come to an end. Ten weeks have passed – so quickly. It is very relaxing and comfortable here, I feel a bit sad and reluctant to leave. Very easy to adapt to life here indeed.

However, much as I like the place, it is not home. After ten weeks, home beckons, and I must go. I guess all good things, and good times must come to an end at some point.

What is Benalmadena all about?

Benalmadena is a dormitory town of Malaga. Most people go to work in Malaga. That is why it is known as a dormitory town. There is no big industry or businesses here, just a quiet town, but busy with tourists.

Benalmadena is made up of the Benalmadena Pueblo in the mountains, Arroyo the town centre and Costa de Sol, the beach. The Costa de Sol is more touristic whereas the Pueblo and Arroyo are more local.

There are generally three groups of people in Benalmadena. The locals, the expats and the tourists. Locals are mainly in the Pueblos and Arroyo. Expats are mostly in Arroyo, and you find the tourists down on the Costa del Sol.

Arroyo has many holiday apartments owned by Europeans who come here to escape the cold in Winter, or to enjoy the sun and sand in Summer. A big section of the people living here are retirees from the UK. Therefore, the place is peaceful, relaxing and the pace is slow.

There are many little shops here and a few big supermarkets. They are all within walking distance. One doesn’t have to go far for the daily necessities.

Up on the main street, or the town center, where there are more tourists, prices are a bit dearer, as with any place where there are tourists. But on the whole, Arroyo is self-sufficient, and you don’t need to go to Malaga, the city center if you are happy with a simple life.

The Costa del Sol is the main tourist attraction of Benalmadena. The peak period is July, August when the schools are out and it is the European summer holidays. This will continue into September.

Benalmedena is 26.87 square kilometres and has a population of about 65,000 people. Most of these are in the pueblos and the Costa the Sol. In Arroyo, you see more elderly people, and retirees. There doesn’t seem to be too many people about. During the day, the place looks like an empty town.

Benalmadena is a very likeable town. It is basically a holiday town on the Costa del Sol – the Costa del Sol being Spain’s most popular holiday destination. It is a town of holiday makers and retirees.

The pace of life is slow and laid-back. No one is in a hurry. Life is simple, and very affordable. The locals are friendly and accepting. The town is multinational. There are British, Europeans, Russians, Chinese, and Africans living here. It is easy to settle down here if you are the type who likes a slower pace of life.

Refer to my previous post on the Attractions in Benalmadena. 👉 HERE

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