Funky Backpackers Hostel (Hostal Funky)

Christmas in Andalucia

by abelliot

"A region of contrasts"

I decided to spend Christmas in Spain and since direct flights to Malaga are available from Cork for reasonable rates I chose to get acquainted with Andalucia. From the warmth and modernity in Malaga to the cold and rugedness of Pitres, Andalucia can offer just about anything one wants to do. It was an incredible experience and introduction to Spain.

"Candela"

I gained two wonderful friends while in Andalucia. The first of which was Candela. She is from Malaga and we met on a very cool website www.mylanguageexchange.com It is a site for people who want to learn other languages and help others learn their native language. It is a fun way to practice languages, meet interesting people online and in our case, meet each other in person and become friends. Candela lives in Malaga and we had a wonderful time talking, eating, drinking, walking and laughing. She was a wonderful host, guide and friend and made my time in Malaga incredibly personal. From the first hours I was in Spain I felt welcome and as if it was home. Hopefully I can talk her into visiting Cork soon or Minnesota when I return there after my studies are complete in Ireland ;o) and show her my homes half as well as she shared hers with me.

"Corey"

Next I met Corey in Granada. We were staying in the same room at the Funky Backpackers Hostel and quickly became friends. He is in the middle of an incredible 12 month journey starting from his home country of Australia going through Africa, Spain, Ireland, Canada and the US.

We have a lot of common, both being former truck drivers, and adventurous spirits. We explored Granada together as well as the Alpujarras and some time in Malaga We had a great time wherever we were and even though both of us came to Spain alone, after meeting it was like having a longtime friend with me. Corey will be in Ireland in January and can continue our explorations together then.