Our source for leather

This is the third time we have been to Andalucia and each time we have visited Mijas Pueblas.   This is white village/town in the hills quite near Benalmadena where many tourists go to wander around its lovely old street and purchase souvenirs.   Our first time was two years ago when we met some old friends of mine.   Judith had been my clerical officer in the Nalgo trade union branch office at Oldham Council over twenty years ago.   She and husband, Mike, had a house not far away and we agreed to meet in Mijas.   Sadly, last autumn, whilst in Spain, Mike collapsed and died.

 

After our meeting with Judith & Mike we went back to Mijas and bought some leather items - mainly four belts for me.   The price far exceeded my expectations at 4 euros.   Last year when we went there Pauline bought a leather handbag.   This time she bought a leather handbag in a different colour and I bought another four belts (now 5 euros each) as I have lost four inches from my waistline.

 

It was very obvious, this year, that there was a much lower number of tourists around.   Pauline overheard a waiter commenting that this was their worst year for trade in ten years.   This is such bad news.   Spain is one of the countries that has been hit hard by the economic downturn.   Earlier last week in Toledo there was no evidence that people were staying away - it was as busy as always.   But on the coast things are very different.

 

If we travel to Spain again I think I shall have to upgrade or replace my Satnav because there are new roads not included on this one.   Coming down from the Montes de Malaga we encountered a new motorway junction and realised that the relief motorway from Malaga Airport was now completed and in use.   Speaking of my Satnav, I am reminded that when we drive from our base we are often instructed to turn down non-existent tracks and roads.   You have to know when to ignore the Satnav voice telling you to go where to do so would be nothing short of suicide!

 

Going back to Mijas this time we were reminded of the recent danger of wildfires burning in that area.   Today the police and fire brigade were there in large numbers, obviously making sure that no fired broke out and threatened the local residents.   No doubt it was a means of assuring the people that they were ready.   Another addition to Mijas was a travelling fair that filled the town centre and would probably deafen the locals tonight when it opened for business.