A Málagan Adventure

Fifth Former, Olivia Dawkes, writes:

16 Fifth Form pupils taking Spanish GCSE left early on the Friday morning before Exeat for Málaga. With high expectations of ‘comida Malagueña’ on arrival, there was some disappointment since many of us had high hopes of authentic paella upon arrival. The city is known for its fresh seafood, especially sardines, given its close proximity to the coast.

The five-day trip consisted of several group outings including one visit to key monuments in the centre, with help from a local tour guide. We were talked to solely in Spanish in order to improve our language learning by ear and our Spanish fluency as GCSE oral mocks approach. Córdoba, a two-hour journey by bus was the second day highlight. The city, once the capital of Moorish Spain, has a beautiful mosque located at its heart. We enjoyed learning about the Islamic architecture of this historic city. We had lessons in CLIC language school most mornings, before navigating Málaga’s eateries for lunch. Who knew chiringuitos were so expensive?

On day four, we expanded our knowledge of market produce by going round ‘el mercado de Atarazanas’, a central market offering local organic fruit, veg, poultry, red meat and fish. Separated into small groups, each of us asked questions to different stalls, such as the variety of fish on display. Following the research activity that morning La Alcazaba de Málaga was the final sight-seeing location. The ancient fortifications give a picturesque view of Málaga, the perfect opportunity for photos. The current complex was begun in the 11th century and was rebuilt multiple times up until the 14t century. It is one of the best-preserved alcazabas in Spain, and has been used as government buildings in the past. It is now renowned as a Málagan landmark and for its beautiful gardens and Roman-style architecture.

A few hours of consolidation lessons rounded up the trip, after five days of sun, Spanish and some rain. We were glad we managed to find a proper, authentic seafood paella at the end of a five-day search! Many thanks to Mr Caro Solano and Miss Delvalle for organising an exciting trip. The churros were a definite highlight.

‘My highlight of the trip was trying lots of different types of Spanish foods at traditional Spanish restaurants. It was excellent!’ – Eva Botbol

‘The trip to Malaga helped me experience the Spanish culture and I felt very engaged with the language.’ – Millie Hartigan 

‘I really enjoyed exploring Malaga and experiencing the Spanish culture, especially eating paella on the beach.’ –  Alex Brown

‘One of the highlights of the trip for me was eating some of the local food of Malaga.’ – Matthew Mullins

‘My highlight of the trip was the scenery and architecture of the city as well as the cathedral in Cordoba, it was great to learn about the history of that part of Spain and see monuments which were hundreds of years old that still looked as beautiful as when they were built.’– JJ Slater