Málaga. Life in a Spanish city.
By: Christian Machowski
Tags: Spain, Málaga, Andalucia, Photography

When I moved from Germany to Manchester in 1992, I was determined to fully integrate into life in England. No German TV, no German friends, total dedication to learning the language and fitting in. I think I made a very good fist of it and the UK became my home for almost 25 years.

Almost six years ago, my wife and I emigrated to Spain and set out for this to be a similar experience, hoping to learn and adapt as quickly as possible. It has been a different one for several reasons (more about that another time) and things are about to change, as we are moving from the village of Benahavís, just inland from the Costa del Sol, to a very different life in Malaga’s vibrant Centro Histórico.

Benahavís village

Alameda Principal in Málaga

This regular blog will look at many different aspects of life in Spain with the eyes of an immigrant. It will touch on subjects like lifestyle, food, culture, traditions, integration, practical tips, random observations, personal experiences, but also discuss the opportunities and challenges of living in another country. This won’t be a “isn’t it great to live in your holidays” blog (I borrowed that line from the very funny @barcajim3 on Twitter).

I will also be adding my own photos to the blog to give a taste of life in this part of Spain. Photography has become my passion in recent years and I will be sharing some of my favourite images on here.

Churros y chocolate at Casa Aranda. Naughty, but so nice.

In a couple of weeks, we will finally be completing our move to Málaga and then the exciting and nerve-racking bit begins. Settling into the hustle and bustle of life in a Spanish city centre, meeting new neighbours, starting to shop locally, using the many small, independent stores in the Centro Histórico and of course, the thankless task of discovering the sheer endless choice of bars and restaurants. Then the basics (but essentials), like picking the regular Café for breakfast or at which Kiosko to buy the daily newspaper (preferably run by a Malaguista, so I won’t have to discuss Real Madrid first thing in the morning).

Taking on the rather daunting task of exploring the Aladdin’s Cave that is the Mercado de Atarazanas food market, just a few metres from our new home. Which of the many stands sell the best fish and seafood (never mind learning about the dozens of different varieties), meats, locally grown fruit, vegetables, spices and other specialities? And when is the best time to shop?

Málaga’s iconic Mercado de Atarazanas food market

So much choice. What is what and how much to buy? A little intimidating at first.

Taking advantage of the tranquility of the city first thing in the morning, enjoying sunrises and sunsets on the beach (after living in a village that was surrounded by hills), learning to live with the stifling Málaga weather phenomenon Terral, the suddenly appearing el taró fog or the packed streets at weekends and around Christmas.

Málaga, city on the beach.

Enjoy and survive the Málaga Feria in August (post-COVID) and take advantage of the city’s incredible cultural offering. Discover walks and views, villages and towns around Málaga and Andalucía, getting our labrador Chocky to settle into city life and meet new friends at Parque de El Morlaco.

And then there will be that very first walk from home to La Rosaleda, when fans are finally allowed back to watch Málaga CF play at home since March 2020 ( I think there might be a few tears). I watched Málaga for five years without having a beer, as we were living 80 kilometres away from the stadium. No more struggling for a parking space or having to leave just before the end of the game to avoid the traffic.

Stop saying ‘gracias’ too often (a habit that’s difficult to shed as a Western European), being good neighbours, learn some of the Málaga expressions and dare to use them, but most importantly, continue to improve our Spanish, which is absolutely essential for living and integrating in this or any other country (whatever some people might tell you). To be accepted by the locals and for Málaga to become home.

There are so many things to learn, discover and experience. I hope this blog will be an interesting look at this journey and life in a Spanish city. More to come soon.