garyandpearl

Dec 10/23

This is our second time to Malaga. If you scroll down to Nov 24, 2019 you can view our first post.

We were hoping to be able to find the outdoor cafe that we visited last time, but it has since turned into a pizza place rather than a coffee shop with pastries.

We walked about 10km along the harbour and into the old town. The city was very busy today as it was hosting the Malaga Marathon. Thousands of runners set out after much training (how much? I don’t know. I’m not a runner nor do I desire to be)

We took the path into town and were facing the runners as we walked.

I couldn’t help think of this as it pertains to life. Many people were working hard to do the best they could, and along at the side of the road there were people handing out water and snacks as need be, encouraging them with smiles and cheers to help them along their way. I saw friends and loved ones of all ages lining the road, hoping for a glimpse of their favourite runner, including moms with toddlers and babies.

The Apostle Paul wrote about running a race in First Corinthians 9:24-27.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” NIV

Although Paul was referring to a spiritual race, we all run the race of life, and let us encourage each other along the way.

We happened to be at the cathedral square when the first runner came through with the pace car in front. He ended up winning the race, but we didn’t think to get his photo in time. Here is the photo of the runner up!

The winner was from Kenya with a time of 2:08:54.

We saw a few other things as we walked along. There were wild green parrots flying in and around the palm trees, but I didn’t get a good photo. I heard their squawks, though.

We found a unique tree as well. It had very prickly bark.

After touring the town we came back to the ship and sprawled like lizards on the lounge chairs on deck 15. We soaked up the sun!

Tonight we head to Morocco through the Strait of Gibraltar. I wish it would be light enough to see as we pass by. Hopefully it will be a smooth passage. 😊

The water is so calm tonight.