Before we knew it, we were saying “goodbye” to beloved Granada and “hello” to maritime Malaga, a short train ride south. Malaga’s sunny 70 degree weather, cruise ship dock, and international vacation destination is a welcome next stop.

Here, we’ll spend four days, including a day-trip walking the Caminito del Rey, a visit to the Picasso Museum, bike ride along the southern coastline of the Alboran Sea, exploring archeological treasures, the Carmen Thyssen Museum Malaga, and the very festive Christmas atmosphere.

I will miss Granada for its diversity of coexisting cultures, cobblestone streets, heritage sites like the Ahlambra and our chosen neighborhood the Albayzin.

And, I’ll miss language school and all the friends we made from around the world.