The peace and the magic of Malaga. 6 months Erasmus that changed me.

I arrived in Malaga on 8th September 2014. Before me lied 6 months Erasmus and today I can admit being more aware of many things: of myself, of my growing-up as an European student and as a person. I would have never heard of Malaga if it hadn't been for some reports by a girl of my town, but I soon fell in love with it.

I found accommodation close to one of the main squares: Plaza de la Merced. It's characterized by an obelisk built in honour of the liberal general José Maria de Torrijos and his mates shot in 1831 at San Andrés beach, and today it's become a reference point for tourists, young people and, at times, tramps.

I soon realized the great enchanting power of Malaga. A sunny city, with a great and mild climate all year long (there are on average only 40 rainy days per year), a city living on tourism but which also includes stories of poverty and tradition.

People's chatters and the sound of street musicians' guitars would accompany my moments of relax on the terrace.. All of this caused in me a feeling of immense peace: I could see everyone and nobody could see me.

The symbol of the square is the Cantinero of Cuba. There are lots of legends about this man who sings today in the cafes of the city, in a strident voice and with the craziness typical of artists in the eyes.

In Italy people say that you only have to add an "s" at the end of words to speak Spanish; in Andalusia, on the contrary, words are mispronounced, there are new and unique ones, final "s" are omitted. This caused me some trouble at first but I liked it. I got more and more curious and today I can speak fluently both Castellan Spanish and Malagueño.

Andalusia is the real Spain: the one of hospitality, of smiles, of the sun, of fish, of salty Spanish breakfast, of churros for few euros, of flamenco, of tapas and cañas (beers), and everything very cheap...

I had the honour of living next to Pablo Picasso's birthplace. I immediately realized that the citizens of Malaga value much more the statue in the middle of the square and the fact that the painter was born in this city, rather than the importance that Picasso himself would attach to Malaga during his lifetime and in his artwork.

I lost myself in those streets that connected Plaza de la Merced with the Cathedral (named La Manquita because one tower is shorter than the other), with Picasso Museum (the painter spent his first 10 years of life here), with Malagueta (one of the main beaches with the sign Malagueta in stone), with barrio del Soho (a neighbourhood with modern artworks and wall paintings), with Pimpi (typical bar selling sweet wine)...

Malaga means sunsets with 100 shades of red seen from the Mirador (viewpoint) under the Arabian castle of Gibralfaro, means the fascinating architecture of the Roman Theatre and the Arabian Alcazaba, means the yellowish sand in Plaza de Toros, means the cold sea water affected by both Atlantic and African currents.

Malaga is pretty modern too: a city of concerts, of artirts, of artwork at centre Pompidou, of running along the harbour stopping by Farola, of biking along the seaside promenade, of going shopping along Calle Larios...

Malaga means studying at Teatinos University or El Ejido University, means queuing at 7 a. m. for a place in the study room, means student parties and singings of Tuna (the Medicine student band)...

Malaga is white and lightblue for football (Rosaleda stadium), but green for basketball (Unicaja).

Malaga means discos, clubs where to get drunk with friends, electro concerts, Erasmus parties: Theatre, Sala Caramelo, Sala Gold, Tolouse, Sala Wenge, Bigoterapia, Las Tortugas, Onda, Liceo, Urbano.

Malaga means La Maison de Cervantes with delectable and cheap dishes, and tastings of 'jamon serrano or boquerones', means beaches, villages nearby, of Balneario and of El Palo, but it also means Rad for low-cost tapas.

Malaga is a contrast between richness and poverty, between the attempt of expressing modernity and standing out for the uniqueness of its traditions, between the sea and the artificial lights which leave you speechless.

Malaga is an opportunity, it's a solid magic, which is to be lived until the very last second and I hope high-profile visitors will appreciate it as much as I have.