Yesterday I stepped onto European soil for the first time... well, the continent itself. Madeira is technically part of Portugal, I guess.

Still... well, I can't imagine a better first day. Malaga, if you know as little about it as I did, was an amazing and exciting surprise. So many winding streets, so much history, so much to see and do...

An ancient theatre. A Moorish palace and proper still-standing castle. The Picasso museum. The old Toreador arena.

The beauty of the city itself, and the day we all had (even while having to return to the ship for rehearsal between trips into the city) was... well, I spent some money, drank some amazing coffees, and enjoyed the company of (several members of) my wonderful cast.

Today is Valencia, and we didn't port until 2, and I'm back now and not all that unhappy to BE back. It was okay, and there is a lot to see here, but not like Malaga. Malaga I will one day return to on my own. Valencia ... well, if the ship stops there again I'll probably see it again.

Things I have now: A Bullfighter hat, a ceramic tile impression of Picasso's "Don Quixote"... and a Spanish language Star Wars promo magazine.