We have been to Malaga previously so I looked for a tour that explored other nearby areas and found one called:  “Tasty & Romantic Malaga” which promised some tasty tapas and a serenade by a local tuna group. No, it is not a group of fishes. In Hispanic countries, a tuna is a group of university students in traditional university dress who play traditional instruments and sing serenades. The tradition originated in Spain and Portugal in the 13th century as a means for students to earn money for food. We have heard such groups in the past and always enjoyed them.  Food and music-cannot get much better that that!

Malaga was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century. We were driven to a lookout overlooking Malaga for a spectacular photo stop. From there we were driven to the old town section for a walking tour that included seeing the house where Pablo Picasso was born in 1881 and where he lived until 1891 when his family moved to France.

From there we were escorted to a small wine & tapas bar where we were served a small plate of tapas while being serenaded by a local tuna group. These singers were not college students like those of old but they did sell CDs (Yes, I now own one) to supplement their incomes. We enjoyed a good 20 minute concert of familiar famous Spanish songs, that did not include La Bamba (bummer).

It was then back to the boat for our daily trivia competition. We seem stuck on getting only 11-13 of 15 answers, beat by the same group who always seem to win! Cocktails and snacks were used to sooth our battered egos.

Before dinner a local Spanish dance group, featuring a male & female dancer, backed up by a singer and guitarist,  put on a marvelous show for us. Both dancers were sweating by the end of their performances. They were great.

Dinner tonight was back in the Compass Rose main dining room.

The evening entertainment was performed by a UK singer (Karl Loxley) who had appeared on the UK version of the Voice. He was quite good.

We were supposed to go to Casablanca tomorrow but Morocco has been shut down to cruise ships, so we will be visiting the Spanish colony of Ceuta, located next to Morocco on the African continent.