I don't about you, but I thoroughly enjoy people watching - simply relaxing and eyeing the passing parade.
Here in Fuengirola, there is such a variety of different nationalities and interesting and quirky people, I could do this all day (if I didn't have to earn a living!).
I thought I would introduce you to some of the more unusual of our local residents and visitors. I don’t mean to be nasty to these people, so I won’t show you photos or mention any names, but they are just so fascinating.The German Lady
If you didn't know better, you would imagine that this lady is just killing time before her flight as she trundles her two suitcases up and down the beachfront promenade. Probably in her late 60s or early 70s, her appearance is always immaculate and she wears different outfits every day. Her hair varies from blond to red, depending on the latest tint.
Looking at her, you would be convinced that she had checked out of her hotel early and didn't want to head to the airport just yet, but then one evening you enter the ATM lobby of the local BBVA bank and discover said German lady settled and living there – and begging for money. Unfortunately, the lady only appears to speak German, so it is difficult to find out her story.
Sesame Street's Bert has a lookalike
Looking like an older version of Bert from “Sesame Street,” this gentleman visits Fuengirola on a regular basis and always stays in a local apartment hotel. He has stark features, which to me are somehow reminiscent of an exclamation point. He always seems to be sitting at an outside table at the hotel as I pass by and I can’t help but notice him (he also notices me, by the way).
His gray/blond hair sticks up rather like Bert's and up until now, he has always sported the rather scarlet tones of a serious sunburn during his stay. However, on the latest visit it seems he may have spent some time in a tanning parlor or used some kind of chemical treatment, as he is, well, to say the least, exceptionally overdone! Remember a couple of years ago, those images of the tanning-mad woman from England? This guy's tan is so similar.
Quite honestly, I can only now describe him as a caricature of himself, if that makes sense.
Crocodile Dundee
A guy, hailing from Lisbon, Portugal, is living under a bridge just down the beachfront from where I live. He delights in crafting sand crocodiles next to the river that enters the sea at that point. Very creative, he decorates the crocs using oranges for eyes and pieces of white plastic cups for teeth, then spray-paints them a lurid green or bright red.
Surrounding the crocodiles is a variety of different objects rescued from the local garbage – plastic flowers, children’s toys and such. Unfortunately for the crocodile guy, when the sea gets rough, the crocs get washed away. Not to fear, however, as within a day or so, like “The Terminator,” they’re back.
Come and visit us in Fuengirola to meet all the special people who live in these parts!
