During my philosophy studies, which I of course never completed and will probably only take up again - like my fellow student at the time, Anneliese - when I am 75 years old, the subject of happiness (being happy) was much discussed. In my lectures I often heard that real happiness has to do with the unpredictable. I have only had a small idea of what my professor at the time was talking about since I left my mid-twenties behind and found myself unexpectedly in Marbella, Spain.

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

While autumn was setting in in Vienna in October 2021, the leaves were changing color and it was slowly getting cooler, I unexpectedly received an invitation to explore the Spanish city of Marbella with the KIA EV6. Without hesitation, I accepted. Normally, from that point on, I would have started researching everything about Marbella, its sights and history - just like I often read the last page of a book before I buy it. But this time I wanted to do everything differently: instead of a tourist scavenger hunt, I would go for the unexpected and see where it would take me.

© VOO QQQ on Unsplash

ARRIVAL IN MÁLAGA

On the plane I met my delightful travel partner Vanessa who had also received an invitation. Her laugh was infectious and her bright blonde hair was like a promise that the summer was going to last. We hit it off right away. Approaching Malaga, I looked out the window and was immediately taken in by dramatic clouds and green mountains. Then, as I stepped out of the airport concourse with luggage in hand, I stopped for a moment and took a deep breath in and out. The paradisiacal parrot flowers pranced along in a pleasant, warm breeze and the summer sun gently brushed my skin. My adventure in an unknown part of Spain had begun.

The rooftop pool at Barceló Málaga. © Barceló Málaga edited by Sebastian Krebitz

APEROL AND ROOFTOP POOL

The first night Vanessa and I were housed in the Barceló Málaga - a hotel in the heart of Málaga. The accommodation impresses with modern design and an excellent location. And on the roof terrace, I had this fantastic feeling as I enjoyed my Aperol Spritz with sunglasses, shirt unbuttoned, and feet dangling in the rooftop pool. Elated and with a slight tingle in my head, my blonde companion and I went to explore the city.

The Casa Mira ice cream parlor on Calle Larios. © David MG on Shutterstock /edited by Sebastian Krebitz

MÁLAGA WINE, GRAPES AND ICE CREAM

We strolled through the Mediterranean streets surrounded by palm trees, walked along the beach promenade and admired the buildings in the historic old town. We also passed a small ice cream parlor, Casa Mira on Calle Marqués de Larios. There we treated ourselves to a - how could it be otherwise - Málaga ice cream. As soon as we tried it, we were blown away by the sweet explosion. This Malaga ice cream was completely unlike any I had ever tasted before in Italy or Austria. "It's sooo good," Vanessa burst out. The saleswoman smiled kindly and seemed unsurprised by our reaction. She told us that we had just been in one of the oldest heladerías (that's what ice cream parlors are called in Spain). In the 70s, Señor Prudente Dimas Mira had invented the famous Málaga ice cream here. The unique, heavenly taste, by the way, comes from the raisins that were previously preserved in Málaga wine. This, in turn, is a sweet wine made from muscatel grapes that can only be produced in the city's bodegas. Without knowing it, we had discovered a real highlight. I can really only recommend a visit to this Heladería!

The Kia EV6 is a modern and sporty crossover. © Sebastian Krebitz

THE ROAD TRIP BEGINS

Early the next morning, the time had come: Vanessa and I were allowed to take a sleek EV6, the all-electric crossover from Kiaand explore the coastal roads of Marbella all day. For the color of the car, we opted for an elegant gray called "Moonscape". Also out of this world was the fact that we could accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.5 seconds - simply awesome! With the windows open, the wind in our hair and "Bamboléo" by the Gipsy Kings in our ears, one of the most beautiful coastal journeys of my life began.

LET THE SOUL DANGLE

The first stop was right on the beach, surrounded by tropical palm trees and the sound of the waves: the Playa Padre, a dreamlike beach club. In addition to excellent Virgin cocktails, I was thrilled by the fusion between Asian and Mediterranean cuisine. All dishes there are prepared with fresh ingredients from the region and you can taste it. There I sat, protected from the midday heat under a large straw umbrella. Looking at the sea, I enjoyed the delicious food, a cool drink and felt the sand under my feet. Playa Padre - a little paradise in Marbella.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JAMES BOND

Back on the road in the EV6, Vanessa and I drew caught a few glances. The streets of Marbella have Hollywood Hills flair and I soaked up the shiny "James Bond lifestyle" with all my senses. Maybe that's what prompted Sean Connery to settle here back in the day. Just like Ian Fleming's James Bond, I was sitting in a high-tech car with an incredibly sporty look, a virtual display right in the windshield and a stunning blonde behind the wheel who could really step on the gas. At that moment, I looked over at Vanessa as she cruised through the palm tree avenue with her cool sunglasses on her nose and couldn't help but think, "If this were actually a James Bond movie, I'd be the 'Bondgirl' in the flick."

Vanessa with the Kia EV6 in "Runway Red" in Puerto Banús with La Concha mountain in the background. © Vanessa Strauss

A MARINA AS A SYMBOL OF THE JET SET

Arriving at the luxury port of Puerto Banús, I got off and watched as the Kia EV6 parked itself. A feature that is a dream come true for bad parkers like me. We walked past elegant boutiques, upscale restaurants and hip sidewalk cafes. A little further on, the prominent tower from times past reminded us of the charm of the original Andalusia. But what fascinated me most were all the colors that surrounded me: bright white Andalusian houses, a turquoise blue sea and in the background the mountain La Concha, which towers over the town and waits every day for the sun to sink into the sea once more.

The lobby of The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa in Marbella. © Marriott® Hotels

A SHOOTING IN THE MOONLIGHT

The last night we spent in the "The Westin La Quinta Golf Resort & Spa". The luxurious golf and wellness resort is located about seven kilometers from the marina of Puerto Banús. Here elegance is capitalized. A white marble fountain in the lobby, handmade furniture, terracotta floors and a large outdoor area with pool landscape awaited me there. On the last evening, Vanessa and I pulled out all the stops dress-wise and really got dressed up. A multi-course dinner followed with hearty steak and one or two fine wines to drink. We talked, laughed, and simply enjoyed the here and now. At the end we once again fully gave into the James Bond flair: In the glowing moonlight, we were photographed dressed in our outfits together with our "Partner in Crime", the Kia EV6and were able to capture this magical moment forever.

Me and Vanessa at our "Bond photo shoot". © Vanessa Strauss/Sebastian Krebitz

MOMENTS OF HAPPINESS

The alarm clock rang very early the next morning and off we went back to the airport in Málaga. As we drove along the coastal road one last time and the sun rose over the horizon like a great red ball of fire, I truly understood why this Spanish spot is called the "Coast of the Sun" - and also what my philosophy professor had meant so many years ago: I came here not knowing exactly what to expect, and found so much in that short time - a true friend, the best ice cream, a gorgeous car, incredible places, and countless moments of happiness.