Travel Tales: Ronda, Spain

 A Jewel in Andalucia

Early on a beautiful, quiet Sunday morning,

we left Estepona to drive up into the

mountains to visit the town of Ronda.

We took a dramatic route through the

mountains.  There was one lane up and

one lane down with constant hairpin turns.

Add to that guys on motorcycles that would

weave between us and the oncoming cars

and bank so far on each side that their

elbows would almost scrape the ground.

By the time the goats started hopping

on to the road I was ready to cry.

But once you reach the top of the mountain,

you will realize that Ronda is worth the trip.

We wandered through the deserted streets.

The Spainiards, no doubt, were still

recovering from their Saturday night revelries.

The morning light was beautiful.

After a while the town started to wake up

as people were heading out to cafes.

We walked over the Puente Nuevo or "new"

bridge which is from the 18th century.

The views into the gorge and out to the

Serrania de Ronda mountains was spectacular.

We sat in a lovely park and waited for

Sunday Mass to let out and for the

Medieval Market to open.

Then it was time for some food.

Lovely Spanish olives...

Spices of every sort.

These ceramics were by a couple of cute

brothers from Cordoba, all the work is done

by their family.  I have a few of their pieces

in my home and I think of them

when I look at their art.

We had plans for later in the day so it was

time to head back down the mountain all

too soon.  I look forward to returning to this

beautiful city ~ though next time I think

I'll take the train...

On a weather note, we are being told

to expect a horrific ice storm.  The ice

has begun and it is likely to take down

the power lines, so if there is no blog

in the next few days, you'll know why.

Please send warm thoughts our way.