Ronda

Carerra del Espinel is the main thoroughfare of Ronda. It runs the full length of the new town and is mainly tourist oriented, shops, bars and cafes. I wondered why on Earth we hadn't stayed another day in beautiful Antequera. This wasn't what I was expecting. Friends had built the town up. I had such high expectations.

 

I've learnt though that you should not trust first impressions. I turned the corner and walked in the direction of the bridge which straddles the vertiginous Tejo Gorg. Crossing over into the old town - the casco viejo - I was transported light years from the tourist tack. I explored old streets, squares, palaces and gardens without another soul in sight.

 

And from the bridge you look out over the Sierra...

The countryside is more tapestry than landscape. The next day I decided to make way down into valley to see the gorge and the city from another angle. I walked these roads alone ...

...and after a few hours made my way up the precipitous path, past the old water mill and through the Moorish gate.

My bad hip was aching, but I didn't care. I walked through deserted streets...

...back over the bridge...

Hugged the cliff top along Paseo de Ernest Hemingway (Ronda features in "For Whom the Bell Tolls") ...

...skirting the Bull Ring, from which I tried (and failed to avert my eyes) - I hate bullfighting (as do most Spaniards).

...and got back int time for a late lunch of wine and tapas at our adopted, local pub.

And the journey continues through Al Andalus...

 

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