In Andalusia, Spain, lie one white village after another, tucked in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The first inhabitants were tribes from North Africa. They built their communities high on rugged perches, as a way to protect themselves from attacks. After all, the Reconquist was bound to come sooner or later. Each spring, after the rains, the houses are meticulously whitewashed, providing a sharp contrast to the window boxes filled with vibrant geraniums and the orange trees lining the cobblestone pathways.
We were in the mood for a real Spanish experience, so we wound our way through this area, stopping in villages with names like Ronda, Grazalema and Zahara. In Ronda, we checked out the oldest bull fighting ring in Spain and the Puerto Neuvo or new bridge. We hiked down the gorge for a better view of this structure that linked the old Ronda to the new Ronda, built in 1793. We wandered the alleyways and churches of La Cuidad, or old town, and finally ended up in a little restaurant ordering tapas. The kids found it interesting that the shops really do close for an afternoon siesta!
In Grazalema, we fell in love with the little plaza. It seemed that almost everyone in this tiny town must be out relaxing with their neighbors. The kids made themselves at home, finding a little spot to set up a pretend shop, this time making imaginary pasta and salads. We walked from one stunning view point to another and then enjoyed an ice cream.
Zahara was my favorite stop of the day. It was the tiniest of the villages we visited, but to me was the most beautiful. Geraniums filled the birdcage windows and for some reason, here the whiteness of the village seemed absolutely crisp against the surrounding hills. There was barely a plaza, but the one that was there was filled with families embracing the local saying, "How wonderful it is to do nothing and then rest afterwards." As we were leaving, two Spanish cowboys on horses trotted up the stone streets, adding to the rugged intrigue of the area.
On our way back to the coast, we stopped for photos of one countryside view after another.
We were content with our real Spanish experience.
5 comments:
All of those pictures are awesome! It looks like you guys had an amazing time. I can't believe how many cool little towns you have visited on your trip.
Wow, what awesome pictures of the alleyways in the towns! That corner of Spain seems so unique and fascinating!
Mom and I went to Ronda and also saw the sights including the bull ring. We have a poster of the Ronda bull ring in our bathroom. I clearly can feel the white washed buildings against the blue sky. Great pictures.
Love Dad
The white towns you wrote about seem to me to be the essence of southern Spain. What gorgeous photographs! Grandpa Calder would envy the shots of those two very picturesque Spanish men, especially the guy in the cap! Imagine--doing nothing and then resting afterwards....maybe when Dad and I retire.
I am so happy you went up to the white villages..we loved them. It looks like you are having a wonderful time, I am so happy that everything is working out for your adventure, we can hardly wait for face to face travel log!
Post a Comment