Category Archives: Ronda, Spain

Ronda sights

Three nights (2 full days, and a partial day) is not a lot of time to check out a town, but Ronda (pop. approx. 35,000) isn’t big and it was easy to get a feel for this delightful hill town. Today we wandered some streets, and walked outside the walled old town.

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We found the best preserved Roman baths in the Iberian peninsula .

"Borrowed" photo.
“Borrowed” photo of the New Bridge. Those are hotels perched on the edges. The town comes right to the edges.

We’ve walked over the “New Bridge” several times in the last few days.  It took 42 years to build, dates to 1751, and connects the old walled city with the newer parts of Ronda,  traversing the El Tajo canyon.

The sun needs to be further south (winter) to get full lighting on the bridge.
The sun needs to be further south (winter) to get full lighting on the bridge. I didn’t take that lower ‘edge’ walk – yikes!

 

Turning to the left a little for a different perspective.
Turning to the left a little for a different perspective.

 

Turning even more to the left reveals the valley to the west.
Turning even more to the left reveals the valley to the west.

 

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Rounding the corner, we almost ran into this cowboy, parked next to a bar window with a large mug of beer in hand.  He waved me off when I asked to take his photo.  My guess is he was on the clock…

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Oh no, he wouldn’t listen to me, so I had to lock him out.

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Dave named this hidden garden café the ‘pigeon garden’.   We had a cup of tea here and listened  to cooing pigeons nesting in the 15th century church next door.   The café owner also had several song birds in cages <:-(  that added to the choir.

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Traffic at a standstill when school lets out.

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Rustling up business for Segway-like rentals.  First time I’ve seen a hands-free model – steer with knee pressure.

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We are only 2 blocks from the bull ring (above) but we didn’t tour it.  The ring in Seville is on our to-do list, though.

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I’ve given up on the baked goods, but have not been disappointed by the handmade chocolates:-)   These shoes are chocolate!

We’re off to Sevilla (seh-VEE-yah) today – 11:00 bus will get us there at 12:45.  No train from here to there or we would have taken it.  Location has been an important criteria in selecting lodging – every home is within walking distance of the bus or train station .   So far this has worked out well, aside from the initial disorientation we seem to have when we exit a station.  Thanks for following us! – Laura

Walking to Laura

Our first full day in Ronda, I found Laura on the map just east of Ronda, and a route to it via back roads and trails.

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The street morphed into a trail though the country.  We’ll walk right through the olive groves in the distance.  Dave was glad he put on sunscreen – not a favorite task of his.

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Some trees in blossom.  We’re at about 2800′ elevation. Olive trees in the background.

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Lighter colored blossom, but just as fragrant.  They were alive with busy bees.

IMG_2291First iris, against a north facing wall.

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Our carb reward before we turn around and head back. “Laura” turned out to be just a little cluster of homes with a gas station and this restaurant/ hotel/campground.

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Within the walled town in Ronda, looking in the direction of our hike. About 4 hours round trip.  Lovely countryside.

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Magnolia blossoming in one of Ronda’s many city parks.  Laura

PBY’s request

My sister expressed an interest in the interior architectural features of homes here.  Below are some images of the home we’re in here in Ronda.  I could get used to these marble floors – though they can be cool, they just feel so good on your feet.   – Laura

several interior doors like this - closing off the kitchen, entry way and hall way if needed.
several interior doors like this – closing off the kitchen, entry way and hall way if needed.

 

Most all windows have exterior metal shaded that are lowered/raised from inside.  Guessing for noise, light (they sleep late!) and privacy.
Most all windows have exterior metal shaded that are lowered/raised from inside. They’re cream colored on this building. Guessing for noise, light (they sleep late!) and privacy.
Nice interior doors.  Maybe from the 40's or 50's?
Nice interior doors. Maybe from the 40’s or 50’s?
Inside a front door right off the street.  They use such quality materials.
Inside a front door right off the street. They use such quality materials.
The landing on our floor.
The landing on our floor.
Many churches in town.
Many churches in town.

 

To Ronda we go…

Tickets Please!  They cost about $10 each for the 1 3/4 hr ride.
Tickets Please! They cost about $10 each for the 1 3/4 hr ride.

The bus ride from Fuengirola to Ronda…

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was a VERY windy one through some baby mountains – lots of switchbacks.   Along the way we ended up behind a slow moving semi.  Instead of stressing, the bus driver just pulled over at a spring, took a drink, and off we went.  (He didn’t offer the break to any of the passengers!) We caught up with the truck again a little later, but were able to pass it (!) on an up-hill straight away. – Laura