Ronda

Surrounded by a sea of mountains and green rolling valleys Ronda sits atop a crest famous for its white washed buildings and the bridge that connects the northern and southern sides of town. The New Bridge of Ronda was proposed by King Felipe V in 1735 to improve upon an earlier 16th century bridge further upstream. The bridge which spans the Tajo Gorge spans 98 meters, more than 300 feet. The gorge itself cut by the Guadalquivir River is 100 meters deep.
Just below the span there exists a prison no longer utilized that had many a prisoner falling to their deaths. This bridge was an engineering marvel in the 18th century and is now supporting the growing city of Ronda and the ever increasing number of annual visitors.
The AirB&B that I rented for the night was right on the mountains high cliff providing with unobstructed spectacular views of the valley and mountain peaks. The community not only is dependent on tourism but also on the farmlands surrounding the river and valleys framing the gorge. It was a beautiful day when we arrived but later that evening it was jackets as the temps at this evaluation had dropped into the low 50s.
Friday was our return home to Marbella. But first we took a short walking tour of the town in search of breakfast. What we found was a a small but lively cafe making fresh churros. We sat down ordered two cafe con leches. I had my usual plain croissant and Doug ordered a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. But we also order one churro to split which came to the table warm and crispy.
About two blocks away was the public car park. In between was the city church which we entered and as is my usual habit made an offering., 4 candles. The church was not ornate simply a house of worship for the community. But its lovely exterior was welcoming. Behind and the side was the convent with a small store selling baked goods made by the Carmelite nuns. We stopped in to buy some of their pastries but it was closed until after Mass had concluded later that morning. Oh well, Sisters some other time.
Finally in the car, the GPS directing us we were on a road headed south towards Marbella. Like all sinewy mountain roads this one was traversed by many, many motorcycles mostly tourers but also crotch rockets. I would have enjoyed being on two wheels. This was prime motorcycle heaven.
Marbella is only 30 miles from Ronda but takes about an hour travel time because these mountains prevent any high speed driving. We got into Marbella found a Shell station in Puerto Banus and returned the Peugeot to the Sixt agency. This road trip was easy, fun and educational giving a deeper appreciation of Spanish culture and the long history of the Iberian peninsula, Visigoths, Romans, Moors, Christian. Plus seeing three historic Andulusian cities.
It was also nice to have my good friend pay me a visit and join me on this three city tour. One never really gets accustomed to traveling solo at least not fully so its was nice having a companion to share the sites and to discuss the experiences.
Next week will be my last trip here in Spain. Three nights in Seville. However, I will not be be driving instead I will travel by high speed train. Malaga to Sevilla is typical a 4 plus hour drive. This train does it in two. Should be an exciting ride.Read more