My Spanish Adventure: How dreams do come true . . .

While visiting the Puente Nuevo Museum, I read a really cool quote that said . . . "A bridge takes us somewhere which is always on the other side. However only some bridges can take us beyond their structure and pillars, where writers, dreamers and creators roam, where images of dreams and the imagination are built. The new bridge in Ronda is this place."

This quote evoked so many feelings in me and I start to reflect back again on all the places that I´ve been to on this trip, even going as far back to the inception and planning stages. Sure it was a tad ambitious traveling to so many places. However, to be honest, I can´t think of one city or town that I would have wanted to leave out. Not one! Not even my day trips to Toledo and Cordoba. During these past 3 weeks . . . I saw so many exciting and incredible things that I had never seen before, I met some pretty cool people, I learned to come out of my comfort zone and eat and drink like the locals, I learned about some very interesting history including how different religions and cultures had co-existed in the past and I wonder why they can´t do so now.

Some highlights tha I will never ever forget . . . the Almudena Fiesta in Madrid at the Plaza Mayor, my first tapa bar experience, walking the ramparts in the beautiful town of Toledo and my visit to the Mesquita and one of only three Synagogues in Spain, the passion and excitement of watching my first live Flamenco Show at Los Gallos in Sevilla, the arches of the Cathedral and the 1200 year old Muslim Subterranean well in Cordoba, the golden tiled dome and beautiful sunsets on the baeach of the 3,000 year old town of Cadiz, the magnificent and romantic lure of the Alhambra in Granada and now the place where dreamers can stand, the Puente Nuevo in Ronda!

And amongst all the grandeur of the things and places I saw, I always seem to leave with equally improtant memories of the little moments in time that really had great meaning to me and they all seem to involve the people I met . . . my rail buddies at the Almudena Fiesta in Madrid and the ladies I photographed in their regional dresses, the very patient bartender at my first Tapa bar in Madrid . . . the local in Sevilla who took the time to remind me of why I was in Spain . . . the local walking his little puppy in Cordoba who told him to settle down so I could snap his picture (he was being a whirlwhind like Annie´s Maria) . . .the local in Cadiz who stopped to tell me about this beautiful old church that I was admiring and taking a photo of as he was walking by . . . and Washington Irving´s romantic tales of the Alhambra in Granada!

I have really enjoyed getting to know Spain these past 3 weeks . . . the culture, the food and Cava, the great monuments, traditions, flamenco music and dance, religious sights, their magnificent jewels (in the Alhambra) and most especially the passion, friendliness and helpfullness of the Spaniards. Spain is a very beautiful and diverse country filled with so much history and I am so glad that I decided to come.

And much like the Puent Nuevo quote says about how it is more than just a bridge to get to the other side, travel means more to me than just getting to see and experience another country or culture. After this trip, I have come to realize that travel allows me to dream and to imagine beyond what I think I am capable of doing and it awakens that creative and adventurous part in me that frankly needs awakening every now and then. Makes life exciting and fresh!

After 3 wonderful weeks of traveling through this very beautiful, diverse and exciting country I am here in the small town of Ronda, near the end of this great Spanish adventure. But I know that this is not the end of my journey as a traveler, because dreamers never stop dreaming or imagining just as travelers never stop traveling.

I have so much to be grateful for in my life, so many people to thank for helping me to realize this trip. And I especially want to thank all of you for taking the time to read my blog and for coming along on my Spanish Adventure. It was an awesome and fun trip!

And so I leave you now with this night shot of the Puente Nuevo here in the beautiful town of Ronda . . and with one last thought . . . I can´t wait to see where my dreams and imagination will take me to next . . .



I´m looking forward to catching up with all of my favorite bloggers when I get back home to the States on Monday! Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Holiday! Bye for now!

Ronda: The hike down and the view

Today, I decided to do all my must see´s here in Ronda. I decide to walk (5 minutes) to the REal Maestranza (Bullring) which is considered to be the first and oldest bullring (200 years old), built in the 18th century. They were actually building some kind of Christmas Market thing in the center of the ring and so I could only photograph one half of the bullring. I think it´s actually better looking than the one in Sevilla and also once you pay your $6 Euros entrance fee you can pretty much roam around on your own. There is a very nice museum inside under the stands which has great photos, prints and examples of the matador costumes. Next, I walk over to the bull pens where you can climb up to viw them from the top. Behind the pens, they have some stables where they keep some of the Equestrian horses for the riding school. While there, I saw three trainers excercising three beautiful horses. Once they were done, they brought them to the other seide where they washed them. Kind of interesting to watch and so I did.

Next, I decide to walk back over to the old city so I can find the Casa Del Moro and walk down to the Gorge. The road to the Casa is all stones and quite steep but cool looking. I pay the $4 Euros etnrance fee to be able to see the mine and the gardens. At first, I´m thinking, hey this isn´t so bad and it was quite enjoyable. Then I approach this opening and see this really steep, dark, creepy, wet set of stairs with a rod iron handrail curving down. I hesitate again, but this time for a while longer, no doubt calculating the risk invovled of me continuing on. I continue on. And to compound things even more, there is water dripping and puddles of water in some sections of these steps. And oh yeah did I mention that it is dark and creepy! I´m now a little worried and I am trying to talk myself out of this. I´m thinking why did I have to stumble upon that YouTube video about this little trek down to the gorge. But then I remmebered ow I was able to climb up the side of the Yosemite Half dome clinging to a cable and how much more scarier that was than this! I take a deep breath and thought to myself . . . screw it, when am I ever going to be here again and this is something that I have wanted to do! I enter the creepy staircase and after slowly making my way down many more stairs, I arrive at the exit at the bottom of the gorge where I am treated to a spectacular view. It´s so quiet and peaceful down here and the gorge walls are amazing. So of course, now I´m not so scared . . . plus there was a nice Spanish couple that came down a few minutes later. Yay! Climbing up wasn´t half as bad as climbing down was, but I did put my shoe in a big puddle of tajo river water! Ha, ha!

After seeing the mine and the bottom of the gorge, I snapa a few more photos of the gardens also located here and then walk down to the old bridge and back up to town.

Afterwoards I wonder aroudn the old city for about an hour and then back to my hotel where I treat myself to a very nice dinner in the restaraunt here. I had a very delicious grilled swordfish filet with some boiled potatoes and a little salad on the side! A nice ending to an interesting and adventurous day!

BTW, remember those warm clothes I mailed back home in Sevilla ... well it is freezing here in Ronda! :)
Inside the Real Maestranza . . .

Dude . . .

They were scrubbed from head to toe . . .

All three horses being bathed . . .

One of the many quaint streets in the Old City of Ronda . . .

As I start my trek down to the mine here, I´m thinking this isn´t so bad . . . .

And then I saw this . . .

In this photo you can actually get a sense of the steepness...

Some places were dripping with water from the ceiling and really dark (it´s lighted here because of my flash and a little opening) . . .

Where you exit when you reach the bottom of the gorge . . .

Eye level view at the bottom of the gorge. It was pretty incredible. . . .

View from bottom of the gorge to the top . . .


Forestier´s Gardens at La Casa Del Rey Moro . .


Old Bridge (no comparison, huh!)

Ronda: Old and New Connected by a bridge . . .

Today, I took the first train out of Granada (7:15 am) and arrived in Ronda 2 1/2 later around 10:00 am. I really couldn´t see the gorge or the bridge from the station and for a brief second, I was worried that I was in the wrong town but once I went to get my taxi and asked for a ride to Hotel San Miguel and received the acknowledged nod I was so happy. The ride took just a few minuites and it cost only $5 euros. As soon as I step out of my taxi, I see the Puente Nuevo and I am immediately excited. I couldn´t believe my hotel was so close. Then when I checked into my room I find out that I have a great corner room with an awesome view of the Puente Nuevo right outside of my window. Whoo hoo!

The first thing I did was walk a few steps outside of my hotel and voila I am standing on the Puente Nuevo, something that I have been looking forward to a really long time. You know, I´m not afraid of heights or anything but I have to tell you that when I first approached the ledge of the bridge I was a little scared. And I think the reason is not so much the 300 meters height above the Tajo river, but that it literally drops straight down. Yikes! Across the street I see the entrance to the Bridge Museum right next to the very beautiful Parador. The fee is $2 Euros and you have to walk down these steps to the second level fo the bridge. In this little room there are these lighted screens that explains in detail the history of how the bridge was built, which was actually pretty interesting. It took 42 years to contstruct and connects the Old City to the New City of Ronda.

Next, I visit the Tourist Office which is located directly across from Hotel San Miguel in Plaza Espana (yes another one). I ask them where I can go to walk down to the gorge, one of my must sees. The place is located at Casa del Moro and is located not too far from my hotel. The old city is across the bridge from my hotel and that´s where pretty much all the sights are locatd except for the bull ring which is on my side of the bridge. But the town seems pretty small and you can wak everywhere. I first go across the bridge to visit a few shops then back over to the new side and waked up this pedestrian zone street that had all these great shops and ample numbers of places to eat (and drink). Visited a wonderful plaza called Plaza del Socorro and enjoyed a bit of people watching which included watching city workers putting up the town´s Christmas decorations! I walk back to my hotel and decide to have a nice lunch in their fabuous restaurant that overlooks the Puente Nuevo fromthe terrace. Sweet!

I think Ronda will be my kick back and relax town so I sit down and have a fabulous and long meal capped off with a nice glass of you know what! From the terrace of the San Miguel Restaurant I have an outstanding view of the Puente Nuevo and am loving just being lazy for a change. The sun is pretty strong here and it is fantastic sitting here with this view. I think I love Ronda too! No surprise there!

Here are some snapshots of my first day here . . .

My room at the Hotel San Miguel (notice the view in the window)...

View from the top of the Puente Nuevo . . . .

Plaza del Socorro . . .

Spinach with Large Prawns in garlic sauce . . .

My cheesecake with blueberry sauce dessert, yummy!

Granada: The Alhambra, "Paradise on Earth" . . .

Before my trip I read somewhere that the Alhambra is considered the “Jewel” of Andalusia and now I know why. The use of space, light and water is so ingenious and the intricate detail of the wall carvings and beautiful tile work is beyond comparison to anything that I have ever seen. The rooms are airy and the beautiful arches gives way to the views of the city below. Patios and flowing water moves through the palace giving it a calming and relaxing feel. I can’t even begin to adequately describe my feelings as I walked through the Alhambra other than to say that it simply took my breath away.

And just when I think I’ve seen everything and I can now begin to catch my breath, I walk over to the General Life and find these gorgeous gardens and patios that have these well trimmed hedges, colorful flowers, well placed trees, fountains and reflecting pools. More arches . . . more views!

For my visit I purchased an Audio guide for $4 euros. As I walk through the Alhambra I can hear the words of Washington Irving brilliantly describing everything to me as I am seeing them. It inspired me so much that I picked up a special 175th edition of Washington Irving’s “Tales of the Alhambra” and decided to read it while sitting just outside the palace overlooking the city view below. How's that for being creative!

I wish I could be more descriptive but I am at a complete loss for words (and I’m talking both my outer and inner journey thoughts too).

I absolutely love Granada! I have such a great vibe here. The people are super friendly. The town is not too small and not too large…it has ample bars and restaurants to select from, shops and the bus system seems easy. There is an Alhambra bus that you can take for only $1.10 Euros between the Alhambra where my hotel is and the city center below.

I will say this for sure, if you decide to visit Southern Spain at all, you must include Granada in your plans. It is a must visit!

And for your enjoyment, a few photos of paradise . . .

The walls and towers of the Alcazaba . . .

Mexuar Room


Close-up of wall on the Patio del Mexuar

Close-up of one of the wall carvings and tile work, Interestingly, some of the calligraphic decoration on the walls of the Alhambra contain poems by three poets of the Court of Granada . . . Columns from the Patio de los Leones . . .

Patio de Arraynes...this patio was designed so that the pool would reflect the sun into the rooms surrounding it and to also make this patio larger than it really is.


Close-up of reflection . . .


Palacio del Partal . . .


Patio de la Acequia (Located in the General Life) . . .

The Alhambra from the Albaicin . . .

The entire grounds of the Alhambra had such great beauty. Sometimes when I was walking along a big gush of wind would come along and these beautiful fall leaves would rain down on us...it was pretty cool!

One of the many sweeping views of the city below as seen from the palace . . .

Alhambra at night . . .

And just so you know, the city of Granada is a wonderful place to go and hang out. And I managed to tear myself away from the Alhambra to do so . . .

Tommorrow morning I head for Ronda so I can stand top of the “New Bridge”. Not sure if my Hotel will have wi-fi or that I’ll find an internet café. If I do then I will blog from there. But just in case I don't get connected before Thursday, I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

And I'll say goodnight with this precious look a like photo of AnnieNC's Lulu . . .

Old and Proud ... the sights of Cadiz

The town of Cadiz, also known as the "tacita de plata" meaning "the silver cup", is 3,000 years old and is considered to be the oldest city in Europe. My hotel is quite a ways from the old city center but is walkable. The first on my must see list “The Puertas de Tierra (Earth Gate) which establishes the limit between the old city and the extra walls of the new city.

Puertas de Tierra


Next, I come across the Teatro Romano, a theatre built in 70-60 BC. It is the oldest and one of the largest theatres in the Iberian Peninsula. Underneath the stands is a gallery built for the distribution of spectators. The entrance is free of charge and you can walk all the way down to the stage and into the gallery that is dug up underneath the stands. It is sort of dark and scary going into the gallery. Luckily there were two other Spanish tourists in there with me otherwise I would have been in and out in a hot second. It’s funny how I can be fearless in some things(like traveling solo) and yet be a real chicken in others.

Teatro Romano

Underneath the stands . . .

Next, I climb up the Torre de Poniente to get a better look at that yellow tiled dome that I have been so looking forward to seeing and also to get a good view of the city below. The fee is only $4 Euros and is well worth the money, time and effort to climb up.

From the top of the Tower I have a fantastic close-up view of the Cathedral's golden tiled Dome . . . Supposedly, the color of the dome was chosen so it would be visible from far away to the fishermen coming into port.

Cool view from the top of Torre de Poniente . . .

I walk over to look around at Plaza San Juan de Dios, which is not as large and grand as the other plazas in Madrid or Sevilla, but it is small and quaint.


I then go back towards the Cathedral and down through the city’s Old Quarter and approach what's known as the Square of Flowers and right behind it is a bustling open market, sort of the Cadiz version of Venice’s Rialto Market.


There was nothing but locals here shopping and “me”! I keep walking with no clue of where I am or where I’m going. The streets are narrow and the buildings go straight up which provides no point of reference for me. I figure Cadiz is built on a peninsula and I am bound to hit the ocean sooner or later. This area of Cadiz seems really really old. But just like in Cordoba some of the houses have these pretty flowered plants on their terraces so although this area looks old it is somewhat charming too.


Finally after following this one local for a few blocks I find the ocean and Castillo San Sebastian. I just knew that following her would guide me in the right direction.

Well, I think my feet can take it no longer and it’s getting kind of late, so I start hoofing it back to my hotel. It seems so far away and for the very first time on this trip I begin to really miss my car back home. I am so tempted to wave down a taxi, but I carry on. Plus it was kind of nice walking along the beach. Never know what you'll see.

Cool view of the Cathedral on my loooong walk back to my hotel.

On my walking exploration I was approached by two locals who were so excited to spend some time to give me an explanation about what I was photographing. Well, at least I wasn't holding a Starbuck Grande of Coffee Americano! It really was very kind of them to educate me on what I was seeing. The locals here are so proud of their town and although it is considered really old it does have a certain charm.

You know, I’ve now been in three very different cities/towns in Spain . . . Madrid, Seville and now Cadiz. IMHO, I think that each one has their own unique vibe and appeal. Madrid is lively and high octane with great art and traditions, Seville is sort of young, hip and soulful and Cadiz is old but charming and proud. And in all three cities/town the people have been very friendly and helpful.

For now, I'm off to get one last glass of Cava and then tomorrow I'm off to Granada to see what is considered to be the jewel of Andalusia, the "Alhambra".

So as I watch the sun touch the ocean for the third night in a row . . .

. . . and the day ends here in this 3,000 year old town in Andalusia . . .

. . . I reflect quietly on my wonderful time here. I think of two things . . . First, I am so glad that I came here to Cadiz and secondly, the Cava is just as delicious as Prosecco! :)