Giddy Heights of Ronda

Remember when we last talked Holidays? Yep, just last month, we were on the sunny and beautiful Costa del Sol and we took a trip to Ronda.  It's high, up a mountain.  The road was excellent, the car (considering it was the the smallest 1.1 Kia that you can hire for 27 quid a week) was a trouper. Bear in mind that two days before making it take us up the mountain to Ronda, we'd driven it flat out for 200 odd kilometres to get us to Granada!

Well, anyway, I thought it time to share some of medieval Spain.  Who knows why people choose to settle where they do.  Southern Spain's mountain's have more distinct seasons than the coastline, perhaps that's one consideration.  Perhaps, in medieval Spain, the attraction was that a livelihood was to be made living near a large church and monastery.
It can't have been easy.  Particularly before they built a bridge to get over the ravine.

There was a river...but it was almost imperceptible at the bottom....fabulous views though!

There were narrow streets, cobbled of course, any number of restaurants boasting the best views of course, and a bull ring. Whatever you think of the 'sport', it's quite impressive to think of any breed of animal being herded so far up the mountain without proper roads and vehicles.  There's nothing particularly unique about this bull ring. It's used as an exhibition and show ground, a stadium, all sorts - as you'd expect in a small town with limited resources.  There was a charge to go inside. With or without acceptance of cultural diversity, I think we were both of the opinion that it would make us feel as if we were bystanders at a car crash (even though there was no event).  So we didn't go inside. Choices. Opinions.  

Then there were the alleyways on gradients that made your heart pump, leading off the 'main road' (just wide enough for two vehicles...and they were originally horses and carts remember), and all led to the church and monastery.

We sat in the small Plaza outside the church and the town Hall and enjoyed some peace and shade.  Despite it being October, it was still beautifully warm.  And really busy with tourists.  Can't imagine how busy it must be in the full on part of the season.   

It was a lovely place; you can imagine and I have loads of photos, but really, not to bore you further.  But you need to know what's out there huh - specially if you decide to make a trip - or are offered a trip - you'll know where  you'd like to see for real! And if you aren't easily bored, take heart, I've still more to tell about this particular holiday!  Snicker.