The Interior of My Place

Here are two views of the sitting room

at my place, with a woodburning fireplace.

It leads onto the terrace outside.

The double bedroom has ample cupboard space,

and views to the garden.

These pictures were taken by my daughter,

Nikki Wilson, who is a professional photographer Her website is http://www.galahstudios.com/

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is less than an hour from my place. It is well worth a day visit. The short distance from the African continent makes it a major migratory route for birds.

There is much to see on a day visit. Take a taxi from the border for the Rock Tour. Your driver will be your guide. You will be given time to explore St Michael's Cave. There is a stage inside it, where concerts are held. It is also famous for being the site where Gibraltar Woman was found - before Neandethal Man. But her significance was not recognised at the time! The Rock was a fortress, and has miles of handmade Siege tunnels inside it! You will have time to walk down them, and learn about how they were made. In the nature reserve at the top of the Rock visitors can have close encounters with the famous apes!

Estepona Alive!

San Isidro, the patron saint of Estepona, is celebrated with a Fiesta for a week in May, with much song and dance! It starts with a trip out to a park in the country for paella and picnics under the trees. Then every day in town there is something going on! My friend Brian took this enchanting picture of Spanish dancers!

Castellar - a village inside a castle!

Castellar de la Frontera is the most southerly castle in Europe, with a village hidden inside it! Drive through mysterious cork forests, and up a very steep mountain road over looking a lake! Below it there is a Venta, a roadside eating place, where you can enjoy the food of the region sitting outside in the shade. Drive a little further in springtime, where electricity posts are decorated with storks nests! All this is about an hour and a half from my place!

Gaucin

Dream of Castles in Spain!
Drive for an hour through beautiful countryside to visit the castle of Gaucin. Take some refreshment in one of the outdoor cafes, then ask you way to the 'Castillo'! Its a steep climb up to it, but the views are worth it!

The village has many resident artists. Every year there are Open Studio weekends. http://www.artgaucin.com/ I love to visit the artists to see their work and the places that inspired them.

This cottage is beside the garage, where you can fill up with petrol. Drive in either direction from there for fabulous mountain and forest views of 'real' Spain!

El Torcal

El Torcal karst rock formations. This is a great place to walk. (Degrees of difficulty are clearly marked.) See mountain goats and their kids in their natural element! There is a campground to make overnight stays. Approximately one and a half hours by car from my property.

My Love of Special Places in Spain

These Roman baths are off the typical tourist beat, in a hidden valley, along a very bumpy pot-holed road. The spring that feeds them runs year round with sulphur in the water which gives it the blue colour. It is said that the water has been used for healing since Roman times. The water runs into a stream outside - still pale blue.

This delightful place is less than half an hour from my rental property! However, as there is not much parking space, I avoid going there at weekends.

Tour of My Place