Jimena de la Frontera - the past

Andalucian towns and villages are often built on solid rocky mountains, on which it would be impossible to dig graves, so the cemetaries consist of white walls with niches, like this one at Jimena de la Frontera. They are beautifully cared for, with bright flowers and perhaps a photo. The effect is dazzling; quite different from the gloomy churchyards often found elsewhere.

The castle seen through the gates and in close up on the right can be freely explored. There are a few notices to indicate its Roman origins and Moorish development. There are wonderful views of the village from above, and over the unspoiled forests. Another good place for bird watchers.

If you want to stay for a while there are hostals and small hotels in the town, and an excellent Camp ground just outside it.

1.450m to the top of the Bermeja!

The summit of the Bermeja mountain behind Estepona is 1.450 meters! Although the road up to it is steep, narrow and twisting, it is possible to drive a car most of the way. On a clear day it seems as though you can 'see forever', and there are views of Morocco and the Sierra Nevada. In my lefthand picture Gibraltar is just visible in the distance. If you are lucky you might see Booted Eagles, Griffon Vultures, Sparrow hawks, and Long Eared Owls, or even an Egyptian Mongoose! You will certainly see a very rare species of pine tree, the Pinsapo, which only grows in Andalucia. It was discovered quite recently, in 1837, by a Swiss botanist Edmund Bosser. It has short blue-green needles, and its branches sweep low to the ground.

There is a Refugio, about a kilometer below the summit, where shelter, food and drink are often available. In winter a blazing wood fire is a welcome warmer! There are tables with long benches indoors, and wooden picnic tables under the trees for fine weather. Young people bring sleeping bags and sleep out on the 'deck', to see the glorious sunrise in the morning.

Big Boys Toys and Glamour for Girls at Banus!

Instead of spending a day in the country, visit a haunt of the seriously wealthy! See their 'playground' at Puerto Banus. Most guys I know love to walk along by the harbour to look at the boats, and decide which one they'd like to own. The cars parked all along the harbour are gorgeous too! Watch out for these low slung snarling beasts!

Most women I know are more interested in window shopping there. All the big fashion names have a shop in Banus! Most of the clothes, shoes and jewelery are very beautiful, with very expensive price tags! But there are some reasonable places!

In between the shops there are restaurants and ice cream places. Relax and enjoy!

Fish on the Menu

If you enjoy eating fish, you have come to the right place! The photo shows the 'menu' of a little restaurant in Estepona. The fish will be freshly cooked for you. Personally I like a selection of mixed fried fish; some of everything they have! This will typically include calamares (squid), boquerones (fresh anchovies), merluza (hake), and perhaps pez espada (sword fish) or small leguada (sole). As this is quite substantial, I recommend a mixed salad as a starter.

Paella is eaten at lunchtime - never for dinner! It is basically saffron coloured rice cooked in fish stock with wine. Various pieces of meat, usually chicken and/or pork will be added, as well as fish chunks and shellfish, plus peas and strips of red pimento adding a splash of colour. It's a decorative dish - served with large lemon wedges. Warning! It is very filling! If there are six people in your party, a paella for four will be enough unless you have a very hearty appetites!

Endangered Species

The Andalucian Donkey is an endangered species; with only about 120 purebred animals in existence. Friends of mine, Stephen and Marlene Bird have a project, http://www.ancraa.org/ where they run a successful breeding programme. These donkeys are known as Giant Donkeys because they are about half as high again as the usual donkey. They were used extensively in agriculture before mechanisation, but farmers have little use for them nowadays. The temperament of these donkeys has earned them the name 'Gentle Giants'. Every Sunday morning Marlene and Stephen welcome visitors to 'Cuddle a Donkey', and to learn about the herd of 20 or so individuals they care for. As with any endangered species it is important to keep the animals in several places to ensure they could not be wiped out by a single epidemic. Donations are welcome to help with their heroic task of saving these animals from extinction.

Everything Changed!

In 1492 Christopher Columbus set off to discover the New World, which led to more profound world changes than the Apollo programme and landing on the moon 500 years later. Columbus believed he could reach India by sailing west. He discussed the possibility with two monks at the La Rabida monastery. One was an astronomer, who thought the idea was feasible. The other monk was the Confessor to Queen Isabella, and able to present her with the idea and enlisted her help. She provided three caravels the Niña, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. Before setting sail, Columbus left his ten year old son under the care of the monks, as it was uncertain whether he would return from his dangerous mission! The rest, as they say, is history.

Visit La Rabida monastery, near Huelva, where the plans were made. Go to the little harbour at La Rabida (near Huelva, close to the Portuguese border) where there is a little harbour with replicas of the caravels. You can explore them. See for yourself how uncomfortable life was on board then! It is extraordinary what risks people are willing to take!

As the journey from my place is about 7 or 8 hours, make a mini-holiday of it, and see other places on the way. It's worth taking several days over the trip. Take time to see magnificent Sevilla and Jerez en route. BUT avoid going in summer when the weather is unbearably hot!

Dolphin Delight!

When my family visited me, we hired a little yellow inflatable boat from Estepona beach. We were shown how to start it and steered it ourselves! We followed a tall young man. He stood up in his boat as he headed out to sea. He was searching for dolphin.

When he sighted them, he waved to show us where to steer. Suddenly the dolphin were all around us! But by the time my camera clicked the dolphin had often disappeared! But I did get lucky! These are striped and bottle-nosed dolphin!

Boat hire costs 40€ per person for two hours.

Don't Try This!

This walkway was built for the King to view the construction of a new dam some time ago, around the turn of the century. It has since fallen into disrepair, and in fact has now been closed to prevent accidents.

However, this video was made and shows the risks people are still willing to take.

It is in the El Chorro area, near Antequera, which is a very beautiful area to have a picnic, swim in the lake, and walk in the woods.



Further information about this is available at this site

Sabinillas Sunday Market

Wander the lanes between the stalls of the Sunday morning market at Sabinillas, and see an extraordinary range of items for sale - in no particular order! Apart from colourful fruit and veg, there are antiques and art works, crafts and clothes, books and bangles, toys and tools, herbs and plants, besides gadgets and gismos of every kind! I bought a cheap toy metal detector - but it didn't work! No matter. The idea of it was fun!

Rain Forest Rendezvous!

Fuengirola Zoo, under an hour from my place, is the most beautiful zoo I have ever seen!
The paths wander through lush cool vegetation, with excellent views of the animals and
birds in huge enclosures with great rocks, trees and pools. The breeding programme of endangered species appears to be highly successful, judging by many babies to be seen!