tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14103183493757433332011-07-28T14:55:44.019+02:00Ideal for writer or photographer needing space & time - a base for exploring Andalucia. Two bedrooms (sleeps 4, plus a guest on the sofa), two bathrooms, kitchen, living room with an open fire, and a terrace to sit and contemplate the sea. Minimum 3 months let. See rates in sidebar.Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.comBlogger491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-85707226290638501392009-12-10T20:30:00.022+01:002009-12-11T09:31:19.991+01:00

It is traditional in Spain to make elaborate Nativity Scenes in town centres, shops and homes. They are called 'Belen', literally; Bethlehem. A couple of hours from here, in the small town of Ruta there is a chocolate factory, with an enormous Belen made entirely of chocolate. Photography is difficult as more light would create heat, which would melt the chocolate! Everything is chocolate - the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-55134864943837787672009-12-07T00:38:00.006+01:002009-12-10T21:40:37.917+01:00

Recently, this handsome young vulture was found on a nearby Urbanisation. It appeared to be exhausted and 'adopted' my friend Steve Carter for a few days; allowing him to come close up to it. As it didn't eat or try to fly away, Steve called the environmental people, (Medio Ambiente). They care for wild creatures, and release them when they are able to cope. Vultures are endangered. Apparently

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-55447961230014114712009-12-03T00:35:00.020+01:002009-12-03T01:54:37.869+01:00

This 18th century castle (only a few minutes from my place) was built as a barracks for the military of the day. When I first visited it, forty years ago, it housed 13 families. Several families would share a living space, just separated from their neighbours by a simple curtain. All around the site there was was an important Roman settlement and bath house. The industry was fishing, and making

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-24305855517986759742009-11-24T16:50:00.034+01:002009-11-24T23:49:42.249+01:00

The beach next to Bahia Dorada is crowned with a powerful square tower; the Torre de la Sal. Literally, it means the Salt Tower. Sea spray collects in crevaces and hollows. When dry, small amounts of pure salt can be scooped up. I'm doing it (rather inelegantly) in this photo!The beach has pebbles of many interesting shapes and colours. Its impossible to walk along the shore without picking up a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-14483456714013436162009-11-20T22:06:00.028+01:002009-11-22T15:34:52.049+01:00

My eldest daughter, Nikki, came out to Spain for a visit to clarify the boundaries of some land that the family owns. Recently the local authorities have taken aerial photos of the whole province, and drawn in an approximation of owners boundaries! So it is necessary for everyone to check their survey maps, and agree boundaries with their neighbours. We found that our registered documents were

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-49745230751266468352009-11-15T22:59:00.010+01:002009-11-15T23:48:09.501+01:00

In Spain a car-boot-sale-cum-street-market is called a Rastro , and is often held on Sundays. This morning I went to the Rastro in the woods near Benahavis, about half an hour from where I live. It was a surprise to find a rally of magnificent vintage cars was also being held there! I don't know what the models are, but I was charmed by their glamour! Even without the vintage cars, a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-90822842543993288042009-11-09T23:35:00.036+01:002009-11-10T02:58:39.040+01:00

Hurray! I'm back! My computer needed a major upgrade. My computer guru is a genuis, and consiquently, is much in demand! I had to be patient and wait in the queue for his services! My life used to function perfectly well without a computer, but now I have much basic information stored on it, like addresses and family birthdays; so I'm lost without it!Since my last post, our local Gardening Club

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-87233327268593384842009-10-27T01:42:00.018+01:002009-11-10T03:01:39.346+01:00

(Apologies for the long delay since I last put up a new Post! I had a computer glitch, repeatedly sending the same Email from Outlook Express. My computer was in 'shop' for nearly a week being fixed!)In the last few years many of the Canary Palm trees of the coast have been destroyed by the dreaded Red Palm Tree Beetle. It attacks the growing part at the crown of the tree. Healthy palms can be

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-31671469123956416552009-10-19T12:54:00.008+02:002009-10-19T18:21:47.848+02:00

I look forward to the NADFAS monthly lectures from October to May! They are held at eleven am on the third Tuesday of the month at the San Roque Golf Club.Tomorrow, 20th Oct 2009, is the start of the new season! The speaker will be Colin Williamson on; "200 years of Plastics in Art and Design from Victoriana to Lalique and Lycra".On 17th Nov 2009 the subject will be "Brancusi and the Perfection

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-2207072339071376642009-10-16T02:25:00.019+02:002009-10-16T11:37:44.693+02:00

The Prickly Pear is a formidable thorny cactus that makes a useful hedge. The fruits on the edge of the lobes are delicious. But beware! The fine hairs on them are painful and difficult to remove! I have an ancient pair of 'chumba' tongs for picking them.Take care when skinning the 'chumbas' too! Cut off the two ends; slice top to bottom, and open them. However the easy way to enjoy them, is to

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-10464166789304155752009-10-11T01:17:00.029+02:002009-12-06T01:10:03.619+01:00

One of the things I love about living in Spain is the exotic profusion of beautiful trees and flowers!The mass of blossom that looks like pink orchids, may be a variety of Bauhinia. (One of my readers says it may actually be a Bombax.) The tree I photographed in Estepona seems to be in bloom for much of the year! Surprisingly, the trunk of the tree is studded with hard thorns!Its fun to walk

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-43191240753353230672009-10-08T23:30:00.024+02:002009-10-09T17:16:17.115+02:00

I love the version of "Carmen" by the Director Francisco Rosi, which was filmed entirely in Andalucia. There are scenes in the streets and on the bridge at Ronda, and in the tobacco factory episodes, where Carmen traditionally rolls a cigar on her thigh. The Ronda bullring is used for the final part of the drama. Julia Migenes is a captivating, fiery Carmen, with Placido Domingo as her lover, Don

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-71330880589942699692009-10-05T19:07:00.007+02:002009-10-19T18:22:59.266+02:00

The 4th of October is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi; an appropriate date for World Animal Day and suitable for the flag day for animal charities. Every year ADANA, Estepona's Animal Rescue Society, asks volunteers to collect from public places all week! As usual I was asked to station myself outside our local Carrefour supermarket with my collecting can. By the end of the four hour stint,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-36052451362125085272009-10-02T23:46:00.023+02:002009-12-06T01:04:46.764+01:00

This cave is near Benaojan, about 70 kilometers from Bahia Dorada - through wonderfully wild mountain scenery. I've wanted to explore it for years. This week I did so for the first time! There are many steep steps up to the cave entrance, and inside the cave, so people with heart or agility problems are advised not to attempt to visit it. Once inside, Tilly lamps are lit and the group follows a

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-1846940206925224362009-09-29T23:45:00.010+02:002009-10-04T09:11:56.869+02:00

It is disputed as to exactly when the Watch Towers were set up as a protection against piracy along the Mediteranean coast. Each tower was visible to two others in either direction, and each had a chimney to produce smoke to raise the alarm if enemy ships were seen.This tower, on Bahia Dorada, was in existance before 1492! It is 13 meters high, with a flat roof to view the sea and surrounding

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-75277541405492569292009-09-27T01:29:00.007+02:002009-09-27T01:58:46.039+02:00

In summer there used to be one of these melon and watermelon stalls under a shady tree just a few hundred meters from Bahia Dorada. But that disappeared years ago, and the site was used for an upmarket complex of apartments. But stalls like it still exist! This summer I saw this one on the road to the coast, coming down the mountain from Ronda. Experts give a water melon a hearty slap, and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-19103252451656696082009-09-22T00:27:00.014+02:002009-09-22T10:04:51.744+02:00

These photogenic boats are in Estepona Port. You would have to know their owners if you wanted to go for a sail. However there are boats for hire.And you can go fishing!

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-82789777392782502722009-09-19T23:18:00.014+02:002009-10-19T18:24:10.408+02:00

In my last Blog I wrote about the serious fire that devastated 600 hectares of land on our mountain. The picture on the left how close a tongue of fire came to the Adana kennels. (The pink building.) Within 30 meters! That was close! I'm happy to say there was no loss of human or animal lives.By the next weekend the Adana Dog Show was in full swing! The dogs are not judged on pedigree. This isn't

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-64951230568685366932009-09-10T22:37:00.014+02:002009-10-19T18:24:45.840+02:00

Brian took these pictures yesterday and today. The fire fighter planes scooped up sea water and flew on to discharge it on the huge fire on the mountain behind Bahia Dorada. It is an extremely dangerous job to fly low and load the plane, and take it up with the sudden extra weight of water, and then deal with flying conditions on the mountain, with the smoke and fire heated updaughts to contend

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-81039577954508905412009-09-07T00:24:00.002+02:002009-09-07T00:30:48.536+02:00

The Coto Donana, an hour south of Seville, is a conservation area of special importance, particularly as a breeding place for migratory birds. It is also a habitat of the Iberian Lynx; a beautiful species that grows to be about twice the size of a domestic cat. Characteristically they have tufts of hair on their ears and under the chin.This is the most endangered of the 36 species of cats in the

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-31129390241908487972009-09-04T22:12:00.015+02:002009-09-05T09:39:21.580+02:00

This wonderful cool drink isn't wine, and it isn't a cola! It's grappa (grape juice) with ice and lemon. It was served to us on shiny black glass tables on the platform of the little Station of San Pablo near Jimena de La Frontera.Occasional trains pass by. They stop by request only. Now you see one - now you don't!Adventure suggestion. Go to the station and have a nice drink before taking

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-36577546895653421222009-09-02T10:41:00.018+02:002009-09-03T11:04:40.089+02:00

My email name is "valvanette". I chose it as my traveling address, because I drive this Nissan Vanette camper van! It used to have a kitchen with a gas fridge, a gas stove and washing up facilities, but I never cooked in it. Roadside 'ventas' have delicious inexpensive food on the 'menu del dia', so why bother with shopping, cooking and cleaning up? Brian dismantled the kitchen and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-15032899505090585192009-08-28T12:56:00.034+02:002009-10-19T18:25:22.998+02:00

ADANA is Estepona's animal rescue society. A great many animals are lost or abandoned every year, and it takes a great deal of money to house, feed and provide veterinary care for them all.The present kennels are crowded. A new purpose built facility is needed to house the many dogs brought to Adana. Efforts are made to reunite lost animals with their owners, and to find good homes for abandoned

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-10583183192299214132009-08-26T10:39:00.012+02:002009-08-27T23:48:06.105+02:00

This is one of the most delicious treats to have in the morning! Choose one of the chorros shops in Estepona where they squeeze the dough through a huge piping nozzle and fry it in hot oil. When golden brown the whole spiral is lifted out with what looks like a pair of huge chopsticks, and is snipped into long pieces with scissors. (Beware of being served the little hooped ones, as they may

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-50756079228313304742009-08-24T08:50:00.035+02:002009-09-02T15:51:04.187+02:00

Photo taken near Grazelema by A.W.G. ReidCork Oaks grow in many Mediteranean countries, and live for 150-200 years. They have a thick rugged bark, which acts as a shield against forest fires. The core of the tree is alive even when the outer layer is scorched. To harvest them the lower parts of the trunk are stripped of their cork bark by hand. The men who do the work are specialists and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-18887946765062858282009-08-23T17:08:00.011+02:002009-09-22T10:20:35.335+02:00

I love visiting Lobo Park, near Antequera. Four sub-species of wolves live there in huge enclosures; European Wolves, Canadian Timber Wolves, Alaskan Timber Wolves and the native Iberian Wolves. These are another endangered species, so it is good to know that Lobo Park has a successful breeding programme. It is about 2 hours from my place. There are guided tours every day; Adults 8.50 Euros and

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-52427107678997388062009-08-19T23:29:00.015+02:002009-08-21T11:01:37.878+02:00

Recently I watched "Lawrence of Arabia" again; one of my favorite films. But this time, when I saw the scene of the entrance of the Officer's Club in 'Cairo', I realised it was in fact the Plaza de Espana in Seville! There are several more recognisable locations in the city! The Plaza des Las Americas provides the setting for the Civic buildings of 'Jeruselem'; El Casino is the 'Council

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-86225402571680018562009-08-17T10:59:00.005+02:002009-08-21T11:10:44.681+02:00

During the Moorish occupation of Spain (8th-15th Century) the statues of the Virgin Mary were hidden in attics, cellars and caves. Over the centuries their hiding places were forgotten. But occasionally they were found! The story goes that during the 15th century in the Coto Donana area of Andalucia a man found an ancient carved wooden Virgin, hidden in a hollow tree. He decided to carry her

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-56235726045808042252009-08-12T14:18:00.011+02:002009-09-22T10:23:07.476+02:00

The Roman ruins of Baleo Claudia near Tarifa, are in a stunning position beside a long sandy beach. Before going there check opening times, which vary with the seasons; and use a map and follow signposts carefully. The car park is beside the museum.The most important industry of Baleo Claudio was garrum; a highly prized fish paste, that was exported all over the Roman Empire! Near the beach there

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-14007899312229771922009-08-07T18:19:00.028+02:002009-08-07T19:38:48.221+02:00

Many Mediteranean beaches have artificially dredged sand. Those without this luxury can have more stones and shingle. The best beaches are on the Atlantic coast about an hour from my place. This rock is at Atlantera, and the long sandy beach stretches to Zahara del Tunes. However, there is more wind on the Atlantic coast! The nearby town of Tarifa capitalises on it boasting that it is the '

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-3864277562956943762009-08-03T00:18:00.005+02:002009-08-03T00:40:56.123+02:00

Occasionally I wake up early enough to see the sun rise. I sit out on the terrace and watch the light magically changing. Words from the song 'Summertime' ring in my head; "One of these mornings, I'm going to rise up singing; spread my wings and take to the sky!"

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-47565562323119542532009-07-30T22:55:00.009+02:002009-09-22T10:25:41.761+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-59989842224129103692009-07-29T00:51:00.010+02:002009-07-31T00:11:04.651+02:00

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,

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-61499975340699025622009-07-26T00:31:00.007+02:002009-07-26T01:11:53.280+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-66984180962626046802009-07-20T15:46:00.006+02:002009-07-21T11:19:59.657+02:00

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).

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-56817363400745542162009-07-17T10:37:00.006+02:002009-10-19T18:26:16.356+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-40905549881574781532009-07-12T19:59:00.003+02:002009-07-12T20:25:11.251+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-46364719549143281092009-07-07T00:31:00.019+02:002009-07-12T20:28:53.993+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-29165546733040916302009-07-04T11:37:00.002+02:002009-07-04T11:49:50.306+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-80067107089153825442009-07-01T10:21:00.018+02:002009-07-12T20:29:28.007+02:00

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!

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-28324125013522977062009-07-01T08:49:00.026+02:002009-07-12T20:31:03.327+02:00

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 andbirds 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!

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-42436407476551114852009-06-27T00:40:00.007+02:002009-06-27T05:26:52.377+02:00

Here are two views of the sitting roomat 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/

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-83270654062894565262009-06-25T05:52:00.009+02:002009-08-23T18:08:50.022+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-5008386364253730122009-06-20T13:09:00.006+02:002009-06-20T13:49:44.815+02:00

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!

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-71360130328194042952009-06-17T13:48:00.007+02:002009-06-23T21:16:16.148+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-67799721131286298002009-06-12T21:41:00.016+02:002009-10-19T18:27:11.459+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-39458308335223628022009-06-11T13:58:00.000+02:002009-06-11T14:08:35.746+02:00

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.

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-67596930667515542102009-06-11T13:56:00.002+02:002009-09-02T16:09:30.433+02:00

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

Valhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14164912050620700256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1410318349375743333.post-28078148343608089192009-06-11T13:41:00.004+02:002009-09-02T15:54:51.298+02:00

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