Ronda

A day of discoveries: we found Confiteria Daver, just in time for morning coffee; they have an incredible selection of pastries.

Almost at the bottom

We found the trail down to the river, at the bottom of the "new bridge" built in 1793; it started as wide stone steps, but soon got rather narrow, until it was a tiny trail hugging the side of the cliff. We kept expecting it to end, but at the bottom of the bridge there were metal stairs going down to a concrete catwalk that took us under the arch, so that we were right beside the rushing blue-green water.
We found the Museo del Bandoleros (Bandit Museum), a small but fascinating place full of artifacts, documents, photos, books, and life-size dioramas. They even had an old bandit movie playing.
This evening we found our way to a concert of Musica Sacra (Sacred Music) in what used to be a chapel, but is now an art gallery. The narrow space had a ceiling that had to be 50 feet tall. With a white ceiling, walls that were two-thirds white and one third (at the top) orange-red, it was a bright, inviting venue. The musicians played the organ (keyboard), violin, and trombone. The fellow on the organ had the most expressive eyebrows and face, it was almost as entertaining watching him attend to his notes and fellow musicians as it was listening to the music, which was delightful.

From the bottom looking back at the bridge

A bandit? No, he tied up his horse then put out a sign saying for 2 euros you can take my picture!

Snow falling on orange trees

Snow on the orange trees in the square

Imagine our surprise to wake up, look out the window and see snow falling this morning! We heard it was the first snow in five years. It was also Andalucia Day, which meant a holiday for school children.


We caught a train to Ronda, a small hill town to the west, perched on the side of a gorge. Walking around, we saw a high school band, and men carrying a heavy looking platform. This we thought was a protest of some sort, but when we asked, it turned out to be a practice session for Semana Santa (Easter), when they'll carry a heavy statue.

Bridge between the old and new parts of Ronda

Men in training for the Easter procession