Oooooohhhhh. Today I found Spain. Don’t get me wrong – Seville was nice and picturesque and interesting. I really enjoyed it. But this morning I arrived at Ronda, a small city I’m sure you’ve never heard of, and I was plunged into the heartbeat of this country. There is a festival going on, so women, girls, and even babies are dressed in beautiful flamenco gowns everywhere, there is music blaring in the squares, and a few minutes ago I saw a group of conquistadors ride through town on horses. Mind you, they aren’t putting on a show for tourists – most of the people here are Spanish and they are doing it to celebrate their heritage. It’s amazing to be in the middle of it – this place is so alive.
Also, Ronda is insanely beautiful – situated on towering rocks that helped the Moors hold the city for much longer than any others against the Spaniards. It’s hard to get to, and that is what has protected this place for 2,000 years. It’s also the area where the Game of Thrones series got some of its most dramatic footage. Look at the pictures and you can see why. Incredible.
And yes, I hiked down that hill from the city to get the picture of the bridge. The path went on and on and on, and about half way down I started to doubt I’d make it back up. For real. I had to decide – stop and be satisfied with what I could see or keep going. I was only half way and I’d been walking the steep path for 20 minutes. Maybe it’s my Inherited moxie, or maybe it’s brain damage, but of course I kept going. It was worth it. I mean, you just stand there thinking you’ve never seen anything so crazy beautiful. While you are pouring sweat. When I’d seen enough, I was walking past a small parking area towards the trail when two men were getting into their car. Brazen as hell, I asked for a ride. Haha. Hey, don’t judge me. It probably saved my life.
Well, I’m sitting in a plaza and the flamenco dresses are really starting to come out – some are so fantastic it makes me want to put one on. I could – stores are selling them….Na. I need to save my money for wine. LOL. Maybe there will be a show and I’ll get another shot at seeing flamenco dancing.
Thanks for all your funny comments and cheerleading as I go along here. It is quite a soul-searching adventure and I’m happy to be able to share some of my best moments. I am again surrounded by almost zero English, so this is about all the talking I do all day. Well, you know what I mean. If you don’t hear from me again, it’s because I’m hiking down the other side of the ravine tomorrow, and I don’t see a parking lot down there anywhere…
Anyway, hope all is well at home. Things are pretty great here. 🤗
