Ronda, May 09, 10, 11

 The drive to Ronda from El Burgo was spectacular.  And the place I am staying is luxurious beyond all.  Coming here from having stayed two nights at a hotel that could have been the setting for an  E. A. Poe poem or Miss Havisham's quarters, why the contrast  practically made me giddy!  I am in an apartment with all the amenities, even a toaster!  There are rugs, excellent lighting, a seating area, a sleeping area, modern bathroom, a sweet patio, a real table for dining, frig, stove, and: 

 

I did not even have to prod Google photos to upload.  There is so much juice here, they uploaded just like that!  

First mission was to go to the grocery store.  This was not the grocery store:

On the way, I discovered that Don Quixote may have had knee replacements:

Who knew?  He does not look too happy about them.

Back to the hotel. Very well located, on the major street in the new part of town—tomorrow will involve exploration of the old city—which street is pedestrians only.  How nice is that!  There are several ice cream establishments, so you know that Ronda attracts tourists!

May 10: The morning was devoted to a circular walk of the city to which I added a detour or two.  The scenery was dramatic.  Even the professional photos do not do it justice, but they are way better than mine. (Make sure to look at photos of The Gorge):

https://www.google.com/search?q=ronda+spain+images&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjHmfnPx9X3AhVKXxoKHfucCoIQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=ronda+spain+images&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzIFCAAQgAQ6BwgjEO8DECc6BAgAEEM6BAgAEBhQ8ShY2DxgvD5oAHAAeACAAWGIAc8JkgECMTSYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=jq56Yscayr5p-7mqkAg&bih=637&biw=1150&hl=en

The afternoon was spent on a fool's errand.  Guy noted a detour on the walk to Montejaque (on the 12th), so I went to look for it.  His instructions kept sending me farther and farther away from the route, so  finally I gave up and discovered that the original route seems to be functional.  We shall find out!

Early evening was taken up with another "official "walk around the old  city.  It was great!  In addition to very high, old walls, there was a rose garden:

and the streets are the way they used to make them:

Some sheep being driven by a shepherd:

And a big, black bull!

Who, in these parts, needs a matador:

Or,  maybe, a bull-ess on roller skates:

May 11: Another beautiful walk, at least part of it was!  Once you got "there" you saw almost overwhelming rock formations and walked along a river bed.

I turned back before I really wanted to because I was hungry and kept imagining the lunch I would make:

It was as good as it looks: Sautéed sliced potato, onions, and eggs, SEASONED with salt and pepper, topped with chopped tomato and avocado on a bed of watercress. 

OK, we cannot leave Ronda without one picture of the setting!

                

Ronda is a must-visit town for the sturdy.  It is truly gorgeous but you have to be willing to do constant, steep upping and downing!  

But this lady will take care of you:

It says so on the plaque.