Europa

The statue of Europa and Zeus is quite impressive.

Alfarnate

As the tour was coming to the end, we were guests of the local hosts in the village of Alfarnate, who welcomed us to their cozy homes and served their home cooked four course dinner, with wine, of course.

Castellar

In Castellar we visited medieval castle, high on the top of the mountain.

Nerha

After lunch, we drove to Nerha, where we visited enormous caves with stalactites and stalagmites.

Frigiliana

Today we were driven to Frigiliana, walked on narrow, uphill streets, with immaculate white walls of the houses, decorated with flower pots, with bountiful plants and flowers.
( Thanks, Dave, for lending me your arm to hang to! )

Ronda

On the way to Ronda, we went over Sierra de la Nueve. Someone spotted a wild mountain goat on the cliffs. Ronda is a beautiful Andalusian city dating back to ancient times, of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors. The streets are narrow, lined with orange trees. We visited an oldest and largest bull ring, and the museum with collection of clothing, saddles, bits, etc., of the famous matadors, then an old baroque chuch.

Antonio the guide

Guided by Antonio with his vast knowledge of the history of this land, we admired the beautiful landscapes, with the rocky mountains, the valleys with orange groves, blooming almond trees, endless rows of olive trees and cork oaks.

Olive Factory

Today we drove to Exargia region, a countryside with narrow winding roads through the fields of blooming almond trees and rows of olive trees. We stopped at Panderia ( the bakery) to buy hard crusted bread. Then we drove to the olive factory and tasted the extra virgin oil dipped in the bread. Antonio assured us, that it was the best extra virgin oil produced in Spain.

Flamenco!

Each evening there are different kinds of entertainment. I loved Flamenco dancers.

Rock

Our first excursion was to Gibraltar, where we visited St. Michaels cave, then outside we were entertained by the Rock's monkeys. Of course I had to take their portraits.

Beautiful Spain

Here I am in beautiful Spain. We are staying in Sol Timor hotel in Torremolinos, one of the many hotels along Mediterranean Sea. I have a private and quite comfortable room with private bathroom and the kitchenette with microwave, toaster, a range, refrig and the sink. Each room has the balcony facing the sea. What beautiful sunrises!

The meals at the hotel are plentiful with varied fish, which I love, also plenty of vegetables and fruits.
I loved to stroll on the Boulevard, the wide paved promenade along the sea. The sunsets are as exquisite with the beautiful skies and the waves licking the shore.

On the way

From O'Hare the Iberia airlines took us over the ocean to Madrid's beautiful, huge airport. Lots of walking to the next plane to Malaga.

Finally the Trip Begins

The final day arrived. Irenka took me to Dutch Mill Park and Ride, where the Badger Coach was already full with the people from the West Side. I was eager to meet my new traveler friends.

On the way to O'Hare I was saying "Good Bye" to the fields covered with snow. When I'll come back " the crocuses will be popping up from the ground!"

Off to Spain !

Good bye, my dear ones, I am ready for my big trip. Leaving Madison tomorrow in the midst of winter, with the snow on the ground and temperature below 20 degrees. Just checked temp, in Malaga 61 degrees, something to look forward! See you in three weeks, when the crocuses will be popping up!