Ronda!

Posting this on Monday morning instead of Sunday night, because I was whipped!  We started out on the way to Ronda, but stopped at another small town (I can't remember the name right now), and three locals each took 8 of our group to their homes for brunch.  This was a really neat way to get to know the locals a little bit better and also see how they live.  The group I was with went to Salvatrore's casa, where he had prepared a nice brunch of Spanish tortilla, Chorizo, homemade salsa, bread, cheese and cold cuts.  It was delicious and he was a wonderful host.  One of our members, Luis, is fluent in  Spanish, so communication was not an issue.  Salvatore also had a great ice breaker, his 6 week old Yorkie puppy, Yogi.  Yogi stole the show, and of course all the ladies in the group just hat to hold him before we left!

We went on to our destination of Ronda, a small city with a great bullfighting heritage.  The bullring there was the first that was purpose built in the world.  They had an extensive collection of artifacts in their museum, especially old weapons.

The main attraction to the town in my opinion was the natural feature.  Ronda is built on a high hill and is separated from another hill by a gorge that is 300-400 feet deep.  Years ago there was a bridge built connecting the two and it really is something to see.  The city is surrounded by mountains in the distance and the views are incredible.

We stayed at a rural hotel about 15 minutes outside of town that is extremely nice.   It is a bit rustic, but boasts a pool, extensive gardens, and each room is one of a kind.  Mine is the biggest I have had yet on this trip.  We also had a meal last night that was incredible.  Mine was a salad, pork tenderloin with baked potato, and for dessert, white chocolate soup with a brownie.  I was on gastronomical overload!  Today we go to the Pueblos Blanco, where we will see more of the whitewashed hill towns of southern Spain.  Breakfast is awaiting me...adios.