Sunday, October 31, 2010

LUCKY ESCAPE


We had a very exciting Saturday morning….we decided to take the dogs for a walk in a local olive grove to us and collect some mushrooms, which we had seen growing there on a previous occasion.

As you can see, we had quite a success day, although we were in for a big surprise. We walked right into the middle of a local hunt and were suddenly surrounded by a pack of hunting dogs and a hunter brandishing a shotgun....

We really should have known better, as hunting is a regular pastime of the locals during most weekends of the hunting season…

Needless to say, we didn’t stick around for very long and made a hasty exit....



With winter closing in and the time for using our wood burning stove fast approaching, we thought you might like to see a photograph of our wood pile, which was created by Ed during his last visit, before it’s depleted!

This reminds me….last winter we inherited the Christmas tree of our dear friends Caroline and Robert, which we duly planted in our garden and as you can see it’s doing really well.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

DAY TRIP TO GRAZALEMA


Barrie and Jeanne came up for a couple of days, so we decided to have a trip out to Grazalema and have lunch at one of our favourite places, ‘Restaurante El Torreon’

On the way over we popped in Hotel Fuerte for coffee and it brought back so many fond memories. You’ll probably remember that this is where our ‘Spanish Adventure’ started back in Spring of 2004

After a delicious lunch we took the picturesque route back, with spectacular views of the mountains at Algodonales, which have become a mecca for both paragliders and hang gliders…..

The white village of Grazalema....




A charming village house



Enjoying 'Menu del Dia' at Restaurante El Torreon


Coffee on the terrace at Hotel Fuerte

The view of Grazalema from Hotel Fuerte

LIN'S BIRTHDAY


We have had a couple of ‘topsy turvy’ weeks, so as it was Lin’s birthday on Monday we decided to take ourselves off to the lakes at Ardales for the day and what a wonderful day we had!

Although Nuri travels from car sickness, we decided to take the dogs and what an adventure they had. With exception of Sally, who hates water with a passion, the other three all took full advantage of the crystal clear water of the lakes.

The weather was absolutely perfect for walking and the views, as you can see, were spectacular. It is such a peaceful and serine setting; our only company throughout the day was a large flock of sea birds that had gathered on the lake, a cormorant and one huge heron of prehistoric proportions, that sadly the dogs disturbed as it was preparing to take lunch.

We walked for hours, without seeing another person, stopping only for a lakeside picnic and by the end of the day we were all exhausted, especially poor old Jack, who has not been used to any sort of exercise!



My beautiful wife............




Luna

Jack


Nuri

We love you Mum.....


Time to go home Dad......

It's been a very long day......

Sally

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

XXXVII GALA FOLKLORICA INTERNACIONAL


One of the highlights of our year is the Gala Folklorica Internacional de Ronda, which is held during the last few days of August or early September and is part of the Pedro Romero Feria.

Dance companies from all over the world are invited to perform at this prestigious event and this year featured groups from Martinique, Argentina, Ukraine, Poland, Turkey and Georgia! This Gala was formed in 1974 and is the oldest folk festival in Andalusia and during that time over 100 countries from all continents have taken part.

The location for this Gala is the Auditorio Blas Infante, an open air theatre situated on the edge of the Tajo that offers spectacular views of the valley.

The Gala is held over three days, starting at 10 o’clock each night and in addition to the featured countries, a group of dancers from the local Ronda school of flamenco perform at the start of each session.

It is also a tradition that representatives of each of the dance groups take part in the opening procession of the Ronda Feria, which starts at the bullring and travels slowly up La Bola to the Feria ground on the outskirts of town, where we are treated to a magnificent firework display, which signifies the opening of the Ronda Feria.

RONDA











ARGENTINA





The fantastic Argentinians who, along with Georgia, stole the show!



MARTINIQUE


A 'Cool Dude' from Martinique






GEORGIA

The principal dancers of Georgia



POLAND




UKRAINE






TURKEY


Whirling Dervish