Ronda, Spain

The white hill town of Ronda didn't quite live up to my lofty expectations, but still made for a worthwhile day trip from our base in Malaga. Ronda has a spectacular location high on the edge of a cliff in the hills of Andalusia, surrounded by a gorge carved by the Guadalevin River. A dramatic bridge spans the ravine that divides the Ronda's old Moorish quarter from the sprawling new town (“new” meaning after the Christian Reconquest in 1485). The whitewashed old town wasn't as large or as photogenic as I expected, but the views of the bridge and the surrounding countryside were respectable compensation.

In a way we were glad just to be there after Deborah turned her ankle on the way to the bus station. She just stepped off the curb to cross the street and her foot landed in a small pothole in the pavement. Good thing I was holding her hand or her tumble could have been much worse. She had to sit on the sidewalk convalescing for a bit, and some passers-by expressed concern and offered assistance. That showed a softer side of what I have found to be the usually somewhat cool Spanish exterior. We limped back to our hotel where Deborah put both of her compression socks on the injured appendage. This gave enough support to allow her to soldier on for the rest of the day. She continues to improve, but now I hold onto her hand with an even firmer grip when we approach uneven surfaces.

Ronda


View from the cliffside town


The "new" bridge

Ronda is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting, and its 18th century bullring is available for touring. Personally, we would root for the bull.

Impressive church door.


Detail of a winged, mentally-challenged lion's head


Another great view from the old town.