Places
Spain is a country with a huge variety of countryside, towns and villages. One of the things that I have spent little time doing is actually recording those places to which I have been.
The lake district just inland from Coín, where I live, is both fertile and rugged. There is something of a permanent feel when you see the armies of olive and almond trees on parade in their ranks.
Here is a brief slide show of a visit to Iznájar
Not too far away from Iznájar is the area known as El Chorro famous for some magnificent scenary and for being the location of the final scenes of ‘Von Ryan’s Express’ starring Trevor Howard and Frank Sinatra. This slide show gives an idea of the grandeur of the mountains and will remind film goers of Von Ryan’s last moments.
Right on my own doorstep there is some lovely countryside but we also love a parade. This slide show gives a little idea of the effort and excitement of the Romeria de la Vergen de la Fuensanta
Another sort of parade is the Semana Santa parade. This parade takes place several times in Holy Week (Seman Santa) as the various figures representing aspects of Jesus’ passion are paraded through the town accompanied by peniotents and marching bands as well as the various church officials and town worthies. A film does not really show the devotion and religious fervour that these processions can bring about but you can, at least, get an idea of the spirit of the parade.
Of course, living on the edge of town I do not have to go far to have a nice view – I simply have to stand in the doorway to my small balcony.
With a telephoto lens I can even watch the mills of Gibralgalia generating electricity until the sun makes them invisible.
On top of that, it is only a short walk to the top of the hill visible to the right of my balcony to take the dogs for a walk.
PLACES YOU MAY NOT KNOW
Abdalajis – hang gliding capital of Málaga
Alhaurin de la Torre – El Retiro (must see)
Alhaurin el Grande – competing chapels
Almogia – the best views around
Alozaina – Roman relics
Antequera – Cueva la Pileta paintings
Archidona – historical and artistic importance
Arriate – prehistoric cave dwellings
Cañete la Real – Discalced Carmelites Convent
Carratraca – mud baths and Passion Play
Cártama – conflict carved in Toledo Cathedral
Casares – Roman sulphur baths
Chilches – Arab watch tower
Coín – a brutal murder in 1893
Cuevas de Becerro – Roman kilns
Estepona – daily fish auction
Guaro – ask about 20,000 candles
Jimena de la Frontera – cork oak forests
Los Barrios – course fisherman”s dream
Marbella – visit the old town
Orgiva – see lemons, oranges and figs + snow!
Ronda – split by the Tajo Gorge
Tarifa – Europe”s wind surfing capital
Tolox – the end of the road
Torre del Mar – with many watch towers
Totalán – secluded tranquility
