Ronda, Spain

October 5, 2013

This is another one of the white cities, most known for it's gigantic bridge. It was first settled in the 6th century by the Celts. The very center of the bridge was at one time used as a prison that held the Spanish equivalent of Robin Hood. The bull ring is the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain, built in 1784 by the same architect as the bridge. Prior to having bullrings, the fights were held in the local plaza. The city was frequently under attack and with its high position did not often succumb.  However, they did have an issue of not enough drinking water so a water mine was built with 300+ very steep steps that went down to the river.  Slaves would all stand on the steps and pass the buckets up and down the staircases.

Arcos de la Fronterra, Spain

September 28, 2013

This town was our first venture on driving off base...without a GPS...it was exciting! We made it though.  Arcos is one of the "pueblos blancos" or "white cities" where all the buildings are (you guessed it) white. Any city with 'de la fronterra' at the end refers to it being on the front lines of the centuries-long battle between christian Spain and the Moors. Arcos sits on a sandstone ridge with a 15th century castle at the very top. The streets are less than 5 feet across in places. Not for driving, although some people were still giving it a go.

A carved stalagmite.

Narrow streets! And, yes, that's a Coke in his hand.

Those scary clouds were soon upon us and we got SOAKED.

Ceuta, Spanish Africa

September 21, 2013

Spain has a city that it on the continent of Africa! We took a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar. The mythology here is that Ceuta was one of the pillars of Hercules held up at the end of the world. Gibraltar was the other. This city has passed many hands starting with the Carthaginians, then the Romans, then the Visigoths, then the Byzantine Empire, then the Moors, then a series of African rulers, then Portuguese, and then lastly Spain. The royal walls are the most impressive with the first parts being built in 962 AD and then some sort of work continuing until the 18th century.