15 October 2019: Ronda —Tourist/Rest Day (0 miles-423 total)

Early this morning, John and Robin proposed staying 1 or 2 more days. I booked 2 more days via booking.com, as this apartment only books in 2-day segment, probably due to the need to clean between occupants. The rate is incredibly reasonable, just 133 euros for 2 nights, or about $18/person per night.

Courtyard outside our Ronda apartment. 

Backroads is here. Take your choice, $2000/week or $2000 per month. With our approach, you get lost more often.

Female Rocker

Note the mountain bikes stacked on the 3rd floor balcony.

Famous bridge connecting the old and new parts of Ronda.

Our apartment is in the top, center to the left of the tall Italian cypress trees.

Note the male figure, on the outside, is covering his genitals. 

Old Reproductions?

Mermaid & Sea Horse Juxtaposed.

Views of tourists?

Looks as if a cruise ship just docked and disgorged their passengers.

Original steps, cut into the rock, on the left.

Cat enjoying the Arab baths.

Cozy little home at the base of the ravine. The pool is drained for the winter.

Inexpensive lodging?

Just large enough for two.

Descending the 200 steps into the water mine.

Cistern.

Views from the bottom of the water mine.

Dog of the Day #1

Note the balconies and cafes on the far side.

Three tourists

Note the trail to the bottom of the gorge. The route not taken.

Shows why this was a defensible position.

Discusses Ronda as a stopping point on wealthy, educated European's Grand Tour, often chronicled by authors.

Robin with his custom-ventilated hat, viewing La Rambla of Ronda.

Once lottery ticket vendors are positioned throughout most Spanish towns.

Dog of the Day #2. Unlike most, it did not bark as we passed.

We walked back to the bike shop that repaired Michael's wheel to get advice for local road bike tours. We have extended our stay in Ronda by 2 days and plan to explore the area without carrying our gear. We asked for a lunch recommendation, and he sent us to his nearby favorite, modest, authentic restaurant.

We noticed several set tables when we entered the restaurant but were directed to another table, which was quickly set. No menus and no ordering; a waitress immediately served us the soup, clearly a set meal. The chef personally served us (and everyone else) the 2nd course, a nice personal touch.

1st course, noodle, vegetable, and ham-flavored soup.

2nd course: Burritos and mixed vegetable. We think it is a burrito—thinly-sliced ham, cheese center, rolled in bread crumbs and deep fried. Dessert was 2 delicious satsumas each—all for 5 euros.

School lunch. As we finished, the children arrived, all noisy chatter and excitement. School packs were piled together and they all found seats. The teacher attempted to talk on her phone, with difficulty.

Departing lunch. Long-skinny restaurant, nearly empty when we entered at 2 pm, the tables fill from the back forward. The children are at the very back, by the kitchen.