Spain 2013, Ronda - Puente Nuevo (8.4.13)

I came across Ronda back in 1998, almost without intending to. On returning from Morocco I had a choice between Cordoba at night or Ronda in late afternoon. The latter was the obvious choice and I've been raving about this gem of a little town ever since.

Perched on an isolated ridge of the Serrania de Ronda, it is split by the deep and gaping El Tajo gorge. Cut by the river Guadalvin, it drops down sheer for 130m on three sides. It is difficult to recall a more spectacularly positioned town. Awesome!

The El Tajo is spanned by three picturesque bridges, the grandest of which is the late 18th century Puente Nuevo. The view from the bridge itself is hampered by iron bars and it was difficult to take a picture that fully reflected the bridge, or Ronda for that matter...

Spain 2013, Ronda - Parking (8.4.13)

Due to the historic nature of the towns in Andalucia, all underground parks that we came across had very little spaces to manoeuvre. Added to that wreckless parking such as this, it was usually a tough job.

The drive to El Gastor last night was epic. The first hour or so was on the highway along the coast but then it was up and down the spectacular and mountainous Serrania de Ronda. It was in the dark but one could imagine. The drive was challenging but fun!

We didn't know the exact location of our apartment in the big village/tiny town of El Gastor, and with juice running out on the mobile I had  trepidations of having to spending the night in the Zafira. Hamida would not have been pleased! Alhamdulillah we made it - at around 10pm or so...

Spain 2013, Gibraltar - Europa Point (7.4.13)

We drove along the western edge of the peninsula to the southern most point, adorned by a generous sized mosque -  a gift from Saudi Arabia to the migrant workers from Morocco. We prayed Zuhr and Asr.

On returning to the car I had a small fright. Abdullah was leading the way back but now I couldn't find him. I waited and called him several times, thinking that he was hiding. I returned to the car and found him there but couldn't figure out how he got there so quickly!

From the lighthouse you could see Morocco in the distance. As much as we enjoyed Gibraltar it was time to head for the next destination - Ronda. A substantial queue in exiting but it was still worth taking the car...

Spain 2013, Gibraltar - Rock Path (7.3.13)

We left the platform and headed down a path along the top of the Rock. The views were still fantastic. Our aim was a cave but we couldn't enter as the entrance fee was too much for us, especially as it seemed a bit touristy anyway.

We returned via the same path. Zainab wanted to walk of course and not be carried. The upward walk would tire her but rather than accept a lift from me she would plonk herself down on the tarmac and rest. Eventually we reached the cable car again and soon we were back in the Zafira...

Spain 2013, Gibraltar - The View (7.4.13)

AllahuaAkbar! What a view! How glorious is Allah's creation! I have been to many places but this was one of the best views ever! The weather was also perfect for enjoying such astounding beauty.

The harbour down on the western side, the small fishing village to the east,  the Atlas Mountains to the south in Morocco, the perfect blue Mediterranean, the matching blue sky with wispy clouds for decoration all made this a vista to saviour...

Spain 2013, Gibraltar - Free Exchange (7.4.13)

At the summit of the cable car station on Gibraltar's Rock there is a very expensive cafeteria. Yousuf and Zainab needed to be fed and so as not to feel uncomfortable we had to buy at least something from them - drinks for us and a pasty for Abdullah. I meant to get a cheese pasty but instead got a beef one and Abdullah noticed it when starting to eat it. Thankfully they allowed a free exchange. 

That cafeteria is probably the most dramatic eatery that I've ever been to. The views out of the windows were mesmerising...

Spain 2013, Gibraltar - Barbary Macacs (7.4.13)

The first to greet us atop the Rock was the tailless Barbary ape shown in the bottom picture. There are dozens of them on the Rock and about ten that live by the visitor centre.

They were relatively friendly apes of course but we were warned that they can bite so had to be a little careful. This was the closest that any of us had gotten to an ape. Cool!