Ronda Buzz

Today we ventured into town for a look around, this was only our second time since the lock-down restrictions were lifted. Naturally we were accompanied by the killer hound, who loves going into town for the smells and rich pickings in the cafes.

Our starting point was Cafe Nina on Avenida de Malaga where we met too old friends (we have known since moving here and they are young old people). A couple of coffees and some breakfast for the four of us was a staggering 8 Euro. Beautiful cereal bread with sliced tomato. Did I mention a beer as well?

After whiling away a couple of hours the two of us drifted into Ronda center and enjoyed the buzz of life that is returning to the city. It is still far from the old norm that would have been encountered last year at the same time. The Puente Nuevo had less than 10 people peeering into the gorge. Previously it would have been a mass of tourists speaking many languages trying to avoid cars and traffic. Mobile phones clicking away taking selfies and videos (do they click?).

After a few chores we stopped at a favourite cafe, Maravillas, for Tapa and a beer and people watched. Their candied pork ribs are a must along with chicken satay.

Our journey home was a roundabout trek through the winding streets of Arriate and then onto Setenil, more about these places later. This route always takes my breath away when you hit the rolling fields and hills with Acinipo sitting aloft guarding the area. The grass for horses and animal winter feed has been cut and baled, the grape vines are looking green and lush. It is a great route for cyclists and there are a few bodegas offering tours with tastings.

Dropping back down from Ronda Vieja onto the main road to Seville offers views through the valley to Benaojan and back home. All told, a nice little days outing.