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Published: March 2nd 2024
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On our first visit to Marbella, we were unable to include the old town so a return trip was in order. It was on Saturday and in the main square a pipe band was performing with other groups, all in dress uniforms, waiting in the wings. The square was typical with a small church surrounded by tourist shops, restaurants and narrow streets branching off from the centre. A few blocks away is bucolic style park with a passage leading down to the beach. In the middle of the passage, there were a number of Salvador Dali sculptures that are quite unusual to say the least!!
With a few “days off” from golf, we headed to Granada for a couple of days and a hike planned on the way back. Granada is appx. 2 1/2 hour drive from Estapona at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range which was snow capped and sent a chill through the car as we passed. The main attraction in Granada is the spectacular Alhambra. Sitting high above the city, it was the centre of the last Muslim Kingdom in Spain. Although it never was captured by the Catholic rulers, it ended up under the
Salvador Dali sculptures in Marbella park
He also did a 3 ton sculpture that sits at the entrance of Puerto Banus called “Rhinoceros Dressed in Lace”!! control of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the late 15th century after a negotiated treaty. This vast collection of a Sultans’ palace and Mosque, Catholic Cathedral and a fortress were built over centuries and reflects the culture and religion of it’s various inhabitants
We took a 3 hour guided tour of Alhambra and a separate one of Granada city. At one time, during the rule of the Moors, Granada’s population of Muslims, Christians, Jews and Gypsy’s lived quite harmoniously in the city. Of course this all change with the reconquering by the Catholic Kings who either expelled or killed all those refusing to convert to Christianity. The toured included various neighbourhoods including Sacromente where the Gypsy population reside in caves carved out of the hillside. Some have built facades in front of the caves to give the appearance of houses but inside, the living quarters a part of the cave. It was interesting to learn the Gypsy’s caves have no heat or air conditioning, however, maintain a low humidity, year round temperature of 18-20 degrees, very environmentally friendly. The 2 days in Granada was very enjoyable and a visit to Alhambra is a must for those interested in,
and an appreciation of, Spanish history.
On the return to the Villa, we planned to hike on the Caminito del Rey trail in Ardales. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed many hikes but this 3 hour adventure was by far the most unusual. The trail is actually a board walk that is pinned onto the rocks of the El Chorro gorge and sits about 350 feet above the bottom. Originally it was developed for workers building a hydroelectric project and for subsequent maintenance of the facility. The hike itself was reasonable but the views were phenomenal but certainly not a place for people with acrophobia (fear of heights).
The weather continues to be pleasant with nice warm sunny days and cool mornings and evenings. Rain is needed to abate the current drought conditions
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Barb Coster
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Nominating you for the Amazing Race!
Hi Debra and Dana! We are enjoying traveling vicariously with you again this winter! What wonderful adventures you’ve had in Ireland, Spain and Morocco! After reading of you suspension bridge crossing we are thinking you would make a great team on the next Amazing Race Canada!! Looking forward to reading your next blog and seeing you on your return. Safe travels! ❤️❤️ Barb and Frank