Poppies galore

Returning from Pedrera on the A-365 Sierra de Yeguas-Campillos road, imagine my joy when on the edge of Campillos I saw this beautiful field of poppies.

I just had to stop and take (quite) a few pictures of what to me is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Andalucia.

Pedrera

On a day when it seemed the whole world was watching a wedding in England and in an attempt to avoid the saturation coverage on TV, I drove to Pedrera in the province of Sevilla, about 73kms and 90 minutes drive to the northeast of Olvera.

I had read in the online newspaper "Noticiario Centro de Andalucia" that preparations were being undertaken for a floral balcony and patio competition.

I parked the car quite easily and without the aid of a map just wandered around the very pleasant streets.
The floral decorations were very colourful and obviously a lot of effort had been put in.

Continuing my stroll, I came to the Plaza Guzman y Andres and the 16th century Iglesia Parroquial de San Sebastián, again surrounded by beautiful floral decorations.

The Ayuntamiento, where I should have asked for a local map but didn't.

Not too far from the Ayuntamiento was the 18th century Ermita del Santo Cristo de La Sangre (Holy Christ of the Blood).






































Clearly, I have not done Pedrera justice but what I did see was a very pleasant, cared for pueblo, certainly worth a visit during the floral competition which presumably takes place sometime in May.

Ronda

We drove to Ronda this morning, about forty five minutes south of Olvera.

The primary reason for our visit was to go to the pet shop for "special" treats, not available in Olvera, for our pampered pooch Calcetines.

Ronda is a beautiful town with a great history and many lovely plazas. Here and above is the Plaza del Socorro, a popular area for sitting and watching the world go by at one of its many bars and restaurants.

Looking across the plaza at the Iglesia del Socorro.

A classic Harley Davidson was parked in the square.





After buying our treats, we headed for the "Chocolat" coffee shop on Calle La Bola(Espinel) for a delicious taste experience. Anne chose a hot chocolate while I selected a fragrant cinnamon and lemon tea from Pakistan, one of the huge variety of teas available.






We resisted the hand made chocolates with some difficulty.

Leaving Chocolat, we headed towards the old town, crossing the Puente Nuevo bridge. Here the Plaza de Espana on the "new town" side of the bridge.





Construction of the bridge started in 1751 and took over 40 years to complete.

It's a popular tourist attraction, offering fantastic views of the Tajo gorge and beyond. Here, looking across to the old part of town.

The view through the safety barriers on the bridge.

An ancient arcade just across the bridge.

On a sunny, 27 degree C day, lots of tourists were about.

The Plaza Duquesa de Parcent with the Ayuntamiento building on the left.

A fountain in the shaded centre of the square.

The Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, originally built in the 14th century as a mosque but converted into a Church after the Christian conquest in 1485. It was destroyed in an earthquake in 1580 and has been rebuilt and added to over several centuries since.

We sat for a while in the Plaza María Auxiliadora listening to the pleasant music of a flamenco guitarist.






































Lovely old cobbled streets.




























This beautiful back lit glazed door took my eye. Makes you wonder what secrets may lie beyond.

One of the many viewpoints along the way. This one on the Paseo de Blas Infante that winds its way along the edge of the Tajo gorge.

The Paseo leads to the Plaza de Toros and Ronda's famous bullring, built in 1785 and reputed to be the oldest in Spain still in use.

A statue in the plaza.


























We finished our wander by walking through the cool and shaded Alameda del Tajo before returning to the car and home.