Bob update

Just thought it worthy of a mention that Bob is doing tremendously well and is now into week five of his incredible walk through Spain in aid of Cancer research organisations, both here in Spain and in the UK.

His very descriptive and enjoyable diary notes of his journey can be found here on his website. I'm quite envious of him really, seeing so many beautiful places, meeting up with local people along the way though I'm not losing sight of the fact that it's an incredible effort of endurance, both physically and mentally.

So if you feel that you would like to join Bob at any stage of his journey I'm sure he would love your company. He can be contacted, preferably by text (sms) message on (0034) 600 822 802 or UK mobile (0044) 7748 167 061. Go on, make an old man happy.

Not forgetting of course that donations to the organisations concerned can still be made via the UK "JustGiving" option on his website here or directly to the CNIO(Spain) organisation at the La Caixa bank, again details on the website.

Keep plodding on Bob. Only eight weeks to go.

Reflections

It's 26°C, a slight breeze and some cloud passing by.

Just a few pictures, some taken looking into the traffic mirrors, on a pleasant stroll with Calcetines. Here, looking up Calle Subida a la Iglesia.

The view north.

The Iglesia de la Victoria.

The Plaza de Andalucia with the Iglesia de la Victoria to the left.

Finally, turning into Calle Pozo, nearly home.

That time of year again....

....up on the roof and terrace doing the annual repaint with the caucho (waterproof paint). So, at six this morning, a walk with Calcetines, breakfast and then up painting at just gone seven, as the sun was rising.

As always, a great opportunity to take a few pictures of the stunning scenery around us.

Travels with Bruce and Russ

I met up with friends Bruce and Russ this morning for a trip to Mollina and Antequera, about 70 kms or an hours drive east of Olvera.
Our intention was to visit an english language bookshop in Mollina but unfortunately it was closed so we continued to the nearby historic town of Antequera.

Recalling my last visit a year ago, we parked near to the bullring and walked the short distance to the main shopping area.

Through a side entrance we saw an incredible courtyard and followed a sign indicating that the main entrance was in the next street.

After passing through a security gate and scanner, it turned out to be the 17th century "Casa Consistorial", now housing the administrative offices of the local authority.

The patio was stunning in its architecture.

We continued our exploration, heading onwards and upwards to the ancient fortress that overlooks the town.










The main thoroughfare ends at the Plaza San Sebastian.

Here, the Colegiata de San Sebastian, open to the public and containing some beautiful paintings and artefacts.

A relatively easy uphill stretch brought us to the 16th century "Arco de los Gigantes", through which you enter into the Plaza Santa Maria.











The Real Colegiata de Santa Maria de la Mayor dominates the Plaza.

The view looking back across the plaza towards the arched entrance.

The entrance to the ancient 14th century "Alcazaba" is also in the Plaza though since my last visit, a small entrance fee is now charged....but well worth it.

Here, "Homenaje's Tower", the entrance to the ramparts and fantastic views over Antequera and beyond.


The main Parade Ground.

Part of the old clock mechanism is now a feature on the ascent up "Homenaje's Tower" and below the huge bell at the top of the tower.

Looking through to the "Torre Blanca" (White Tower).








Bruce and Russ enjoying the scenery and the fabulous views over Antequera.
Incredible views, even though today was slightly overcast with occasional light showers.












A thoroughly enjoyable day out in good company and a great destination with much more to explore on another occasion.

Un hermoso dia.....

.......a beautiful day, 30°C with a slight breeze and very pleasant for a stroll this morning to the library to drop a few books off.

We headed back, deciding to walk up to Bar Valentinos for drinks and tapas.

Lovely clear views today.

From the patio of the Bar.

Love, marriage and friendship

We were honoured to be amongst the invited guests present tonight at a ceremony to witness and celebrate the re-affirmation of the marriage vows of our friends Bill and Pauline from the UK and Bruce and Russ from Florida, USA.

The proceedings were conducted by Bruce, a pastor in his Church in Florida, on the internal patio area of Bar Valentinos.

Pauline and Bill, clearly devoted to each other.

After the ceremony, we sat outside in the warm evening sunshine enjoying the delicious food prepared by Sue, Ian and Laurie.


A toast to health and happiness by Bill.

Russ and Steve in conversation against the backdrop of the Sierra de Grazalema.

The joint wedding cake, absolutely delicious.

Flowers for the bride, spontaneously given by a spanish neighbour of the bar. Fantastic people.

A brilliant evening and our sincere best wishes to both Bill and Pauline and Bruce and Russ for a happy and long future together.