Im living my dream vacation. I biked (walked) some of the most beautiful country side ever. Nearly carfree, there was a bike race going on, nearly 100 riders going down hill as I walked up.
POLICE ESCORT FOR CYCLIST
I was so happy to see the pass sign.Nearly 4 hours of walking to get here. I
YOU COULD SEE THE SOLAR PANELS OF VILLAMARTIN FROM HERE
I need lower gears on my bike, these hills are for real. A tour guide in Seville warned me about where I was intending to go. I shrugged my shoulders, whatever. He was right, its been tough. Im 57 years old, Im not sure I could do this at 59. I think I made a good choice regarding this adventure, my age & financial situation helped make this happen. On that note, theres lots of people with a lot more money that wouldn’t consider this a holiday.
RIDING FROM PASS TO GRAZALEMA
The views were amazing. I want to back up some, BENAMAHOMA this little forgotten town. I do house & yard maintenance for a job and take care of my house. This town was amazing, all the buildings were painted white, not one crack in the sidewalks. After Morocco, where you had to watch every step for fear of twisting your ankle, this was awesome. I asked if this was a wealthy town, she said NO, they all get together and take pride in there town.
BEAUTIFUL STONE WORK & SIDEWALKS, THIS TOWN IS A GEM.
I finally lost something, my cutting sheet.
FRESH APRICOTS & APPLES WITH OATMEAL AND CASHEWS, IM EATING AWESOME. THIS IS THE LAST SITING OF CUTTING SHEET.
I only speak a little spainish, but enough to fake my way through. I can buy food, get hotel and go camping!
THIS IS ANTONIO, CAMPGROUND MAINTENANCE. THERE WAS A TREE THAT HAD BLACKBERRY LIKE FRUIT THAT HE WAS SWEEPING UP.
The road up was amazing, to be so free, to feel so healthy & safe. I feel sad that the 2 people who were going come didn’t. One is getting married and the other is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail & scuba diving in Alaska. Both note worthy, but Im happy with my choice.
I KNOW WHY THEY SELL THESE TOURS FOR $4000 A WEEK, ITS WORTH IT
The parks all around Spain & Portugal they have these exercise stations.
Im camping in Grazalema, I get up early,which isn’t the norm here. Some restaurants don’t open till 9 pm. My 2 month old american keyboard died. The reason my punctuation is missing or wrong is I have an American apple mini I pad computer with a new european keyboard. Im slowly learning where all the keys are hiding.
THIS HOUSE IS AMAZING ITS POOL IS HANGING OVER THE EDGE, ITS WAY UP
Im in the mountains and everywhere you walk, is uphill or downhill. Rarely is there flat ground.
THERE ARE MORE PHOTOS HERE
YOU HAVE TO BE TOUGH TO GROW OLD IN THESE MOUNTAIN VILLAGES
I got the flu in Morocco Im finally feeling better. Traveling alone being sick really hits you. I still have to sort out my daily living needs, its one of the toughest parts of traveling alone.
till next time (sooner)
Jeff
Hi, Jeff. We got the goats-in-the-tree post card in the mail yesterday. When you posted your pictures they automatically linked to a gazzillion other pictures from the internet which is where I saw the goat picture.
Third world travel can be a challenge with the hustling going on that you describe. Where there is little opportunity for people to make a living wage you can see why their work becomes hustling unsuspecting tourists who they will most likely never see again. They have it down to a fine art. I have been hustled in all kinds of situations and fallen for many of them. I finally got to the point of seeing it as an interesting psychological thriller in which I would see if I could figure out the hustle before it figured me out and also not let it push my buttons of resentment and anger. A fun way to go.
We loved Andalucia – went there for the Moorish architecture and barely scratched the surface. I’m sure you have the Alhambra in Granada and the Great Mosque in Cordoba on your list. They are both truly amazing pieces of architecture. And we loved the town of Rhonda.
It’s fun getting your posts. Now I want to go back to Spain and see all of the things I missed! I hope you are hearing about the protests in Turkey. Stay safe, OK? Kathryn
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Hey, I talked to you on the Granada walking tour, and I said I heard about your website. It’s very cool and interesting. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
Happy Travels,
Austin