Spain

Last year, 2017-18, I spent winter in Andalusia, not far from the famous town of Ronda with its ancient bridge across the river gorge. We had the joy of being surrounded by nature, with Booted Eagles flying overhead, and wonderful sunrises and sunsets each day. The village we stayed outside, Cortes de la Frontera, was still very traditional, with all the shops and services you could possibly need, including a very good emergency clinic and a modern school - it needed to be, because at 450m above sea level, at the top of a very steep and dangerously winding narrow road, you don't go down to Malaga every day! A great place to be inspired for painting and poetry.

Ronda Impressions of Old Town

Cortes Impressions

Spanish Impressions

Olive Trees

In 2016-17 we were also in Andalusia, which is a very big province, but that time we were near to Antequera, again outside a small town, Villanueva de la Concepcion. The views from the house were absolutely stunning and I've never seen sunrises and sunsets to rival those we saw there daily. Equally lovely were the misty mountains which drifted off into the distance each day in a haze of lilac air.

Andalusian Mountains

Andalusian Cottage

Andalusian House

Sketch of Andalusian Goatshed