Allemedenilla - Roman Villa 11th Sept

This is the village that Pat has his country house. He is not living here at the moment as it is in need of renovation, and he finds it more comfortable to live in his flat in Priego, when he is not at Edwina's. however he had told us about a Roman Villa there so we went to have a look. Even though it is still classed as 'high' season, there was no one there, we had to hang around for someone to let us in, it is so quiet around here. We could wander at will around the site, and it was incredible!, very well preserved, mosaic flooring, decorated walls, and an industrial sized kiln!

Kiln

 Pillars for Deity in Dining room

 Dining 'table'

 Patterned floor

 Mosaic floor

Wall decoration

 Central atrium with dry pond

We then walked into the village to check out the bull ring. Not something we condone, but a very attractive building.

Iznajar: 8th Sept

Pat took us to this enormous reservoir that provides water for all the area including Malaga. It had a lovely sandy beach, and was of course dog friendly!
So we sun bathed and swam with labs! The next best thing to swimming with dolphins I'm sure!
The dogs thought they were in heaven as they kept digging up bones all over the place. I think they must have been from people's BBQs over the years! Then we had lunch /supper (Spanish style) in this lovely cafe with Pat. Another great day!

Cueve del Cerro 7th Sept

We returned to the caves on Saturday, and while we were waiting for the tour I was practising my Spanish with the guide. I was feeling rather pleased with myself, until the other visitors arrived, the speed of the conversation trebled, and I couldn't understand a word of it! :-(.
I was very excited to learn that the caves were home to 4 species of bat. And I was even more thrilled when I saw 2 of them. Nick reckons that the other tourists looked at me totally bemusedly when I started shrieking and pointing excitedly!
We saw the usual stalactites and stalagmites, there were cave paintings and evidence of burials. What was quite different about these caves compared to ones I have been to in the UK was how un commercialised they were. It was quite challenging negotiating all the steps ducking under boulders, we also descended a long way under ground - and then had to climb all the way back up again! Quite a work-out!. There were some great walking trails in the region that climbed up a steep gorge above the village. Definitely worth returning to with the dogs.There are also meant to be lots of exotic bird life. It is the edge of one of many national parks in the area.

Zuheros and Fuente de Medalla Alta 6th Sept

 
It was my birthday and we decided to go and visit some limestone caves. However, they could only be viewed by appt on week days, so we just explored the village of Zuheros. The villages in this region look quite Spanish with white-washed houses clumped together clinging to rocky outcrops, and narrow streets - definitely not wide enough for Cassie, festooned with over-flowing flower boxes.
This village was just stunning.

Me

 Nick

 Birthday girl!

In the evening we picked up Pat's son, Jake and went to the village of Fuentes de Medalla Alta for a meal. We sat next to a bubbling spring and had a lovely meal.

 We tried 3 different Spanish desserts and then voted on them all! Pat's cheesecake won the day!

Cordoba part 2

I'm afraid this is without the photos!
After the Roman Bridge we went to the fort  and the amazing water gardens. As we were exploring in the fort we found some fascinating Roman frescoes and artefacts.
The water gardens, were stunning, very peaceful and relaxing, but also works of art!

OK this is a rather late amendment on 26th Oct! but better late than never! Now the photos!

The fort

Pat and Edwina

Water gardens from the Fort

 Me

 Nick