Six of us went on the extension to Southern Spain. It was great, but we had a guide who seemed like he was quite tired of guiding; I can relate to that after so many years of teaching, but it still is not fun to be on the receiving end! 

Spain really blew me away, simply because when I was last there, in 1964, it was so isolated, so far behind the rest of Europe in modernization. They had gone through a horrible civil war and then Franco! How it has changed! And I had forgotten how beautiful it is! In 1964 I traveled only by train. Now by bus, and later by car, one can see so much more of the gorgeous countryside!

While with the group, we stayed in Antequera, traveling out from that central location. The most memorable of these few days was the Alhambra, of course. I had forgotten just how gorgeous it is, and how wonderful are all the surrounding gardens. I think I could have stayed there forever. It also helped that we had Pablo, a super guide who really knew his stuff!

And then there was Ronda, an absolutely breathtaking hill village about 1 1/2 hours from Antequera. More than one person has told me this is an absolutely stunning place, but I had secretly expected to be somewhat disappointed, just because we have visited some pretty outstanding villages perchés in our travels. But listen, Ronda lives up to its reputation! The only more dramatic village we've seen is Bonifacio, on the southern tip of Corsica.

We stayed in the Parador there, which was like going to heaven. I don't usually put much store in fancy hotel rooms, but this was really impressive. Right on the edge of a cliff, with views all around, we had a suite--on two floors yet!-- with two bathrooms, a hot tub, and two balconies! Fernando wasn't kidding when he said the Parador de Ronda was gorgeous!

Then it was off to Zaragoza and to the long-anticipated reunion with long-lost friend. It was with some trepidation that I  boarded the plane that Friday morning just over a week ago. (Not Charley, however. He knows no trepidation---the eternal optimist!) What an incredible weekend it turned out to be! Doris is just the same, a super person, and we easily fell back into our friendship of 34 years ago. Her husband, Ricardo, is fantastic, with a great sense of humor! What a wonderful time we had!

And what a scream with the languages! He speaks French Spanish, and some English (which I hadn't known about before). She speaks French, Spanish, and some English, much more than I ever knew she knew! I speak French, English, very little Spanish---but enough to get along. Charley speaks English and Greek (this is when I do not understand him; I think ALL men must speak some!). It was with this strange mixture that we all managed to communicate and have so many laughs throughout the weekend. Sometimes I didn't even KNOW what language I was speaking! Really!

We left there, tears in our eyes (Chas doesn't know I saw his!), early Monday morning, had to kill the day in Malaga before heading back to Casa. An interesting first: Just when I think I have seen it all, I am reminded that I have NOT. After collecting our baggage in Casa, it was time to head into town to spend the night. We loaded it into one of those "elegant" Mercedes taxis and breathed a sigh of relief that we had gotten this far. We then listened, casting doubtful glances at each other as the driver repeatedly attempted to start the engine. I couldn't believe it! Just as I thought we probably should get out and choose another taxi, a couple of guys pushed us, the driver slipped the clutch and we were off! Welcome to Africa! Ask me if I was laughing uncontrollably!

In short, a good time was had by all, for the whole trip. I arrived home with 1295 photos, which it will take forever to sort through and edit, especially since spring has sprung and there are gardening demands, not to mention the fact that my mother is visiting next week.