Roadside Advertising: Not just a Load of Bull

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Marianne under Laws and Customs, Photo challenges

Around many parts of Spain, you will see the famous Osborne Bull (Toro de Osborne) silhouetted against the impossibly blue sky. The 14 metre high black image of a bull in semi-profile, has come to be regarded as the unofficial national symbol of Spain.

First created in 1956 and erected close to major roads by the Osborne Sherry Company to advertise their Brandy de Jerez, the bulls used to feature the brand name “Veterano” in red, emblazoned across them. In 1994, a law in Spain was passed which prohibited roadside advertising which meant that the hoardings would have to be removed. However, there was a public outcry as the bulls had become much loved, so in order to comply with the law, the bulls were completely blacked out to remove all reference to the original advertisers.

Only two bulls remain in Spain with the word “Osborne” still written on them. One is at the airport of Jerez de la Frontera in Cadiz province, and the other is in the nearby town of El Puerto de Santa María, where the headquarters of the Osborne company can be found.

The image of the bull is now proudly displayed in stickers, key rings and memorabilia throughout Spain, and at sports events where a Spanish team or individual take part, the bull is embedded by supporters into the Spanish flag in the manner of a coat of arms.

[Image credit: CC Wikipedia]

There are 23 of these bulls to be found within the region of Andalucía – so keep your eyes peeled on your travels!

This is my response to the WordPress Photo Challenge: Silhouette

You might also like to look at:

The Buddhist Stupa of the Eastern Costa del Sol

When life gives you curves, flaunt them!

The heart of Cómpeta: El Paseo de las Tradiciones

Málaga´s Botanical Gardens: Can you dig it?

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Places

Botanical gardens around the world are often well worth a visit while travelling, and Málaga’s La Concepción Gardens are no exception. Just to the north of the city, the stunning Jardín Botánico-Historico La Conceptión has justifiably attracted a reputation for being amongst the best in Europe.

The gardens were founded in 1850 by Amalia Heredia Livermore and her husband Jorge, the Marquis of Casa Loring, who travelled the world in search of tropical plants for their garden, in the centre of which they built an Andalucían mansion, complete with indoor courtyard.

During the Loring´s occupation of the property, Finca La Concepción was well known for the dinner parties which took place in the Wisteria Dining Arbour, often followed by short walking tours of the gardens. At the time of our visit, the Arbour was being prepared for a wedding, which must be a particularly spectacular setting in April each year, when the wisteria is in bloom.

Jardín Botánico-Historico La Conceptión was declared a historical and artistic garden in 1943, but fell into decline over the years until the garden estate, comprising 49 hectares of established gardens and surrounding forests, were acquired by Málaga City Council in 1990. Following an extensive programme of renovation, the gardens were opened to the public in 1994.

As well as many thousands of plant and tree specimens, architecturally the gardens also contain a few memorable buildings such as the finca, a Doric-columned Museum of ancient Roman sculpture, a number of small bridges crossing waterways, and an Alhambra-inspired pool with pagoda, offering great views over Málaga city.

Even on a hot summer´s day, it´s a pleasure to enjoy the cool green shade and occasional sprinklers which may catch you by surprise as they irrigate the surrounding plants. I was delighted to even capture a rainbow dancing in the water droplets.

The romantic, landscaped design transports you to a tropical paradise filled with waterfalls, streams, carved benches, lily ponds and thousands of plant specimens from all over the world. Add to that the beautiful sound of birdsong, turtles, frogs and the occasional squirrel looking for something to eat, and you have found yourself a very pleasant way to spend a sunny morning.

We took about three hours to wander around the gardens, which includes the impressive “Around the World in 80 Trees” exhibit, showcasing trees from every continent.

To find the Botanical Gardens (driving from the Axarquía, east of Málaga) take the Autovía towards Málaga, turning onto the A45 before the city, towards Granada, Córdoba and Seville. After only a kilometre or so, you will see signs for the Jardín Botánico-Historico La Conceptión. Exit the A45 at km 140 and follow local signs to the Gardens. For further details of opening times and entrance prices, visit their website.

Whilst you´re here, you might also enjoy:

Textures of Tree Bark

Foliage after the Rain

CBBH Photo Challenge: Windows

Playing the Spanish Markets

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Photo challenges, Slice of Life

Especially in these times of austerity, everyone is searching for a bargain.

Open-air street markets offer a true cultural experience, where you can really get amongst the locals whilst trying to make your euros stretch that bit further. Prices may not always be clearly marked so you may be able to negotiate a lower price. It´s worth a try – you can always walk away.

The stalls are often covered with makeshift shades to protect the goods and customers from the fierce heat of the sun.

Spanish street markets are more informal than supermarkets, but bear in mind that the vendors are salespeople, not just cashiers, so they may approach you to sell goods you may or may not want. Keep smiling!

Click HERE to discover where and when there are street markets in the Axarquía area, east of Málaga.

This post is my response to the Travel Theme: On Display

Streetmarkets around the Axarquía – when and where

Cost of Living in Spain – east of Málaga

Photographs I love, and why

Goats on the road: I kid you not

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, Photo challenges

One of the unexpected delights of living east of Málaga, is coming across herds of goats whilst negotiating the picturesque, curvy mountain roads. The beauty and tranquility of the local landscape is enough to lift the spirits, even on the greyest of days, especially when you come face to face with a herd of ninety goats meandering along the road.

I love meeting the goats and always wind down my car window to say “hola” and pass the time of day with the goatherd, as well as telling the goats what good girls they are!

It´s amazing how even though some of the goats climb up the rocks above the road to nibble at whatever plants take their fancy, and some stray perilously close to the edge, they all stay pretty much together. I dread to think how many would be left in the herd if I was in charge of them!

The sight of a herd of goats never fails to make me smile – no matter how often I see them!

This post is my contribution to the WordPress Photo Challenge: Happy and to Travel Theme: Animals

Whilst you´re here, why not have a look at:

East of Málaga: So near, yet so far away

All at sea with the Virgen del Carmen

Photographs I love …. and why!

CBBH Photo Challenge: WINDOWS

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Marianne under Axarquía, CBBH Photo Challenge, Photo challenges

Whether your first thought is of panes of glass or Operating Systems

– the CBBH Photo Challenge theme for October is WINDOWS!

I found my first window as I wandered around the streets of the white village of Cómpeta. You´ve heard me mention this village many times before, because it is the closest to my home in the nearby countryside. Many of the very pretty village houses have plants outside their windows but inside the metal grills that are a common feature on houses in the area.

This beautiful stained glass window is in St George´s Church, the oldest Anglican church in mainland Spain. St George´s Church can be found within the grounds of the English Cemetery, about 300m east of the bullring in the city of Málaga.

Staying in the city of Málaga, here is another stained glass window, but this time it´s inside the Atarazanas Market. Offering fresh, local produce at fantastic prices the Mercado Central de Atarazanas is most definitely worth a visit if you happen to find yourself in the city. Joining the bustling crowds of discerning locals at the stalls offering an abundance of seafood, fruit, vegetables, meat, spices and dried fruits is a wonderful way to buy fresh, local produce.

Here are some of the ivy-clad windows and balconies of the Parador in Ronda, where we were fortunate enough to spend a few days last summer. Paradors are state-run hotels, often located in castles, palaces, monasteries and extraordinary Spanish national heritage buildings. The Parador of Ronda is a luxury hotel in the former town hall, which sits on the edge of a gorge.

Do you remember when I visited the derelict San Joaquín sugar mill, on the old N340 coast road between Nerja and Maro? Though the glass in this window is long gone, it was still interesting to peer through at the interior of the building, though unsafe to wander inside given the state of the roof.

The window of an aeroplane gives a unique look at the world from a totally different perspective. Whenever I fly, I always request of window seat because I love the spectacular views of the world from 35,000 feet! Here you can see the snowy mountains of northern Spain, as I am flying south, back home from a visit to England.

There is always a lovely display of flowers on this particular balcony in the nearby town of Nerja. I always think it must be delightful to look out of this window and see all the different shades of pink and purple of the many flowers. The patterned tiling underneath the balcony is very typical of the area, and I also like the way that the white building opposite and the deep blue sky is reflected in the panes of glass.

My final window might surprise you, as most people think that it´s always hot and sunny in Spain – all year round. This photograph was taken a couple of years ago over the Christmas holidays, whilst we were staying in one of the cave rooms at El Ventorro near to Alhama de Granada. Being only about 50 kms from the city of Granada with the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains and ski resort, we awoke one morning to find our car completely iced up. We didn´t have long to wait though, because by the time we had eaten breakfast, the sun had come up and all the ice had disappeared!

This month´s CBBH Featured Blogs:

** Sally at Deliberately Delicious describes herself as a “Collector of sand dollars. Adventurer. Writer. Weather girl. Back up singer in a little black dress. Dancer. Poet. Soccer mom. Bond girl. Teacher. Diva. Walker of beaches. Seeker of truth and all things delicious in life.”

I have so enjoyed reading about Sally´s adventures this summer, sailing with her friend, Dan, on the western coast of Canada, near to her home in Victoria, British Columbia. She writes with an easy-reading style, and has many stunning photographs on her blog. Deliberately Delicious has quickly become one of my favourite blogs to escape to.

** Whilst we are on the subject of delicious, Natalie at Cook Eat Live Vegetarian features amazing recipes and photographs that you just want to dive straight into!

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, though fortunately now fully recovered, Natalie attributes her swift recovery to a combination of conventional and alternative treatments and to her following a whole foods, mainly plant based diet.

She is a freelance food writer, photographer and stylist, specialising in delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine that you wont be able to resist trying!

So that´s the CBBH Photo Challenge for October, folks!

Remember, all you have to do is post your entry by the end of the month, link back to this blog and, most importantly, don´t forget to add links to any two blogs that you´ve commented on during the past month, so that we can all HOP OVER and have a look. Make sure you FOLLOW THIS BLOG so you don´t miss next month´s exciting challenge!

For more information on how the CBBH Photo Challenge works click here.

I hope everyone taking part enjoys the exposure the CBBH Photo Challenge offers to featured blogs and, who knows, you may end up finding a new favourite! I´m looking forward to seeing your interpretations.

[CBBH logo Image credit: (cc) Mostly Dans]