Last week, it was my great pleasure to pay a return visit to the Mezquita in the UNESCO Historic Centre of Córdoba, where I was delighted to capture these dazzling sunbeams making their geometric patterns against the famous red and white arches.
Isn´t nature wonderful?
This post is my response to the WordPress Photo Challenge: GEOMETRIC ; Travel Theme: BRIGHT and this week´s Sunday Post: WONDERFUL.
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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
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The heart of Cómpeta: El Paseo de las Tradiciones
El Paseo de las Tradiciones (The Walk of the Traditions) is just off the main square, Plaza Almijara, of the white, mountain village of Cómpeta. Completed in 2009 on the site of the old municipal market, El Paseo de las Tradiciones is annexed to the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción).
As you stroll from the busy square, through the archway into the Paseo de las Tradiciones you will discover an oasis of calm. The floor is decorated with an intricate Moorish pattern of terracotta and white tiles, alongside a series of stunning ceramic murals celebrating the lives of generations of the ordinary working people of the village.
One wall of the Paseo de las Tradiciones pays testament to the trades and deeply-rooted traditions of the people of Cómpeta through the ages. The beautifully modern, brightly-coloured tiling in each of the alcoves was developed in the workshop of potter and sculptor, José Antonio Rivas.
The nine alcoves, each 3 metres high and 2 metres wide, not only depict the history of the collecting of the local vines, the muleteers and village smithy, old olive oil factory and the public laundry, but also recognize the contribution made by the Moors, who for 800 years did so much to improve the cultivation of the summer-dry, winter-wet sierras, bringing the first prosperity to the village.
The 500 years since the building of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption have not been easy for the people of Cómpeta.
The expulsion of the Moors, two great earthquakes followed shortly afterwards by a cholera epidemic, and the vine disease phylloxera, which devastated crops all over Europe in the mid-19th century, have all taken their toll. But the spirit of the villagers continues to thrive, as epitomized throughout the Paseo de las Tradiciones.
Where is your “oasis of calm”?
Whilst you´re here, why not have a look at:
The elegant, main shopping street of Málaga
I recently posted that I can see Africa from my terrace, and that seemed to cause a frisson of excitement around the globe, so I thought I would give you an even better view!
On a recent trip to Gibraltar (less than a three hour drive from my home), with a friend visiting from Australia, we arrived at the top of The Rock to see the magnificent sight of another continent just 8.9 miles across the water. AFRICA!
This is the stunning view that greeted us at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, with a backdrop of the mountains of Morocco, including Jebel Musa, the other Pillar of Hercules – the name given in the ancient world to the promontories that flank the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.
What a view!
I glanced over to my right, to take in the Spanish mountains dropping into the sea, and when I looked back this little guy was posing for me!
He´s a Barbary ape – Europe’s only wild monkeys. Local legend has it that as long as the Barbary Macaque population exists on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule.
I just had time to take this perfectly posed image and, just as he appeared, quick as a flash he was off to join the rest of his friends!
Cheeky monkey!
This is my response to the Sunday Post – From a Distance
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I can see Africa from my terrace!
Venturing further afield: A day trip to Gibraltar
During the past weekend, a Medieval-themed market took over the main square of the white village of Torrox in the heart of the Axarquía region. Organized by the Ayuntamiento (town hall), there was lots of medieval bunting to transport you back to the 15th century, with suitably dressed character actors to set the mood.
There were various stalls selling crafts, jewellery, cheeses, traditional craftwork in metal and wood, as well as lots of food.
Huge wooden chess tables had been set up for anyone to enjoy a game of chess in the evening sunshine.
The most popular attraction was in one corner of the square where there was a roped-off area with many different birds of prey on display. Their handler gave a demonstration of the birds´ hunting prowess, which thrilled and delighted the crowd, especially the many children. The birds appeared to be well cared for and made an impressive sight sitting on their perches, patiently waiting their turn to swoop over the gathered crowd.
All of the bars and restaurants in Plaza de la Constitución had their outdoor seating areas overflowing with people all eating, drinking and enjoying this year´s Medieval Fiesta!
I have merged my responses to this week´s Photo Challenges: Travel Theme: Tradition as well as the Weekly Image of Life: Colours.
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All at sea with the Virgen del Carmen
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East of Málaga 
