June | 2022 | Old Things R New

Archive | June, 2022

Our Trip to Spain-Part 14

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 11

We opted not to go on the overnight trip to Seville and Cordoba today, as DiVoran was still feeling a little iffy, and thought it would be best to stay close to home. We were sorry to miss that tour as it was advertised as one of the highlights of our stay in Spain. Maybe next time we are in Spain. After breakfast we decided to take it easy and explore the shops in Torremolinos a little more thoroughly with a self-guided tour.

We had a wonderful time browsing the many shops and tourist traps there in town. We purchased a few small gifts for our family members and a couple of items for ourselves. We had asked the Concierge at the Bajondillo for a list of the ‘Approved Cafés in Torremolinos so we wouldn’t have to worry about adding to DiVoran’s stomach problems. After we had visited many shops and worked up an appetite, we stopped for a light lunch at the Casa Pascual Grill, before heading back to the Bajondillo for a nap.

Photo Credit: tripadvisor.co.uk/Casa_Pascual_II-Torremolinos

In the afternoon I thought I would check out the history of Torremolinos and the surrounding region, so I went in search of the local museum. I had told DiVoran I would see her for dinner, as she had planned to spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach in one of the lounges, supplied by various cafés and shops, under one of those nice beach umbrellas. She would be able to enjoy her book and a glass of iced tea, to the soothing sound of the waves breaking and seagulls chirping.

Photo Credit: booking.com/sun-beach-torremolinos/

I started my history search with a tour of the Casa de los Navajas mansion just a short walk from the Bajondillo. I discovered that Torremolinos (tower of the mills), and much of the surrounding area, is thought to have been settled as early as the Neolithic Age. However, the area has changed hands several times over the centuries. In some of the excavations in the area, over the years, there is some evidence of Nordic inhabitance, as well as Roman rule. Then after the Moorish conquest of Spain in the early 8^th century, it is said that the town was founded by the Nasrid Dynasty sometime in the 13^th century. Quite a mix of architecture.

After the Spanish conquered the Moors in 1492 the town was in decline, back into a small fishing village, until sometime in the early 1920s. About that time, many of the richer northern Europeans discovered the beauty of the Costa del Sol, with its temperate climate, and Torremolinos began to grow again. It was one of the first towns in the area to be developed into a summer retreat for northern European tourist. The Hotel Pez Espada was the first hotel to be built in Torremolinos, in 1960, and over the years, the area has continued to grow, until now it’s considered one of the most popular vacations areas in Europe.

Photo Credit: torremolinoschic.com/hotel-pez-espada/

After I had digested all that information, I headed back to the beach to see if DiVoran was still there. She was still there, and I gave her the short version of the history of Torremolinos, before we headed back to the Bajondillo to get cleaned up and change our clothes for dinner. Another delicious dinner was served to our tour group, while we enjoyed another flamenco presentation, accompanied by that wonderful Spanish music.

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 64 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing. He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville. Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is: John 10:10

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Travel, Travel in Spain, Travel Series

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Categories Bill Lites A Slice of Life- Wednesday
Author billlites1

Our LIfe is Meant to Be

28 Jun

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Reblog

Our much loved poetess, Louise hasn’t been able to compose of late. Her poems spoke words of comfort, encouragement love and humor. Just the sort of words our current world needs. So, I am planning to reblog them. Enjoy

May you always remember
God is in control.
He has a plan for your life.

Listen with your heart
As he leads you.
You will ward off the strife.

The events in our life
Are meant to be.
There is a peace that
Can be found.

The challenges are many
Diligence is profound.

We may not have chosen
The path we are on,
But trust it was meant to be.
God works in mysterious ways
As he plans our destiny.

There is a peace that can be found,
Know God has a plan for our life.
Keep your faith strong in him.
You will ward away the strife.

Tags: Christianity, Faith, God, Hope, Poem, Poetry

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Louise Gibson From the Heart- Friday
Author Onisha Ellis

Lizzy the Lizard

27 Jun

A Slice of Life

DiVoran Lites

When I was ten years old and lived in Colorado with my family, my mother sent me to the cellar to get a jar of canned pears. As I started back up the steps, I saw a slimy-looking creature as big as my hand lying on a step. Startled, I flew from the cellar screaming. From that day on, I was afraid of any salamander or lizard.

Now I’m all grown up, but I’m still watchful for any reptile, including lizards. Yes, lizards are designated reptiles. We always see several when we look out the window or walk around the yard. Unless it’s cool enough to eat supper on the porch, we sit at a table in front of a large window inside to have our meals. Lately, we have had a visitor every meal. We have named him Lizzy. He jumps onto the windowsill from the top of a small fence. When he gets to the closed window, he puts his tiny claws on the windowsill and looks in. He seems to want to come in. If we play music, he bobs his head. He’s a plain brown/black lizard, the size of my palm, with a dainty finger added. But wait, no, I would never touch a lizard, not even with a glove on.

When we moved to Florida, we were surrounded by lizards. They were everywhere. One Sunday, I saw one on the wall over the baptistry in the church. Lizards weren’t the only thing I had to deal with. We had green frogs on our back porch that splacked themselves to the sliding glass doors on the outside. I didn’t like them much, but I’m sorry that they are all gone now. Their greenness glowed, and they had a strip of real gold along their sides. Their chorus after rain was inspirational.

Our children played with the lizards by letting them hang from ear lobes or the skin between their thumb and finger. If one came around when I was on the porch, I ran into the house to get one of the kids or their dad to take it away. If no one was home, I slid something flat under it, tipped it into a glass, and let it slide back into the yard where it belongs.

One day I tried to move a small lizard away from where he was lying by using a spoon. He ran frantically back and forth so obviously scared to death that I had to leave him where he was. In the meantime, I had a new answer to an unasked thought. Lizards have feelings. They are afraid for their lives. I never thought of a lizard having fear. As far as I know, no animal or insect wants to die. Remember how the smallest ant or spider runs or flees-on a string-to stay alive.

Anyhow, once you get a lizard that wants to be your friend, wants you to let him in, and likes to hear the beat of the music, you start to think about loving things that seem to love you. And you begin to comprehend that some creatures and even others we know might have good hearts and be worth loving. Maybe we all need to get on the love train and forget about picking over every problem, worry, appearance, or whatever someone else is or has, and pray about loving them instead. I hear that trail is easier the more you walk it.

Jesus prays for us night and day, so that means He will greatly help us in this endeavor.

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn. She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Faith, Florida Lizard, God, Lizards

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Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

The Sailboat

26 Jun

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

REBLOG

Growing up in New Mexico, there wasn’t a lot of water around – no swimming pools (except at the public ones), no ponds or lakesides, no oceans, etc. So, consequently, I was not really familiar with boats of any kind. That really didn’t bother me too much I had a lot of other interests.

If you have ever lived in government quarters – as we did on any military base where we were stationed – then you know that, when you leave that posting, you are required to have those same quarters absolutely immaculate! Better than when you moved into them! And there would be an inspection of those quarters by an official inspector. If they found anything wrong – you were required to “fix” it before you were allowed to leave the base.

We had lived in quarters on Tyndall AFB, Florida for five years. That’s almost too long, actually. Our usual moves were about every three years. I told Fred that we needed to leave soon, because I was beginning to put down roots – in a government duplex!!

He was finally given orders to relocate. So then the work of packing up and moving out began. After the movers had taken our belongings away, we started cleaning the unit. We had always thought we could do that ourselves, rather than hire someone to come in and do it for us. So I set Fred and the girls to cleaning,

and I thought I would tackle the kitchen. I had planned on the weekend to do the entire kitchen. Unfortunately, the stove was so old that, in taking it apart and cleaning it – it took the entire weekend just for the stove!

By the time we had finished, we were exhausted.

Now….you may think there is no connection to cleaning and boats…but wait….

There was a gentleman who worked in the Weather Station with Fred, who LOVED boats! And especially sailboats. Not being able to purchase one for himself, he had contracted with another gentleman from Alabama to care for his sailboat.

It was a 33-foot Hunter that would sleep six people. It had a full galley and full shower. It had a small auxiliary engine to get us in and out of port. It was set up for ocean voyages and was one-person configured. Whenever the owner wanted to “play” with it, he would call and come down and retrieve it. That usually only happened once or twice a year. The rest of the time, our friend could take it out whenever he wanted.

And that’s what happened with us. He had offered to take us out for a sail, on the last day we were in town. And so we did. I was a bit confused when we motored out of port, thinking “what does this have to do with sailboating?”

But then he cut the engine and unfurled the sail. It was the most wonderful thing – so very quiet, and peaceful, and RESTFUL…just exactly what we needed after all that cleaning.

He even let our 8-year-old handle the wheel for a while. She loved it!

Picture by Judy Wills – Janet at the helm!

We’ve never purchased a boat of our own – never felt the need to. But it was an experience that we savored and have remembered all these years.

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson and a great-granddaughter. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Tags: #amblogging, Christian bloggers, Family, Military Life, Sailing

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Categories Judy Wills-Sunday Memories
Author ludyja

Our Trip to Spain-Part 13

22 Jun

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 10

DiVoran was not feeling any better this morning, and I was beginning to worry that she might have something more serious than ‘Montezuma’s Revenge.’ I made arrangements for a local doctor (approved by the tour company) to visit her at the Bajondillo as soon as possible. We were to go on a day trip today, and she said she wanted me to go on the tour, as she would rather stay in and see the doctor. So, after breakfast, the ones of our group who wanted to, boarded the bus for the 45-minute trip to visit the town of Ojen, which is located in the Mirador de las Águilas (mountains).

This community has been famous, over the years, for its production of anisette, which is a favorite addition to the morning coffee of many Spaniards. We were given a tour of the facility and the age-old local processing procedure was explained to us. It was fascinating. They had a small museum room that was used to display various antique artifacts that were used over the years, by the family, in their processing operations.

The group was then led on a walking tour of Ojen where we were free to purchase local wines or hand-made souvenirs from any of the many small shops along the narrow, up and down streets. When we passed the Solis Restaurante, and my nose got a whiff of the aroma coming out of their door, my stomach asked me if it was time for some lunch. Our Program Director said we would have to do with a snack, as we had another town to visit before lunch. So, a snack it was (can’t remember exactly what kind of snack it was).

Most of us were glad when it was time to get back on the bus. That was quite an exercise, walking the streets of Ojen. Once we were back on the bus, we headed south only about 15 or so minutes for a visit to the town of Marbella. This town turned out to be a haven for the rich and famous and those from all over Europe, who can afford to live richly for a week or two on the famous Costa del Sol. Situated at the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountains, Marbella’s beautiful Mediterranean beaches are lined with elegant hotels and lavish villas for ten miles in both directions.

Just west of Marbella, the area is known as ‘The Golden Mile’ with its prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates. It made me think of Beverly Hills in California, and all the glamor that goes with that slice of American society. Our bus tour

thru the streets of Marbella (with points of interest explained by our Program Director) was very interesting. When we drove past a beautiful hotel patio where people were eating, I asked about lunch again, but was told not to worry, that our lunch would be waiting for us back at the Bajondillo in Torremolinos. I told my stomach to be quiet, as it wouldn’t be long now before it would be satisfied. Of course, that didn’t work.

**Photo Credit:** **https://life-globe.com/spain/marbella/**

We arrived back in Torremolinos in plenty of time for our lunch, but the first thing I wanted to do was to check on how DiVoran was doing. She told me that she was feeling better, and that the doctor was very nice, and had given her something for her condition. She told me how she had used a Spanish dictionary to ask the maids for another pillow, and they had been generous. She said she thought she actually felt well enough to join me for a little something for lunch.

**Image Credit:** **https://www.wikihow.com/Medical-Practice/**

After lunch we had a nap and by then she said she thought she could manage to go with me for a short stroll on the beach. That turned out to be a lot of fun, as the sea air seemed to do wonders for her spirits. Every day a new set of ‘artists’ would work their wonders with the sand at low tide, and some of their renderings were amazing. Our short stroll on the beach ended up being longer than we had planned, as we worked our way back down the beach to the Bajondillo. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the courtyard getting acquainted with couples from our tour group until it was time for dinner.

Photo Credit: https://www.robertharding.com/sculptures-sand-costa-del-sol/

—–To Be Continued—–

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is: John 10:10

Tags: Marbella Spain, Mirador de las Águilas, Travel, Trip to Spain

Comments 1 Comment
Categories Bill Lites A Slice of Life- Wednesday
Author billlites1

The God Life

20 Jun

My Take

DiVoran Lites

The God Life:

Receptivity

Reliability

Resilience

Restitution,

Realization

Resonance

Reality

Reason

Renunciation

Righteousness

Reckoning

Returns

Tags: #amblogging, Carroll Roberson, Christian bloggers, Faith, God, Poetry

Comments 1 Comment
Categories DiVoran Lites My Take- Monday
Author divoran09

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

19 Jun

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

Recently, Fred and I made a trip to Virginia to see our youngest daughter, her husband, and our grandtwins. We always love being with them. They live in Williamsburg, but not in the restored colonial area. But every time we visit there, we always walk through the restored area.

When we returned Stateside from Heidelberg, West Germany in 1983, Fred was stationed at Langley AFB, Hampton, Virginia. Neither of us had ever lived in Virginia, so it was to prove to be a new and exciting experience for both of us – actually all four of us, since our daughters were still living at home.

We were excited to realize that we lived just eight miles from Yorktown, and that is within the “Historic Triangle” of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. That area is just oozing with American history. While that had not been much of an interest to me prior to our time in Virginia, I found myself totally engaged in it.

And Colonial Williamsburg helped that viewpoint. In that vein, we purchased what they called the “Patriot Pass” – essentially an annual pass. Since we lived only about 30 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg, we went there often – so often that our girls grew a bit tired of it. Not only did we take them with us, but their schools had field trips there, as well. Eventually, we felt we had seen just about everything they had to offer, and let our Patriot Pass lapse. We could still walk the streets and see the gardens and shops, but we couldn’t go into the “attractions” where the “interpreters” told what was going on in their areas in colonial times.

All that to say, this time when we visited, we decided to get the Patriot Pass and go through as many of the attractions as possible. We are so glad we did – it was new and refreshing to hear the explanations of what was done in those areas, by people dressed in period costumes, and telling just what it might be like in colonial times to do their jobs.

We stopped at the seamstress shop (I was especially interested in how they got the printed fabric),

Trend & Tradition – Autumn 2021

The printer

Credit National Graphic – Visiting Our Past – America’s Historylands

The apothecary, the boot and shoemaker,

Credit National Graphic – Visiting Our Past – America’s Historylands

The Capitol,

Credit Williamsburg Before and After

The blacksmith among others.

Credit Military Lifestyle – March 1992

The tour of Raleigh’s Tavern was especially interesting, as we were told it was the birthplace of Phi Beta Kappa! And there was a gentleman walking the Duke of Gloucester Street, dressed in period costume (along with a yes-man sidekick) who told about how his house was so much better than his brother’s house. Just delightful!

Credit Trend & Tradition – Winter 2022

We had hoped to go through the Governor’s Palace, but the line was exceedingly too long, with about five or six groups ahead of us. By the time we were on our way back there, we were both too tired, and skipped that one.

Credit Military Lifestyle – March 1992

We wanted to go in the Bruton Parish Church (that’s BRuton not Burton!!),

Credit Williamsburg Before and After

which we had seen quite often, but it was closed that day. It is still an active Anglican church, and was the site of many of the country’s beginnings. It is especially beautifully decorated at Christmas time. Just a note here – all the private residences within Colonial Williamsburg, as well as all the stores and attractions, are required to decorate the outsides of their facilities/houses, and it must be all living decorations – no silk flowers or fake fruit – it must be real. It’s amazing what they come up with.

Credit Trend & Tradition – Winter 2022

Credit Trend & Tradition – Autumn 2021

The Capitol is at one end of the Duke of Gloucester Street, and Merchant’s Square is at the other end, just across the street from the Wren Building on the College of William and Mary. Many shops and eateries there, which are fun to patronize. Duke of Gloucester Street is about one mile long.

Here is a book we purchased titled Williamsburg Before and After. Many of the pictures in this post are from that book.

Duke of Gloucester Street – 1928

I am so glad someone decided to restore this area!

Tags: #amblogging, American History, Christian bloggers, Colonial Williamsburg, Family Life, History, Travel

Three Steps to Peace in the Middle of Your Mess

18 Jun

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged June 18, 2022

June 17, 2022

So, we’re dancing with gladness. We grabbed a super deal on airline tickets. While our 401k plan is smiling, we pack suntan lotion and sunglasses. It’s vacation time.

Remember those days? Remember when life was easier? Folks got the flu and it was no big deal? The only time we saw masks was when surgeons or surgical nurses wore them? Seems like that was a lifetime ago.

What we face now are masked people here and there and no one knows for sure why. Airline tickets makes us soar into shock. While our 401k plan cries out for help, we grit our teeth at the grocery bill. And when we fill the gas tank, we empty our bank account at the same time.

And to add more ugliness, reports of violence invade our peace. The bad news on the media reminds us we’re in the wilderness of gloom.

But we’re not alone.

The Israelites had their own wilderness, too. They focused on the pitiful and were infected by the virus of discontentment. “They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God spread a table in the desert? When he struck the rock, water gushed out, and streams flowed abundantly. But can he also give us food? Can he supply meat for his people?’” (Psalm 78:19-20).

When God provided, they complained. When God was with them, they rebelled. When God protected them, they still whined. And when God made His promises, they doubted.

Sound familiar? We complain on social media, at the dinner table, at the grocery store. We whine about the ugly world situation. And in the complaining, doubt comes in. Like the Israelites, we question God, we doubt His provision, His help, and His power.

The good news is that we can change.

Instead of gazing at the gloom, we catch a glimpse of the promise land. It comes to view when we take our eyes off the situation, off the tragedy before us, off the gloom upon us or the immorality within us.

Next, we turn down the volume of the world’s bad news. And turn up God’s voice. We increase the volume of His promises.

And over and over again we repeat His words that speak into the middle of the mess:

When we’re weak with worry, He says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
When the economy downfall robs our financial security, God says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
When fear is about to eat us for lunch, “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, says with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Equipped with the power of God’s promises, we don’t retreat, but lift our head high and move forth with boldness. When inflation rises, God’s power increases. When fuel gets more expensive, God’s provision becomes greater. When bad news bombard us, God’s truth shields us. When the world gets darker, His light glimmers brighter. When war breaks out, victory is His promise. Tomorrow may seem bleak, but God’s hope shines through.

Let’s Pray

Father, in the mess before me, I will choose to see You, trust in Your protection, hold on to Your promises, and to rely on Your provision. I embrace them all as the gift wrapped in your unfailing love. In Jesus name.

What brings peace to your mess?

Janet

______________________________________

I invite you to dance with me—celebrating one of my books, “Contagious Courage: A 30-Day Journey to Overcoming Stress and Anxiety.” Get your copy HERE and tell your friends, too.

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

Please share: Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

Let’s connect:

An Opportunity for You

If God spoke to you through these writings, would you prayerfully consider joining us in spreading the goodness of Christ Jesus to those who are lost and hurting?

With immense gratitude, JC Empowerment Ministries welcomes your tax-deductible donations.

One click will take you to the place for your gift. You can GIVE HERE.

Thank you for helping the ministry reach souls!

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Tags: Be Strong and Courageous, Blind Latina Inspirational Author and Speaker, Christian bloggers, Deuteronomy 31:6), Deuteronomy 33:27, Economy fears, Food cost rising, Gas prices, God is your refuge, Hebrews 13:5-6, The Lord is my helper, Worry

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Categories Janet Perez Eckles-Walking by faith, Not by Sight-Saturday
Author Onisha Ellis

Our Trip to Spain-Part 12

15 Jun

A Slice of Life

Day 9 (Continued)

In the heart of the Alhambra is the Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions) which is the centerpiece of the Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions). This part of the fortress was built during the reign of Muhammed V in the 14^th century and is amazingly beautiful. The workmanship and the artwork are breathtaking.

Photo Credit: https://makespain.com/listing/courtoflions/alhambra/granada/

The views of the city of Granada, with the mountains in the background, from the various locations in the Alhambra were amazing and gave a feeling of grandiosity to the viewer. You can get an example of what I mean from the picture below, taken from a postcard I picked up during the tour.

Photo Credit: https://www.alhambra.org/en/

We were told that the flag of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella was first raised over the Torro de la Vela (watch tower), there in the Alhambra, in early 1492 AD as a symbol of the Spanish conquest of Granada. This significant time in history was the turning point for the Islamic world, as the expulsion of all Moors by the Catholic Monarchs from what had become Spanish territory, from that date forth, marked the end of the Islamic rule.

Photo Credit: https://granadainfo.com/torrodelaveka/alhambra/

After that delightful tour of the Alhambra, as we were on our way to the restaurant for lunch, our attention was drawn to the Zambra María la Canastera, which is located in the picturesque Sacromonte District of Granada. This famously unique hideaway has long featured traditional flamenco dancing and music performed in a tiny cavern adorned with memorabilia. When I looked them up on the internet – Surprise! They all look older. How can that be? I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since we were there, and the picture was taken for this postcard.

Photo Credit: https://zambramaríalacanastera.com

We stopped for lunch at a very nice ‘approved’ café there in Granada, that served us a wonderful traditional Spanish meal, while we were entertained by some local musicians playing soft guitar music in the background. That was very pleasant.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

After lunch our tour continued as the tour bus took us around the city of Granada with our Program Director explaining various points of interest, such as Mirador de Los Carvajales, Albayzin, Sacromonte, Paseo de los Tristes, and Mirador de San Nicolas.

Photo Credit: https://www.odysseytraveller.com/articles/granada-spain/

Our bus trip took us on a different route for our return trip back to Torremolinos. This allowed us to view another interesting section of the Andalusia countryside while the many points of interest were explained to us by our Program Director. Some names of the more interesting towns we passed thru were Churriana de la Vega, Parque de las Ciencias, Ogijares, and Velez de Benauadalla. As before there were luxury hotel complexes and the beautiful Villa Loma Linda.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As the hiway turned west along the shore of the Mediterranean, our Program Director had us stop near the town of Nerja for a quick tour of the caves of Nerja (Fundación Cueva de Nerja). The caverns are said to have been re-discovered in 1959 and have become a major tourist attraction. We were told that concerts are regularly held in one of the many chambers, which forms a natural amphitheater.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Some of the caverns stretch to the sea and the view of the Mediterranean from inside the caverns can be breathtaking. I don’t remember if we had to pay this young boy to pose for this photo, but I think it made for a great picture, don’t you.

After that amazing tour of the Caves of Nerja we passed thru Torrox with its Faro Torrox (lighthouse), Benagalbon with its 16^th century church, and Malaga with its famous bullring, before finally arriving in Torremolinos and the Bajondillo in time for a short rest before it was time for dinner. DiVoran was still feeling poorly, and I brought her a bowl of chicken soup in hopes it would make her feel better.