The village of Grazalema was just awesome, filled with sweeping views, great locals, and fine food. I dined on asparagus soup and fresh local queso de cabra. That's goat cheese to you and me. We all finished off our meal with what must be the best dessert known to man called, Natillas. It's simple, perfectly sweet, and as creamy as can be. One has not lived until you have eaten Natillas! Our short stay in Grazalema ended with some great "pictures don't do justice" photos!
As we left ... The road seemed to climb beyond the clouds dusting our car with the finest of mist. The road was impossible to see from the fog/clouds and it wasn't until we broke out of them that we realized what a gem of a ribbon-like road we were driving on. Our final destination for the day was reached just as the village of Arcos de la Frontera began to awaken from it's daily siesta. This village, as we found to be the case with most of our Spain trip was littered with slum-like areas that were shadowed by the most insanely rugged, picturesque, and balancing on the edge of ruins old town areas. In this case Arcos de la Frontera takes the prize. The cathedral we visited, Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Maria (which has a history of its own worthy of research) had phenomenal artwork, "mummies" of saints, alter pieces, etc. that were in serious need of restoration. None the less, I found myself intransiently (if that is even a word) in awe of it all. I don't know why.. It just moved me! As we exited my eye was caught by tiles embedded in the village walls with quotes from seemingly important people. My Spanish vocabulary is completely reliant on Lisa, which she willingly translated for me. I really don't remember what she said, too distracted by how beautiful she sounded with those Spanish words flowing from her lips.
We ended our stay in Arcos with a great meal, me with Venison that would melt in your mouth, a few final photos, and a cold rainy walk back to our car. Adios Andelucia, adios Arcos de la Frontera!
Hallo Deutschland!
What a stark contrast from the warm, sunny, rocky, rugged, dusty, beautiful Spanish countryside we had as our plane landed in Deutschland. As long as I call Germany my home I don't think I will get tired of its countryside. Lisa and I both marveled at the green, rolling, fog-filled hills dotted with the "straight off a postcard" villages, we quickly pinched one another... I can't believe we live here!
As I end my blogs of Spain I want to give a shout out to the Stringer clan of Richard, Michelle, Braylon and Rane for including us in your trip. You are great family to have! I also want to thank Sue McClain, love traveling with you.... Always the best tour guide with your Rick Steves books and maps in hand! To my kids, Austin and Corie, you will forever be changed by these experiences. I can't wait to hear you tell stories in 10 years when it finally all sinks in. Final thanks goes to the best woman on the face of the earth (other than my mom), Lisa. You are the best travel companion in the world. I swear you are like the energizer bunny.. Go Go Go:)! Also, Lisa.. Thanks for translating, ordering food, tickets, etc.. I will forever remember the look on Corie's face the first time you stepped up to order food and rolled those R's and spoke like a pro... Priceless that she didn't know you could do that!
