Horror Road

After a self managed breakfast, we wrestled our luggage down the staircase to our car. Even downhill was a task.

We were soon down the hill and doing the motorway thing again. The E7 is the Mediterranean highway along the Costa Del Sol. Imagine the ugliness, to us at least, of the Coolangatta to Surfer's drive, take away the nice beach, extend it by about 40 minutes of driving, and you can imagine the horror of this stretch of country. I imagine that at some stage it was a lovely road connecting a series of small villages with small beaches. Now it is one huge Industrial-Tourism stretch of ugliness, at least from the road. The only bits that looked OK were the fancier resorty places that had actually done some work on grounds.

Anyway, that is not why we were here, we soon turned inland towards our next white village, Casares. Within 5 minutes we were away from the horrible stretch and into hilly country with cork oaks that had recently been peeled. We made Casares in short order and parked near the top of the town. We had a cup of coffee and watched the vultures circling on the thermals. We were already liking this place. We checked in, or at least left our luggage, and were informed there was a market in town.

So down we went to buy some more fruit and some bread, have a drink at the main square and watched the world go around this little, charming, buzzing village. Everyone seemed to come by the central square, either to shop, drink from the fountain in the middle of the square, or drive around the fountain two or three times before deciding which road to take. The village has a really nice feel.

By the time we got back, our rooms were ready and we picnicked in our room, with the fresh bread, some roast peppers and olives, with a view of the town.

After a postprandial rest we decided that a dip in the sea would be good, so down we drove to a beach that was not too bad. We both had a dip, it was quite odd, very steep going in with a very rocky bit just when you need your balance. At any rate the dip was very refreshing.

We headed back up the road, to shower and dress for an evening walk in town, and some food of course. We climbed to the top of the hill where the Arabs had put a castle in the 13^th century to survey all the land around. It also provided a view of town. This place actually has quite a history. Julius Caesar is said to have cured a liver complaint here at with the sulphurous waters, there was a Morisco rebellion here after the Reconquista. Napoleon could not take this town and it is the home of one of the father's of Andaluzian independence.

I loved the views, the public parking building with the kinder and playground on the top, was an unexpected feature.

After checking out the sights, we wandered back to the central square which again was buzzing......old blokes hanging about chatting, families having afternoon tea, kids riding their bikes around, even a campesino having a drink whilst his horse waited. Whilst we had a drink or three and some food, at one of the six bars/restaurants in the plaza, we were mightily entertained by the town sharing this space as their major social gathering point.

A good day!