Blog #The Spanish Fly

I picked up the latest copy of the Spanish version of National Geographic at the weekend because the portada proclaimed features about Alsace in France and Cordoba, here in Spain, both places I know and love. Imagine my surprise when, on flicking through the magazine, I discovered articles about Alava, Teruel, Cuenca, Picos de Europa, Vigo, Alcala de Henares, Tenerife, Andorra, and la Rioja. There were also features on Vienna, Warsaw, Pompei, Dominican Republic, Egypt, and Antarctica.

Starting from home in Ronda we headed for the start of the Genal Valley, which begins with the pretty "Enchanted Forest" in Parauta. We then continued on to Cartajima; to the Smurfs' blue village Juzcar; past Farajan; and on to Alpandeire, which celebrates Fray Leopoldo, a recently created saint. Alpandeire was our lunch destination.

The other weekend I went on a journey into the unknown - to the East. To East London, to Stratford. To visit my daughter in her new home there. I still hadn't seen it since she moved last year. Although she wouldn't be there the first day and night, she sent me directions and instructions for getting the key. Then the fun began .....

The Olive Press has recently published an article about five less well-known places away from the popular big cities, like Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Málaga, Sevilla, and Valencia. The choices are good ‘uns. I’ve been to all five. Here’s what I think: