Off to the mountains!

Wednesday - Sevilla to Benaojan - We packed up and taxied to the Seville train station where we had breakfast and rented a car from an adorable trainee. She was very nervous, and had to run after us twice to have Monica sign additional papers.

We managed to find our way out of town and drove south on the highway to Arcos de la Frontera, our first White Town. We walked its narrow streets, had lunch outside, and looked out over the valley from the miradors. Meg stood in the stone circle where Christians used to exorcize their children before baptizing them -- better late than never.

We followed the narrow road through the mountains, over a pass at 1,100 meters. When we arrived in the tiny town of Benaojan, we couldn't find the hotel. A local gave us confusing instructions and we ended up almost stuck at the end of a dirt road. Thank goodness Monica is a great driver and was able to turn around in someone's driveway, avoiding a tree and a stone wall! When the locals saw us again, still searching, they led us to the inn. We figured they thought we were absolute idiots! We hope they are still laughing about us.

After getting settled in the gireous inn, with gardens, a swimming pool, and little brook with a waterfall, we drove into Ronda to see the incredible 18th century bridge over the gorge that splits the village. After walking along the cliff edge and across the bridge, we had light dinner at the parador, scoring the corner table with a view and loving the duck pate, grilled veggies, goat cheese in puff pastry, and wonderful service.

The GPS ("Jack") took us home, past about 30 construction workers at the spot where made out earlier wrong turn near the inn. More laughter, we assume!