Ronda

To Fight or Not To Fight?  

 

That is the Question…

After settling into our hotel and eating a delicious meal recommended by Pepe, the owner of our hotel, we headed out for yet another eventful, yet much needed relaxing day of sightseeing.  Our first stop brought us to the famous bullring of Ronda.  This is the first official bullring used only for bullfights.  Prior to the construction and opening of this ring, facilities were used for human and animal fights for many other purposes ranging from military training to entertainment to punishments and tests.  

Currently in Spain, an incredible controversy is being debated over bullfighting.  Should it remain legal or be altogether outlawed in the country?  There are two points of view to consider.  1) Bullfighting is an inhumane act, inflicting pain on innocent animals for human pleasure and simple sport.  2) Bullfighting is an integral part of rich Spanish history and culture.  In northern regions of Spain, several cities have already banned fights.  However, southern regions of Spain have not given up hope that their beloved fights will always remain part of Spain.  Here are some pictures of us enjoying the scenes of the bullring!

After the sights of a real bullfighting arena, we were off for quite an excursion at the city's famous bridge.  Puento Nuevo was originally constructed for three primary purposes.  First, it provided water to cities along a 14 kilometer stretch of land.  The people of these cities relied solely on water that flowed through the makeshift dam built into the bridge.  Second, this bridge and dam was also a crucial part of the agricultural economy of the area.  A mill at the base of the bridge relied on the flow of water to run its grinding components that crushed grain, turning it into useable flour and cornmeal products for the people of neighboring cities.  Third, the original purpose of the bridge was security.  Ronda is a city situated high on the edge of some cliffs.  The city's buildings literally teeter over the edge of the terrifying drop-offs.  It was placed here as a means to watch for invaders and effectively fight anyone attempting to overtake the city.

We were able to walk up into the bridge where an old security watch room has been turned into the bridge museum.

Finally, before the day was done, we hiked down a hill to the edge of a cliff for some breathtaking photo opportunities of the bridge.  We made it back up the hill to our hotel just before the rainfall began for the day.  Our evening ended with some tapas at a local stop and a few games of cards that provided much needed rest and relaxation after our hours of walking in Sevilla.

Hasta pronto, guapos.... Sam