Saturday in Ronda

Ronda is know for the Gorge and "New Bridge" built from 1751- 1793. Legend tells that the architect fell to his death upon examination of the bridge. I felt uncomfortable at the top and urged my family to continue on to find the next ice cream shop. During the civil war many Spaniards on both sides were thrown off the bridge.

We always spend a lot of time in the Plaza's of a city. To tell you the truth the city center can make or break a city. You can see Lyndi and in the background the Santa Maria la Mayor Collegiate Churck, 15th century church.
We didn't see a bullfight, but Rick Steves
(Rick Steves Spain 2009) gave us a great rundown.

Act I
Wear the bulldown. The Matador will flash the red cape and the bull will charge. After doing this several times the matador's assistast on horseback will put a spear on a hump on the bulls neck. This weakens the bulls thrust and lowers it's head. Until 1927 horses did not wear padding and many died

ACt II
The matadors assisants continue to irritate and exhaust the pull.

Intermission

ACT III
The Matador continues to confuse the bull using his cape. After a few passes the matador throws a sword between the animals shoulder blades to kill it. Usually, it's not a quick kill and the matador has to continue thrusting his sword into the beast until there is a successful death. Mules drag the dead bull out of the ring and the meat of the bull is then sold in the local market.


Don't get me wrong I like meat and think we should eat it, but I do have a problem with the cruel manner in which they attain this meat. However, something inside of me kind of wanted to watch a bullfight a moral dilema if you will. It was the off season, so I didn't have to make that decision.

Bullfighting was introduced by Phillip II in the 16th century to help his knights train for war. In the 1700's Francisco Romero introduced the red cape and rod and helped introduce bullfighting as a spectator sport.

!Ole !

Ayla really enjoyed the bullring museum. She would ask what the pictures meant and enjoyed the drama of it. When we were all done she really wanted to see a real bull fight and was a little dissapointed when we told her we wouldn't. Throughout the remainder of the trip she kept asking us what the bulls were doing.

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One of the things I loved about Spain is the beautiful tile work.

I really do adore my family

Outside the bullring was a pavillion. With incredible views, we didn't spend much time here because of the wind, but it was beautiful.

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