Ronda and Malaga

We spent the weekend in Ronda and Malaga with our ISA group. It was just beautiful! We left early Saturday morning for Ronda, spent the day there, and then headed for Malaga for the night and Sunday. I have to say, Ronda was my favorite as a tourist, but Malaga was my favorite as a college student. Ronda was small, pretty, and historic; while Malaga was big city and crazy. This is mostly going to be pictures because I can't describe how pretty these cities were!

Here is where we went-

Pronunciations:
Ronda- Ron (like the name in Harry Potter, say it with a british accent) - Duh
Malaga- Mah-Lah-Gah

The first thing we saw in Ronda- the bull fighting ring!

The view over Ronda.

The view from the spanish bridge. The little bridge on the bottom right is the original
way into the city in the 14th century. It leads to the Arabic baths and the old part of town.

This is literally the door to someone's house. It's all we could fit in the picture! The house is well known so we actually got to go in and look around. I'm pretty sure no one lives there- it was more like a museum set up where you had to pay to get in.

Standing over Ronda!

On the Arabic bridge

After a day touring Ronda, we headed to Malaga. It's on the Mediterranean so we got to the beach again! Also, while in Malaga I was able to cross off another bucket list item: Be mistaken for a Spaniard. I was asked for directions (in spanish no less) and not only did I understand them, but I gave them directions (also in spanish)! SUCCESS!

In the Mediterranean again!

These locks have a cool story- Best friends or couples will write their names on a lock and then lock it to the bridge. Then they throw the key into the river below. It signifies that they will be united forever. <3
 There were hundreds of locks all the way along the bridge.

We went out for the night in Malaga. These are two of the girls in my group.
The club we went to had these awesome lights, and of course, music to dance to!

This is where Picasso was born! It's the third story window on the far left side.

This is the Malaga cathedral. There wasn't enough space to get the whole thing in the picture, but I was able to go all the way up the steps in front of the giant door. It just felt like a place of power- overlooking the plaza with all this intricate marble detailing around me. I thought power felt like standing in front of Congress or something.. this feels like power. Knowing that at some point a King or Queen or Arch Bishop stood at the top of those stairs to address a city. Wow.
The bottom of the pillars in the background are about 3 feet taller than me. It was just overwhelming to stand by such an old building.  If walls could talk..

We were treated to a Flamenco show in the street.

This is Malaga. The colors were just beautiful and the city was awesome. I still can't believe this is real.

Side note- I'm going to take pictures of all the clothes and shoes I've bought since I got here. Honestly. It's like I didn't bring any clothes at all and needed to buy a new wardrobe. I need to get this under control. On second thought.. maybe I won't. I don't think I want to know.

Follow me to Ireland this weekend! Can't wait!